BIRKENSTOCK Marks Milestone Anniversaries for Icons: 50 Years of MILANO and BOSTON, 40 Years of LONDON

The year 2026 marks a milestone for BIRKENSTOCK. Three classic models that have shaped the brand’s history over many years will celebrate anniversaries: MILANO and BOSTON turn 50, while LONDON, BIRKENSTOCK’s first closed shoe, turns 40. All three original models were designed by Karl Birkenstock and remain essential parts of the BIRKENSTOCK collection today. To celebrate these landmark anniversaries, BIRKENSTOCK has created special editions inspired by the brand’s rich heritage. They will be released as limited drops in three installments throughout the year. The first limited drop will launch on Thursday, May 14, exclusively at the BIRKENSTOCK Harajuku Concept Store, Shinsaibashi Concept Store, and official online store. At first glance, the three icons appear to have different personalities, but they share the same values at their core: tradition, quality, and function, all of which BIRKENSTOCK has long cherished. They also share the brand’s signature foundation: the original cork-latex footbed developed to support natural walking. BOSTON, LONDON, and MILANO feature architectural, gender-neutral silhouettes reminiscent of Brutalist architecture. This design language combines Karl Birkenstock’s philosophy of healthy footwear based on anatomical principles with a minimalist aesthetic. Carrying forward that spirit, BIRKENSTOCK continues to pursue durability and universality. This philosophy is still embodied today through uncompromising premium natural materials and a commitment to craftsmanship. Three Limited Anniversary Drops, One Purpose The ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONS collection features MILANO, BIRKENSTOCK’s first sandal with a backstrap; BOSTON, the brand’s first clog; and LONDON, its first closed shoe. These silhouettes, deeply rooted in the brand’s history, are expressed through three distinct themes that symbolize BIRKENSTOCK’s DNA. Drop One: An Homage to Archive Colors The first drop focuses on archive colors that were available only briefly in 1977, celebrating the brand’s first bold exploration of color for its time. Three historic colors, Active Yellow, Archive Denim Blue, and Archive Mid Green, return in premium tumbled nubuck leather, giving MILANO, BOSTON, and LONDON a vivid presence. To complement styling with sandals and clogs, the popular Cotto Crew Stripe Socks will also be offered in matching colors. Available separately as accessories, they bring archive colors into a contemporary wardrobe. Drop Two: Respect for Craftsmanship The second drop focuses on craftsmanship, one of BIRKENSTOCK’s core values. The distinctive “bone pattern,” usually applied to the outsole, is used on the upper and reconstructed as a striking design detail. Pull-up leather that develops character over time is combined with a Half Exquisite footbed, resulting in models that embody outstanding product quality. A tonal sock pack that reinterprets the iconic bone pattern across the entire design will also be released, adding a subtle yet distinctive styling accent. Drop Three: The Story of an Antarctic Expedition The third drop honors a symbolic episode from the brand’s history. In 1985, Dr. Robert H. Rutford, a BIRKENSTOCK wearer and geologist known for Antarctic research, led diplomats and international representatives from 28 countries to the South Pole. He was photographed there wearing his beloved BOSTON pair. Inspired by this story, LONDON, BOSTON, and MILANO feature antique-style oiled leather and functional wire buckles. Shearling-lined uppers and footbeds provide high insulation and comfortable moisture regulation on cold winter days. BOSTON and LONDON also add oiled-leather mudguards at the toe. The sole uses a slightly thicker EVA outsole with a bold bone pattern. From “KORK-CLOG” to Cultural Icon Born in 1976 under the name “cork clog,” BOSTON significantly changed the concept of the clog. At a time when clogs with wooden soles were mainstream, BIRKENSTOCK’s original cork-latex footbed was an innovation. This footbed later became the foundation for nearly all BIRKENSTOCK clogs. Over time, BOSTON grew into one of the brand’s hero silhouettes and became a familiar everyday sight in cities around the world. Its appeal transcends seasons, trends, gender, culture, and region. BOSTON is also the starting point of a wider “world of clogs” that extends to TOKIO, NAPLES, AMSTERDAM, LUTRY, and more. It supports a broad range of BIRKENSTOCK categories, from classic and seasonal collections to kids’ styles, home shoes, outdoor categories, and professional shoes designed for long hours of standing work. Through countless variations in materials, colors, designs, and details, BIRKENSTOCK clogs continue to evolve as timeless, democratic closed-toe shoes. Their iconic silhouettes and highly flexible upper designs have inspired many collaborations, from global designers to independent creators. BOSTON has also appeared in numerous films and dramas and has been loved by creative leaders across diverse fields. From healthcare workers in the 1970s to hippies in the 1980s and the high-fashion scene of the millennium era, BOSTON’s cultural journey speaks to its universality and long-lasting sociocultural influence. LONDON: A Bridge to Closed Shoes BOSTON also served as a bridge to LONDON, BIRKENSTOCK’s first closed shoe. The purpose behind LONDON’s development was to evolve the comfort cultivated through sandals and clogs into more complex, highly functional, all-season footwear. “Celebrating the archive — building the archive” The ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONS collection embodies this idea. Today, BIRKENSTOCK offers more than 700 silhouettes, including dozens of clogs. They all share one purpose: to support natural walking for people around the world, 365 days a year. Sales Information First drop: Launches Thursday, May 14 Prices: BOSTON 26,400 yen, MILANO 28,600 yen, LONDON 30,800 yen, socks 2,475 yen Available at: BIRKENSTOCK Harajuku Concept Store, Shinsaibashi Concept Store, official online store Second drop: Scheduled for June Prices: BOSTON 29,700 yen, MILANO 30,800 yen, LONDON 34,100 yen, socks 2,530 yen Third drop: Scheduled for this autumn Customer Inquiries BIRKENSTOCK Japan Customer Service Tel: 0476-50-2626 www.birkenstock.com/jp