BIRKENSTOCK revisits a great classic launching the Tokio Suede

BIRKENSTOCK clogs don't need much introduction: now a staple in the global fashion scene, they are a must for all streetwear enthusiasts looking for functional footwear. This September, the brand has decided to celebrate the heritage of the TOKIO, launched in 1987 for professionals in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, by introducing a new evolution of the model called TOKIO SUEDE. Retaining the understated and elegant design of BIRKENSTOCK's much-loved clog, the new edition adds details that further accentuate the versatility of the shoe, which over the years has inspired significant collaborations with the fashion world, such as with brands like Dior. The new TOKIO SUEDE adds a soft suede leather upper to an already unique and practical design, featuring BIRKENSTOCK's signature cork and latex footbed and a comfortable back strap in nubuck leather. Thus, by recounting the journey of the TOKIO clog from the 1980s to today, BIRKENSTOCK adds a new chapter to the rich history of the shoe, while staying true to the core values of the German brand: quality and craftsmanship. The design of the TOKIO takes inspiration from the BOSTON, a clog invented by Karl Birkenstock in the 1970s, still one of the brand's flagship models today. By adding a heel strap to offer greater stability and convenience for those with an active lifestyle, the TOKIO was introduced in 1987, dedicated to the Japanese capital at a time when the country's culture exerted a strong influence on pop culture and design.

The new launch of the TOKIO SUEDE is accompanied by a campaign that reflects the shoe's evolutionary journey, from its origins in the professional world to its current relevance in streetwear. Featuring Ollie Olanipekun, creative director and founder of the London birdwatching community Flock Together, and Orion Johnson, a multidisciplinary artist from Tokyo, the campaign's shots represent the meeting of urban culture and nature, highlighting how the TOKIO SUEDE manages to connect different communities and lifestyles. The new model is no longer just a functional shoe, ideal for those who spend long hours on their feet, but a symbol of the meeting of past and future, tradition and innovation, which continues to redefine the concept of urban style and practicality, reaffirming BIRKENSTOCK as a leader in quality footwear.