Commuters brace for a soggy winter, yet a familiar name quietly lines up a surprise for tired, cold and aching feet.
Birkenstock has unveiled the Uppsala Zip, a suede, lambskin-lined boot built to carry you from drizzle at dawn to late-night errands.
What is the Uppsala Zip boot
The Uppsala Zip is a mid‑calf silhouette in supple suede with a soft inner zip. It slides on easily and sits securely. Inside, a lambskin lining regulates temperature and wicks away moisture. The lining resists odour by its very nature. Underfoot, an anatomically shaped cork‑latex footbed lifts and cradles the arch. The foot sits in a stable position during long days.
Moisture‑absorbing lambskin plus a cork‑latex footbed means dry, warm and supported feet from day to night.
The boot targets the sweet spot between comfort and polish. It pairs with jeans and knits. It also balances midi skirts and tights. Birkenstock positions it as a smarter alternative to familiar sheepskin styles. It aims to keep the indoors comfortable without sacrificing outdoor performance.
Key features at a glance
- Suede upper that feels soft and flexible from first wear.
- Lambskin lining that helps manage sweat, damp and odour.
- Removable, anatomically shaped cork‑latex footbed with firm arch support.
- Mid‑calf height for extra coverage in wind and showers.
- Inside zip for quick on/off during busy commutes.
- Made in Portugal with careful construction and neat finishing.
- Price: £190, sitting in the same bracket as many UGG styles.
- Colours: black, brown and stone for easy outfit matching.
Why lambskin matters in British weather
Rain, puddles and heated offices create a tough microclimate for feet. Lambskin helps smooth the swings. It draws moisture off the skin and spreads it through the fibres. That aids evaporation and keeps socks drier. Natural fibres reduce the clammy feeling that arrives after a sprint to the bus. They also help when the day cools on the walk home.
Lambskin lining acts like a built‑in climate control layer, steadying temperature when the forecast can’t make up its mind.
Because the lining is breathable, warm socks do not overheat as quickly. That extends comfort during long shifts. It also supports those who move between outdoors, shops and transport hubs all day.
Comfort tech you can feel
Birkenstock’s cork‑latex footbed is firm, not squishy. The firmness spreads pressure and supports the heel and arch. The removable design allows you to air it after wet days. You can also swap in custom orthotics if needed. The mid‑calf cut stabilises the ankle without restricting movement. The inside zip prevents the tug‑of‑war common with pull‑on boots.
Fit and break‑in
Expect a stable, structured feel rather than a sink‑in slipper vibe. Many find cork‑latex beds soften slightly over the first week. If you have wider feet, try a thin sock first. Then move to thicker socks as the suede gives a touch. Those with high insteps may value the easy zip during morning rushes.
Price, colours and who they suit
At £190, the Uppsala Zip sits in premium territory. It trades on durable materials and a supportive platform. Black brings a clean, city look. Brown leans rustic. Stone lifts lighter knits and denim. Commuters, retail staff and parents on the school run stand to gain the most. Each group faces hours on their feet in mixed weather.
£190 buys a lined, supportive boot built for long days, quick changes of plan and quick changes of weather.
How high‑street rivals compare
Several wallet‑friendly options are in stores now. They target warmth first and fashion cues second. Support and materials vary widely.
| Brand and model | Price | Lining | Design notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock Uppsala Zip | £190 | Lambskin | Mid‑calf suede, removable cork‑latex footbed, inside zip, made in Portugal |
| M&S block‑heel ankle boot | £76 | Comfort technology | Ankle height, block heel, value option for smarter outfits |
| Skechers faux‑fur ankle boot | Just under £50 | Faux fur | Casual, rubber sole grip, cosy feel at a lower price |
| M&S slippers / Next slippers | £23 / £28 | Faux fur or plush | Indoor comfort or quick errands, minimal support |
Who should pick which
Choose the Uppsala if you need arch support and all‑day dryness. Pick the M&S ankle boot for office polish on a budget. Go with Skechers for cosy weekend walks with modest spend. Slippers suit sofa days and short doorstep tasks only.
Care and longevity
Suede benefits from a water‑repellent spray before first wear. Brush off dried marks with a suede brush. If soaked, stuff the boots with paper and dry away from heat. Remove the footbeds overnight to air them. Rotate socks to help the lining last longer. A quick wipe of the zip teeth keeps entry smooth. Store boots with light shaping to protect the mid‑calf shaft.
What to consider before you buy
Suede scuffs more easily than full‑grain leather. City grit can mark light colours, so stone needs more care. Lambskin runs warm indoors for some, especially with thick socks. Mid‑calf shafts can feel snug on fuller calves; try sitting and walking before deciding. If you walk on slick leaves, check the grip pattern and tread depth in store. Budget matters too, so weigh the up‑front price against hours on your feet each week.
Real‑world use cases
A 12‑hour day that starts in drizzle can soak socks by lunch. Lambskin lining helps prevent that soggy slump. The cork‑latex base steadies the foot when carrying bags up stairs. On a weekend, the mid‑calf cut warms shins on touchline duty. The smarter finish also works with a knitted dress for dinner.
Extra pointers that save you hassle
Try the boots with the socks you wear most in winter. That reveals the true fit. If you use orthotics, bring them to check space under the arch. Measure both calves over jeans if you like tucking in. For those who alternate trainers and boots, keep lacing snug on trainers to avoid arch shock when switching. A five‑minute post‑wear brush keeps suede looking fresher for longer.
Tried them in-store today—inside zip is a lifesaver during the morning rush. The cork‑latex bed felt firm but supportive, not marshmallowy, which I actually prefer for long shifts. I’ve had UGGs go swampy by lunchtime; the lambskin here felt drier. Price stings, but if they last two winters, that’s fair. Only gripe: stone colour looks like it’ll scuff alot on city grit.
Suede in British rain still makes me nervous. After the first water‑repellent spray wears off, are toes realy staying dry? Also wondering about grip on slick leaves—anyone test the tread depth yet?