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The 10 Best Birkenstock Alternatives On Amazon
Wallet-friendly shoes with iconic comfort.
A hippie-chic icon, Birkenstocks are renowned for their earthy aesthetics and absurdly long-wearing comfort. Made from high-quality materials with a sustainable slant, they have earned legions of fans, but they also come with a substantial price tag. Fortunately, affordable alternatives exist for budget-conscious shoppers or anyone who wants a few different sandals to keep in rotation. The best Birkenstock alternatives combine a contoured footbed in materials that look and feel suspiciously like the real thing — and hundreds and, in some cases, even thousands of Amazon reviewers have given them their stamp of approval.
Comfortable Shoes Come First
To find a good Birkenstock alternative, it helps to know what defines the original. Birkenstocks are, first and foremost, a comfort brand. As such, the most important part of the shoe is their anatomically correct footbed design. Features like a deep heel cup and raised toe bar coupled with not one but two types of arch support — both directly under the instep and along the side walls — provide alignment and security. You’ll find most of these features on any Birkenstock alternative worth its salt, although the arch support might be a tiny bit shallower or you might find everything but a toe bar, for example.
Look For Leather And Cork Materials
The classic Birkenstock style, of course, features a thick layer of cork with leather and suede (sandal or clog is up to you). Many sandals on the list below include a faux leather upper but have footbeds that are lined with suede, so double-check the materials if animal products are a concern for you. That said, Birkenstock has expanded some of its most famous designs, like the cult classics Arizona and Gizeh, to include versions in EVA foam that are waterproof and vegan-friendly — and wildly popular in their own right. You'll find some great EVA options below, and one of them is even scented.
Shop The Best Birkenstock Alternatives
In a hurry? These are the best Birkenstock alternatives.
- This Budget-Friendly Alternative To The “It” Sandal: FUNKYMONKEY Double Buckle EVA Sandal
- These Cork Sandals With A Serious Cult Following: CUSHIONAIRE Luna Cork Footbed Sandal With +Comfort
- The Single-Strap Slides That Look & Feel Totally Effortless: WTW Single Strap Buckle Slides
- Some Birkenstock-Style Sandals In A Fabulous Leopard Print: Freedom Moses Leo Two Band Slides
- A Pair Of Cork T-Strap Sandals With An Adjustable Buckle: WTW Cork Flip Flops
- The Ultra-Comfortable Clogs: TF STAR Suede Clog
No matter which style you prefer, there's a shoe here for you. And these Birkenstock alternatives will make even the most discerning fan do a double-take.
1This Budget-Friendly Alternative To The “It” Sandal
These ultra-popular sandals have over 32,000 five-star ratings from raving fans who’ve sung their praises. Some shoppers have declared them to be some of the most comfortable sandals to literally walk the Earth — they feel like Crocs, but look like a Birkenstock Arizona. They have a deep footbed with serious support, especially through the arch, with high side walls and a good grippy toe bar beneath two adjustable straps. They’re totally waterproof yet lightweight and oh-so-comfortable, making them a perfect indoor/outdoor shoe.
One reviewer wrote: “These shoes are my new go to every time I casually head out the door. Very comfortable, light weight, and they hold up all day! I wore them every day last week, and hit about 9,000 steps each day. My feet were feeling fine! I’m currently considering another pair in a different color!”
Available colors: 42 | Available sizes: 6 — 11
2These Cork Sandals With A Serious Cult Following
With over 40,000 five-star Amazon ratings backing them up, these cork sandals are one of the best Birkenstock alternatives on the market, in a similar style to the Birkenstock Mayari sandal. They share a deeply contoured footbed with arch support and a hefty heel cup, and high side walls all the way around for additional support and toe protection. The faux leather upper has a soft lining, while a layer of suede over cork on the footbed is gently grippy. Their EVA foam soles are lightweight and springy, but thick enough to keep you out of puddles. And if you prefer the super-popular Birkenstock Arizona sandals Cushionaire also has a version that’s garnered over 42,000 ratings.
One reviewer wrote: “Didn’t want to pay for expensive Birkenstock sandals but I also needed something fashionable and COMFORTABLE for my trip to the Caribbean. These are amazing for the price and I will definitely be purchasing another pair. I brought 3 different sandals and having worn anything else but these. [...] LOVE them.”
Available colors: 21 | Available sizes: 6 — 12 (including wide options)
Also available on: Walmart, $30
3The Single-Strap Slides That Look & Feel Totally Effortless
This spin on the Birkenstock Madrid sandal is an organic-looking option that seems to be all over social media these days. This cork sandal has a crossover buckle on the wide single strap to keep it firmly in place. One shopper commented: “I love them just as much as my birkenstocks if not more! These are adorable! Fit perfectly and so comfortable!” The sandals feature a contoured cork footbed layered with suede so your foot stays in the shoe with ease. Thick EVA foam soles likewise put a spring in your step and protect the cork from wear.
One reviewer wrote: “I have these in white and black and they are by far even more comfortable than my Birkenstocks. Fit as expected and unbelievably great quality. Wear them almost every day do the last 4 months and they look brand new.”
Available colors: 3 (with single strap) | Available sizes: 6 — 11
4Some Birkenstock-Style Sandals In A Fabulous Leopard Print
These stylist-approved sandals are a designer version of Birkenstocks that have rapidly developed a fan following of their own. The high-style sandals are made with PCU (aka polycarbonate urethane), which is soft and safe enough to be used for medical implants so you know it has to be wildly comfortable — but you’ll probably fall for the signature milk and honey scent in every pair just as much as you will the textured nonslip footbed, with contoured comfort including a toe bar, arch support, and a heel cup you practically sink into.
One reviewer wrote: “I had heard about these sandals last summer and wanted to try a pair. I just bought a pair on sale and they’re so cute!! I wasn’t expecting too much for the price to be honest. I have a lot of foot issues like arthritis, bunions, etc. and they were comfortable right out of the box! If you’re looking for ultra soft material you won’t find it with these but they are comfortable! Great to wear to the beach and with summer casual outfits.”
Available colors: 55 | Available sizes: 4 — 12 (kids’ options are also available)
Also available on: Backcountry, $45
5A Pair Of Cork T-Strap Sandals With An Adjustable Buckle
For those who find flip flops easier to wear than slides, this Birkenstock Gizeh alternative has the same great stay-put comfort. The faux leather straps have a soft underbelly that won’t rub sensitive skin the wrong way, and a layer of cushioning is sandwiched between the cork and its suede for extra bounce. They have a nice, deep footbed with all the contouring you could ask for, including decent arch support with extra height at the instep and a toe bar. The adjustable upper offers plenty of leeway, which might come in handy for those with narrow feet.
One reviewer wrote: “I love the comfort and arch support of these shoes. They are very well priced for the quality. I got one of each color. Great casual summer sandal.”
Available colors: 3 | Available sizes: 6 — 11
6The Ultra-Comfortable Clogs
These suede clogs look notably similar to the Birkenstock Boston clog, with their suede upper and insole lining (over an additional layer of foam for a softer footbed) as well as the classic cork and EVA sole of the Birks original. The footbed features a similar anatomically friendly design with a toe bar and significant heel cup; although the arch support isn't quite as high. Cinch down the adjustable buckle for a perfect fit you can wear for years to come.
One reviewer wrote: “So easy to wear [...] These shoes are so comfortable. The first time I put them on I kept them on all day. I love them and I am going to get them in every color.”
Available colors: 3 | Available sizes: 6 — 13
7These Fan-Favorite Slides
An impressive 40,000 shoppers have given this pair of fan-favorite sandals a five-star rating; the double straps have adjustable buckles for a look strikingly reminiscent of the Birkenstock Arizona. Other similar features include a real suede insole to help prevent slipping, and and a comfy cork footbed that will mold to the shape of your feet, plus high side walls to keep your foot secure. Your search for iconic Birkenstock style just might end here.
One reviewer wrote: “I LOVE these sandals, they are extremely comfy and worth the price. I prefer them to my real Birkenstocks for some reason, they are extra comfy and of good quality for half the price.”
Available sizes: 6 — 12 (including wide sizes) | Available colors: 21
8These Slip-On Mules With Near-Perfect Ratings
Another excellent Birkenstock alternative, this pair of slip-on mules not only features a similar EVA and cork footbed with high side walls for comfy and secure foot support, the soft faux suede upper with its adjustable buckle offers a comparably comfy-yet-trendy aesthetic. A bonus: they boast near-perfect ratings.
One reviewer wrote: “The color is perfect and they’re so comfortable! Beats paying the price for the Boston Birkenstocks!”
Available sizes: 5 — 10.5 | Available colors: 5
9This Pair Of Sandals With Grommet Detailing
If you’re looking for iconic Birkenstock style with a teeny twist, you won’t want to miss this pair of slip-on mules; they’ve got similar soft faux leather double straps and adjustable buckles, with gold-toned grommet detailing on the sides for a little extra zhuzh. And because no ideal Birkenstock alternative would be complete without comparable support, this pair has a similar cork footbed, along with ergonomic arch support, high side walls, and a non-skid EVA sole, which adorably matches the color of the straps.
One reviewer wrote: “I read the reviews and was nervous so I sized up. So I did and they fit perfectly... If you like birkenstocks these are a great substitute. I enjoy the suede like material. The studs add a nice touch too.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 11
10A Pair Of Comfy Cork Wedge Sandals
If you’re a fan of Birkenstock’s heeled options, don’t miss out on this pair of wedge slides. Like Birks, this pair features a cork and EVA footbed with a deep heel cup, and an insole lined in real suede for gentle grip. Crossed faux leather toe straps lends the appearance of a strappy sandal, while a wide, adjustable buckle strap ensures a secure fit. Reviewers love that these cute sandals require no breaking in — pop them on and you’re ready to go.
One reviewer wrote: “Really like the fit and the ease of wearing them. Comfy, versatile and no need to break in!”
Available sizes: 6 — 10 | Available colors: 2
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