birkenstock paragon

Birkenstock's sixth outlet at Paragon is the brand's largest store in Singapore – and the region. Credit: Birkenstock

You don’t have to be a footwear fiend to know that Birkenstock, the maker of functional and comfortable shoes since 1774, is having a major fashion moment right now. This month, the brand takes another big step: opening its largest boutique in Singapore and Southeast Asia in Paragon, right in the heart of Orchard Road.

The new space is the brand’s sixth outpost here – establishing a growing network of standalone stores that include the ones in Suntec City and VivoCity. The warm and inviting boutique is decked out mainly in finishings from natural sources, such as leather, natural cork and wool felt – a nod to the materials used in Birkenstock’s creations.

Credit:Birkenstock

The design of the Birkenstock Paragon boutique, like its other stores in Singapore and globally, incorporates materials that are also used in the company’s shoes and sandals – leather, natural cork and wool felt.

 

Being the biggest store in Singapore also means that the Paragon outlet boasts a wide array of designs to choose from. Here, the shelves are filled with sneakers, kids designs, the water-resistant EVA collection, as well as perennials that are always clad in either leather or suede for a timeless appeal. The latter includes the two-strap Arizona sandals – a footwear choice that has been co-opted by the hippies of the ’60s to normcore Stans during the height of the trend in the mid-2010s.

Credit:Birkenstock

The new collection is made in Germany and made for everyday wear, thanks to the natural leather upper that offers breathability which is a must in a climate like Singapore’s. Coming in two colours – Bold Black and Bold Roast – the elevated classics embody the functionality and durability that workwear pieces are recognised for.

Another new attraction in the Paragon store this month is the Fall/Winter 2022 collection – which will strike a chord with followers of the workwear aesthetic. Titled Bold Heritage, this two-piece collection comprises the Arizona sandals (above) and Boston mules (below), and is available in a choice of a deep black shade called Bold Black and dark chestnut hue dubbed Bold Roast. The shoes feature aged gold-tone brass buckle hardware that takes its inspiration from the metal fastening found on the uniforms of carpenters and lumberjacks. To further emphasise the utilitarian appeal of the collection, double eyelets have been added on the straps of each shoe.

Credit:Birkenstock

The large brass buckle as seen on the Bold Heritage collection mimic those seen on workwear pieces worn by craftsmen and lumberjacks.

Like every Birkenstock creation, the Bold Heritage designs come with the cork-latex “footbed” – a term coined by the brand in the 1910s to describe anatomically-shaped innersoles that give the wearer enhanced support and comfort. The bonus? The pieces from the collection are among the selected few in the entire brand to be have their footbeds padded with additional suede and EVA material. We’re sold.

Birkenstock is located at #04-35 Paragon and is open from 11am to 9pm daily

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BIRKENSTOCK