BIOTOP Upgrades the Birkenstock Kyoto With a Full Leather Rework for Its First-Ever Exclusive

The BIOTOP x Birkenstock Kyoto sandal is releasing in black on June 27th. It has a SKU of BFA36060 and retails for ¥34,100 JPY (approximately $215 USD). You can purchase it directly from BIOTOP.

Okay, so BIOTOP just dropped some news that I’m hyped about – they’re doing an exclusive version of the Birkenstock Kyoto sandal! It’s dropping on June 27th, but you can actually pre-order it starting June 5th on their website. Apparently, they’ve upgraded the materials on the sandal, and it’s coming in a sweet all-black colorway. I’m definitely checking this out – a comfy sandal is always a win!

The key to these sandals lies in their thoughtful design. Birkenstock’s Kyoto, launched in 2020, builds on the classic Zurich style, with a strap design inspired by the folded collar of a kimono. This exclusive version from BIOTOP keeps that elegant look but uses premium materials throughout. The footbed lining has been upgraded from suede to natural leather, and the entire side of the cork footbed is covered in natural leather – a step above the standard exposed cork. The result is a sandal where every detail, both for comfort and appearance, has been carefully considered and beautifully executed.

The shoe’s design carefully layers different materials. The main body is made of soft suede, while the straps have a glossy leather finish, creating a subtle contrast within the all-black color scheme. This combination of suede, shiny leather, natural leather inside, and a rubber sole gives the shoe a rich, detailed look. It appears simple from afar, but reveals its quality and craftsmanship up close.

BIOTOP, with its design roots in Kyoto, Japan, was a fitting choice to create this unique shoe. The kimono-inspired collar isn’t just for looks; it’s actually part of the shoe’s structure, influencing its fit and overall shape. For BIOTOP—a retailer that carefully selects items for fashion, plants, food, and home goods, all with a consistent aesthetic—choosing to improve a design so closely linked to Japanese culture felt like a natural extension of their brand, rather than a simple partnership.

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2026-06-02 12:26