Birkenstock
Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men
The Birkenstock Solana is a men's slide sandal featuring a wide adjustable Velcro strap, genuine suede upper, and an anatomically shaped cork footbed lined with soft suede. It is designed for casual everyday wear and offers a regular/wide fit, a flexible non-skid EVA outsole, and is made in Germany (model 1031614). User reviews note that the extra stitching around the suede edges can feel stiff and scratchy initially, which may affect comfort for some wearers.
- Color
- Charcoal
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, cork footbed, EVA outsole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- casual, sporty
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Specifications
Men's slide sandals with suede upper and anatomically shaped cork footbed for comfort and support.
Wide adjustable Velcro band, genuine suede upper, anatomically shaped cork footbed, flexible durable non-skid EVA outsole, regular/wide fit.
- Color
- Charcoal · gray
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, cork footbed, EVA outsole
- Secondary
- cork, eva
- Style
- casual, sporty
- Occasion
- everyday, vacation, beach-day
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- genuine suede upper
- anatomically shaped cork footbed
- soft suede footbed cover
- flexible EVA outsole
- non-skid outsole
- durable construction
- wide adjustable Velcro band
- regular/wide fit
- made in Germany
- slide sandal style
- charcoal color
- lightweight (implied by EVA)
Product Insights
Birkenstock Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men is a 19.99 CAD single-colorway slide built around a German-engineered contoured cork-latex footbed made from recycled wine-cork punching scrap rebound with natural latex, with a deep heel cup, longitudinal and transverse arch supports, toe grip, two moisture-regulating jute layers, and a heel mould shaped to activate the calf and improve gait and coordination; the firm bed molds to the foot, spreads weight, holds its shape, insulates against heat, cold and moisture, and targets people with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or long hours on their feet, though it is not a medical device and significant conditions warrant a podiatrist. The regular/wide last fits wide or high-instep feet without sizing up, the continuous Velcro instep band can be tightened as the footbed molds, and both suede upper and cork-latex bed break in, so buyers should take their marked EU size across six consecutive whole sizes 40 to 45, with half sizes rounding to the nearest listed size. The core tradeoff is a supportive rather than pillowy ride: the springy molded EVA outsole stays flexible down to about 0°C and has non-skid dry grip, but offers minimal wet grip and wears 2-3x faster than rubber on pavement, compressing thinner over a season. Buyers also report the suede upper collapses, making it hard to slide the foot in without adjusting the strap; the stitched strap edge stays stiff and scratchy; dense edge stitching can perforate and tear the flexing suede over time; the single band adjusts only as one zone and cannot fine-tune forefoot and midfoot like a two-strap Arizona; and the Solana is less comfortable than the Kyoto, mainly due to extra stitching that can irritate skin. Availability is out of stock.
Verified claims
- Arch support
- Footbed includes a deep heel cup, longitudinal and transverse arch supports, and a toe grip
- Gait
- Heel mould is shaped to activate the calf and improve gait and coordination
- Footbed
- The firm cork-latex bed molds to the foot and spreads weight as it is worn
- Use case
- Aimed at people with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or long hours on their feet
- Medical limits
- Not a medical device: a significant foot condition warrants a podiatrist
- Cushioning
- Cushioning is the cork-latex core and a springy EVA outsole, supportive rather than pillowy.
- Jute layers
- Two jute layers keep the cork-latex bed flexible and regulate moisture.
- Outsole wear
- The molded EVA outsole wears 2-3x faster than rubber on pavement and abrasive surfaces.
- Wet traction
- Non-skid grip holds on dry floors, but the smooth EVA sole offers minimal wet grip.
- Outsole durability
- On pavement the EVA outsole wears 2-3x faster than rubber and compresses thinner over a season.
- Cold weather
- The EVA outsole stays flexible down to about 0°C instead of stiffening.
- Upper comfort
- Buyers report the stitched strap edge stays stiff and scratchy even as the suede softens
- Comfort vs Kyoto
- Buyers report the Solana is less comfortable than the Kyoto, mainly due to extra stitching that can irritate skin.
- Upper collapse
- Buyers report the suede upper collapses, making it difficult to slide the foot in without adjusting the strap.
- Strap adjustment
- The Velcro strap adjusts continuously and can be tightened as the cork footbed molds.
- Wide fit
- The regular/wide last fits wide or high-instep feet without sizing up.
- Strap limitation
- The single band adjusts as one zone; a two-strap Arizona tunes forefoot and midfoot separately.
- Retention
- With an open toe and heel, the instep band is the only thing holding the foot.
- Seam durability
- The strap's dense edge stitching perforates the flexing suede and can tear over time.
- Adjustability
- The single wide Velcro strap adjusts continuously but cannot fine-tune forefoot and midfoot like the Arizona.
- Made in Germany
- All footbeds are engineered and produced in Germany, and over 95% of production runs at the brand's own German sites.
- Design heritage
- The contoured footbed descends from a late-19th-century last shaped to the human foot.
- Cork sourcing
- The footbed cork is recycled wine-cork punching scrap, ground and rebound with natural latex.
- Foot climate
- Cork insulates against heat, cold and moisture for a breathable foot climate.
- Design philosophy
- Designed for walking as nature intends, with contours drawn from a footprint in sand
- Foot conditions
- Beneficial for moderate flat feet and plantar fasciitis, but not a medical device
- Support over time
- Cork-latex support molds to the foot and holds its shape instead of packing out
- Strap durability
- The dense stitching along the flexing suede strap perforates the hide and can tear over time.
- Size range
- Six consecutive whole EU sizes, 40 to 45; half sizes round to the nearest listed size.
- Color options
- Charcoal is the single colorway and it covers every size from 40 to 45.
- Break-in
- Both the suede upper and the cork-latex footbed mold with wear, so buy your marked EU size rather than sizing up.
Product record
- Title
- Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men
- Brand
- Birkenstock
- Price
- 19.99 CAD
- Availability
- Out of stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 15 sourcesUses
Fine-tuning the fit on an adjustable slide
These Birkenstock Solana slides suit anyone who wants a fit they can dial in, with a wide adjustable Velcro band and an individually adjustable fastener. They come in regular and wide fit options, and Everyday Health has labeled the Solana as its 'Best adjustable' pick among the Birkenstock sandals it covers.[2,3,4]
A slide-style sandal with closed-shoe-style heel support
For wearers who want a breathable sandal without giving up heel support, the Birkenstock Solana uses deep molding in the heel area that, per Birkenstock, supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone in its natural position—giving the foot nearly as much support as a closed shoe. The contoured cork-latex footbed and soft suede upper that hugs the foot round out the fit, while the open toe and heel keep air flowing.[1,2,3]
Airy coverage for warm days
The Birkenstock Solana is closed at the sides but open at the toes and heel, combining the stability of a closed shoe with the lightness of a sandal. That open design at the toes and heel is intended to let feet get enough fresh air while wearing them.[2]
Everyday slides that mold to your feet over time
Slip these on for casual daily wear, letting the contoured cork-latex footbed gradually create custom support as you break them in. The footbed is covered with soft suede lining that Birkenstock says helps keep you comfortable. One reviewer, though, found the suede stiff and scratchy around the Velcro and stitching, which bothered their toes.[1,3,5]
Everyday cushioned slide-on sandals
These Birkenstock Solana slide sandals suit casual wear when you want soft, cushioned footing with each step. Their lightweight EVA cushioning smooths out slight floor irregularities, and the flexible, non-skid outer sole supports steady walking.[2,3]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men: Choose this if you want an adjustable men's slide sandal: a single wide suede strap with Velcro fastening, an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed with a suede lining and deep heel molding, and a flexible, non-skid EVA outsole, in charcoal with open toes and heel for airflow. It comes in regular or wide fit in EU sizes 40 through 45 and is made in Germany. Note that one wearer reported the extra edge stitching made the suede feel stiff and scratchy against their toes.[1,2,3,5] | Arizona Steel Grey Suede Sandals Men: Choose this if you want a two-strap suede Arizona in charcoal with adjustable metal pin buckles, a natural cork footbed with a supple foam insert for a plush feel, and a flexible EVA outsole, made in Germany in sizes 41 through 45. The deep heel molding holds the heel bone in its natural position and the toe grip encourages a natural toe spread and rolling motion, and this model is the regular/wide fit. One wearer reports the sandals need roughly 40 hours of gradual break-in, and the suede can look rough quickly if it is not pretreated.[6,7,8,9] | Arizona Eva Sandals Men: Choose this if you want an ultralight, fully waterproof one-piece EVA sandal for wet and messy settings like the beach, pool, garden, or spa, since it handles submersion and hoses off clean. The molded anatomical footbed with arch support and adjustable buckle straps suits all-day wear and wide feet, and it packs flat for travel. Note that the firm, rigid footbed disappoints people expecting a soft, cushioned feel, the soles can wear down after about a year of regular use, and the look is decidedly plastic.[10,11,12,13,14,15] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
A pair of charcoal slide sandals worn on feet; each has a single wide charcoal upper strap, exposed toes, a contoured cork-coloured footbed, and a black rubber outsole visible against sand.
- Upper strap materialSingle wide charcoal strap across forefoot with a soft, slightly textured surface consistent with suede or nubuck.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.78 · w 0.32 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.80 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high) - Open toeForefoot opening revealing toes; strap does not fully cover toes.
2 regions
x 0.22 · y 0.86 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.86 · w 0.14 · h 0.09 (high) - Footbed materialContoured cork-coloured footbed visible around toes and sides, with a natural textured appearance.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.84 · w 0.40 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.82 · w 0.38 · h 0.16 (high) - OutsoleVisible black rubber outsole with a thin profile under the cork footbed.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.92 · w 0.38 · h 0.06 (medium); x 0.56 · y 0.94 · w 0.36 · h 0.04 (medium) - Visible wear surfaceSlight creasing and natural foot impressions on the footbed near the toe area.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.84 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (medium)
Other
Lifestyle scene showing a seated person wearing jeans and a patterned blanket, with a sandy ground and a metal chair leg visible; warm, diffused lighting with soft shadows.
- Shot compositionFramed from mid-thigh down to feet, subject seated with legs spread; focus on lower body and sandals.
- Clothing propsLight blue denim jeans with visible seam stitching covering ankles and draping over sandals.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.26 · w 0.72 · h 0.60 (high) - Blanket or robeMulticolour patterned blanket or robe with orange, beige, and teal stripes draped over the subject's lap and visible behind legs.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.02 · w 0.88 · h 0.36 (high) - Hand accessoriesHands resting on lap with multiple silver rings and a bracelet visible above the knees.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.04 · w 0.32 · h 0.12 (high) - Ground surfaceBrown sandy surface with visible footprints and textured sand surrounding the feet.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.72 · w 1.00 · h 0.28 (high) - Chair legCurved metal chair leg visible at left edge, indicating a seated prop.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.58 · w 0.12 · h 0.26 (high)
Colors
charcoal· upper strap#3D3A34cork tan· footbedblack· outsole#13130C- Upper strap materialSingle wide charcoal strap across forefoot with a soft, slightly textured surface consistent with suede or nubuck.
- 02
Product
Top-down view of a pair of charcoal gray suede slide sandals with single wide angled straps and contoured tan suede/cork footbeds showing heel cups and toe impressions.
- Overall layoutTwo slide sandals placed side-by-side in a top-down view, left and right soles visible with straps covering forefoot area; toes open.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.04 · w 0.88 · h 0.92 (high) - Upper strap shapeEach sandal has one wide single-piece strap that covers the forefoot; the strap top edge is cut on a shallow diagonal slant and extends to the shoe sides.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.36 (high) - Upper material and finishStraps appear to be suede with a uniform short-nap texture and matte finish in a charcoal gray tone.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.36 (high) - Footbed constructionFootbeds are tan and have a suede-like wearing surface over a contoured cork base with visible heel cups and raised toe area.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.54 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.36 · w 0.36 · h 0.54 (high) - Visible stitchingSingle-line topstitching follows the outer edge of each strap near the top edge, visible in matching thread.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.08 (medium); x 0.52 · y 0.08 · w 0.42 · h 0.08 (medium) - Sole edgeThin darker outsole edge is visible around the perimeter of each footbed, contrasting with the tan footbed.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.34 · w 0.44 · h 0.62 (medium); x 0.50 · y 0.34 · w 0.44 · h 0.62 (medium) - Inner-print text (left shoe)“BIRK”Partial
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.38 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium) - Inner-print text (right shoe)“BIRK”Partial
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.38 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio-style top-down product shot on a light neutral background with soft shadows; even diffuse lighting and slight shadow under soles.
- Background and lightingPlain light gray background with even diffuse illumination and soft drop shadows beneath each sandal toward the bottom of the frame.
- Image crop and framingShoes centered in frame with small margins; both sandals fully visible and slightly separated by a small gap.
- Shadow detailSoft circular shadows appear below the heels and outer edges, indicating overhead lighting.
Colors
charcoal gray· upper strap#64646Atan suede· footbed surface#C39D6Bdark charcoal· outsole edge#232324- Overall layoutTwo slide sandals placed side-by-side in a top-down view, left and right soles visible with straps covering forefoot area; toes open.
- 03
Product
Left-side profile of a single charcoal suede slide sandal showing a single wide adjustable upper strap with visible suede texture, cork midsole, tan suede footbed surface, and a black textured rubber outsole.
- View and orientationLeft side profile view of one slide sandal, showing full lateral outline from toe to heel.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.56 · w 0.94 · h 0.35 (high) - Upper materialSingle wide overlapping upper made of textured suede material in a charcoal gray tone with visible nap and stitched edge at the top flap.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.58 · w 0.60 · h 0.23 (high) - Adjustable flapProminent top flap forming an overlapping closure across the instep with visible rectangular stitched seam along the flap edge.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.58 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Footbed surfaceVisible tan suede or nubuck footbed surface with a slightly darker heel cup area and a smooth worn-texture appearance.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.69 · w 0.42 · h 0.12 (high) - Cork midsoleExposed cork midsole running the full length of the sandal, showing a granular cork texture and a warm light-brown color.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.71 · w 0.86 · h 0.08 (high) - OutsoleBlack rubber outsole with shallow wave-like tread profile visible along the lower edge.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.78 · w 0.94 · h 0.10 (high) - Toe and heel visibilityOpen toe at front showing footbed edge; heel area is slightly raised with continuous cork midsole visible at rear.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.66 · w 0.31 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.66 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light gray seamless background with soft even lighting and subtle shadow beneath the sandal.
- Background and stagingNeutral light gray seamless backdrop occupying the full frame with no props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft diffuse lighting from above producing a faint shadow directly underneath the sandal and minimal specular highlights on suede nap.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.82 · w 0.94 · h 0.10 (medium) - Image crop and compositionSandal centered horizontally in the lower half of the image with large empty space above; product is fully visible and not cropped.
Colors
charcoal gray· upper (suede)#5C5E61tan· footbed surface#838484light cork brown· cork midsole#7A7C7Cblack· outsole- View and orientationLeft side profile view of one slide sandal, showing full lateral outline from toe to heel.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Birkenstock
Solana Suede Leather
Variants
6 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4465402 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 40 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
| 4465403 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 41 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
| 4465404 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 42 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
| 4465405 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 43 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
| 4465406 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 44 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
| 4465407 | Solana Charcoal Slide Sandals Men - Charcoal - 45 | CA$180.00 | Yes |
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/BirkenstocksReddit users report that the Birkenstock Solana slide sandal is disappointing compared to the Kyoto due to stiff, scratchy stitching and less flexibility.
The thread is titled 'disappointed in the solana' and comments describe returning the sandal due to irritation from stitching.
Themes
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Birkenstock Kyoto
The Solana is less comfortable than the Kyoto due to larger Velcro and extra stitching around the edges, making the suede stiff and scratchy.
Source Threads
User compares Solana to Kyoto, noting comfort issues with Solana
The Solana had much bigger Velcro and the extra stitching around all the edges, which made the suede very stiff and scratchy, which bothered my toes.
u/Cool_Lab8988View thread →