We are headed to the nail salon for a fresh pedi because it is officially sandal season. After finding our favorite Birkenstocks out of stock more often than not, we decided we needed to check out some new brands. While Birks will always have a special place in our hearts, that doesn't mean we don't like a good alternative now and again, from Dr. Martens, which has some cute-yet-functional shoes with an edge to Tory Burch, which has a high-end options with a more feminine look to try out. Here are 12 shoes like Birkenstocks to wear on repeat until fall.
12 Shoes Like Birkenstocks to Wear All Summer Long, Starting at Just $25
Comfy and stylish.
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Published Jul 20, 2023
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Sofia Kraushaar for PureWow
The Best Shoes Like Birkenstocks at a Glance
1
Best High-End Sandals
Tory Burch Miller Cloud Sandals
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2
Most Comfortable
Nike Offcourt Duo
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3
Best Arch Support
Aerothotic Arete Slides
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4
Best Clog Alternative
Dr Martens Carlson Mules
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5
Best Molded Footbed
Freedom Moses Slides
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How We Vetted the Best Shoes Like Birkenstocks
From shoes we've worn ourselves to brands we know and love, this list includes sandals, clogs and other styles we've deemed similar enough to Birkenstock styles from brands we trust. We also scoured customer reviews to include shoes that are loved by shoppers all over the world. Here are some things we specifically considered:
- Comfort: It's important for the shoe to be made to support and cradle different kinds of feet.
- Style: The style of the shoe needs to be similar to a pair of Birkenstocks.
- Price Point: We considered an array of price points to ensure all budgets were included.
We also added some sandals made of foam to mimic the Arizona Essentials model with the EVA foam construction. Whether the Arizona model is always on your mind or you prefer the clog style, we've found quite a few similar options from some of our other favorite brands to expand your collection.
- What We Like: contoured footbed, adjustable straps
- What We Don't Like: some reviewers mention the color comes darker than what is shown
- Material: leather and rubber
- Size: 4 to 11
- Promising review: "I was on the fence about paying $200 for flip flops, but my feet are so thankful. From the moment I put them on it felt like my feet were molded to the soles. I'm ordering more ASAP. " —a Tory Burch customer
Complete with the iconic Tory Burch logo, these adorable sandals are a great option for a casual summer shoe. The firm, cork bottoms feel similar on the feet to Birkenstocks and they’re a comfortable weight for walking. "The structure to these shoes is great if you don't like the feeling of a flimsy flip flop," says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. "I've had my black pair for years and they have held up beautifully."
- What We Like: foam footbed, double straps
- What We Don't Like: only two colors
- Material: EVA foam
- Size: 5 to 12
- Promising review: "I've had these slides in the black color for almost three years and I'm about the re-buy the same pair. I wear them literally all the time. Errands, work, hiking, around the house... I swear they're more comfortable than sandals actually designed for hiking. I also personally think they're really cute." —a Nike customer
Comfy, squishy slides, anyone? Whether you wear these to the gym or around the house, these slides have a foam footbed to cradle your foot. The bed is also micro-textured to help keep your feet from sliding around.
- What We Like: contoured footbed, adjustable straps
- What We Don't Like: some reviewers mention the color comes darker than what is shown
- Material: synthetic leather and cork
- Size: 6 to 11
- Promising review: "When I got these and tried them on, I was so surprised. [They] have a nice fit, style, cushioned footbed and arch support. [I] was able to adjust the buckles easily." —a QVC customer
Tons of brands have taken inspiration from the look of the iconic Birkenstock Arizona Slides. This pair by Aerothotic is made with a contoured footbed to keep your foot optimally supported, and the synthetic leather won't rub the top of your feet and cause irritation since it's nice and soft.
- What We Like: contoured footbed, adjustable straps
- What We Don't Like: feel a bit heavy
- Material: leather and rubber
- Size: 5 to 10
- Promising review: "I love how these have held up over the last three years for me (especially since they're easy to clean), but the bottoms are made of a thick rubber which makes them heavy." —Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor
If the Birkenstock Boston Clogs had some edge and some height, we imagine they'd look just like this. These mules have a back strap to keep them secure, but you can also flip it forward to sit at the top of the shoe. They are a bit heavy, since they're super durable, so if you prefer a super lightweight shoe, opt for something a little more airy.
- What We Like: lightweight, waterproof
- What We Don't Like: buckles don't adjust
- Material: rubber
- Size: 5 to 12
- Promising review: "The color wasn't exactly what I was expecting from the picture, but I've had several pairs of Freedom Moses sandals and they're my favorite for casual/pool wear. They're very comfortable! I have a very high arch and I find these sandals have a great arch support." —an Amazon customer
A sleek double-strap slide is a forever favorite of ours, and this Freedom Moses pair is super summery and easy to pair with anything. The classic double buckle strap, a la Birkenstocks, will keep your feet supported, plus they’re adjustable for a perfect fit.
- What We Like: gold detailing, podiatrist-certified arch support
- What We Don't Like: only two colors
- Material: rubber and suede
- Size: 5 to 10
- Promising review: "Loved the easy slip on and comfortable materials that makes me want to wear them all day." —an Amazon customer
A soft suede material is always a good idea for keeping the feet cozy. These sandals have an Arch Fit insole that is podiatrist-certified for optimal arch support (hello, comfort). They're a great pick if you're doing some sight-seeing around a new city and sneakers just aren't your thing.
- What We Like: edgy look, adjustable straps
- What We Don't Like: heavy
- Material: leather and rubber
- Size: 6 to 11
- Promising review: "I love the look and style of these shoes and not to mention they're comfy. They [also] come with adjustable straps making for a perfect fit." —a Zappos customer
Craving some edge for your summer fashion? You can’t go wrong with a pair of Dr. Martens. These platform slides are made for durability so you can be sure they will last you many summers to come.
- What We Like: platform, molded footbed
- What We Don't Like: suede can get hot
- Material: leather, suede and rubber
- Size: 3 to 8
- Promising review: "The leather straps are super soft, though so they don't dig into the tops of my feet." —Olivia Dubyak, commerce editor
This sleeker version of the double-buckle strap sandals is great for elevating a casual day look. The platform isn’t too high, but does add a couple inches if that's something you're into. The straps are made of a soft calf leather to avoid chafing on your foot and the suede footbed will help keep your feet from sliding when they get hot.
- What We Like: water-resistant, ankle strap is adjustable
- What We Don't Like: some reviewers say they feel too slippery when they get wet
- Material: EVA foam
- Size: 6 to 10
- Promising review: "I'm on my second pair because it's the only sandal I want to wear. [They're] lightweight and flexible. I normally wear a 9 but snuck into an 8." —a Free People customer
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk on a cloud, wearing these shoes is probably as close as you can get. The moldable, supportive EVA footbed is incredibly soft and durable for tons of wear and the neutral color goes with everything in your summer wardrobe.
- What We Like: crossed top straps, EVA sole
- What We Don't Like: some reviewers said footbed can get slippery
- Material: EVA foam, microsuede
- Size: 5 to 12
- Promising review: "I love the pattern but what I love most about these is how comfortable they are. They are like pillows for my feet." —an Amazon customer
The crisscross canvas straps are stylish, and the style is giving us coastal grandma vibes. The sole is flat, so they won’t be great for tons of walking, but they’re a cute go-to summer sandal nonetheless. Plus, the footbed is made of an EVA foam for comfort so they can mold to your feet.
- What We Like: arch support, buckle ankle strap
- What We Don't Like: some reviewers say the footbed feels a little hard
- Material: leather
- Size: 5.5 to 12
- Promising review: "Dansko is my favorite brand. I’ve been buying this brand for years. I have bunions and am athletic. I like shoes that look and feel good and can stand the test of an unexpected longer walk or short hike. The shoes look cute with jeans, dresses, skirts and dress pants." —a Zappos customer
Did you know that Birkenstock makes wedge sandals? They do, and they often sell out. Dansko, a brand known for its incredible arch support, makes a really similar style. These wedges are among our faves for a comfy, cute sandal that adds just a touch of height.
- What We Like: crossover straps, arch support
- What We Don't Like: runs small
- Material: rubber, foam, leather and cork
- Size: 6 to 11 wide
- Promising review: "The straps are comfortable and the velcro is easy to strap on, which is important to me because I have back problems. Goes great with jeans, shorts, dresses, etc. I would definitely get these again, or in another color." —an Amazon customer
The OrthoLite footbed makes comfort a priority in these heels. We also can’t get enough of the minimalist design of the crisscross upper and light cork wedge.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Olivia Dubyak is PureWow's Commerce Editor and textbook Capricorn. She studied journalism at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has gone from New York City to West Texas to Chicago to Northern Colorado since then experiencing new things to broaden her perspective as a writer. She writes across the board in fashion, beauty, wellness and home, focusing on product reviews and roundups that can elevate your everyday life. She's been writing in the commerce-sphere for nearly five years and loves trying new products, sharing her honest experiences to help you decide whether what you’re buying is worth it or not (yup, Augustinus Bader is a must-have).
PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
