Birkenstock Alternatives – 4 Shoes Like Birkenstocks (2022)

Have you noticed what a huge comeback Birkenstocks have made lately? It seems like everyone is wearing them again, from hip Gen Z kids to grandparents who were around for the shoe’s heydey. 

But let’s be real. How many of us can afford to cough up hundreds of dollars for sandals? I do own some Birkenstocks from my days in SoCal, but in my current city, I can only wear them a few months a year. 

With the shoes being back in style, I’ve been tempted lately to buy some more pairs (maybe the styles for colder-weather). But luckily, I did a bit of research and discovered that there are some truly incredible dupes on the market for a fraction of the cost. 

I’ve put together my favorite alternatives for four of Birkenstock’s most unique styles of shoe. With each of these shoes, you can match the latest trends without sacrificing half a paycheck.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
CUSHIONAIRE Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandal
  • Features: Slide-on sandal with big toe wrap, leather insoles, ergonomically-designed footbed, heel cup cushioning, neutral arch support, adjustable buckles
  • Benefits: Durability and comfort with supportive cushioning for sufferers of flat feet and high arches alike
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Madden Girl Women’s Brando Slide-On Sandal
  • Features: Adjustable buckle straps, backless open-toe sandal, textured outsole, cushioned footbed, cork bottom
  • Benefits: Great arch support for collapsed arches, moldable and adjustable fit, reliable traction and stability
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Vionic Women’s Backless Indulge Pleasant Slipper
  • Features: Slip-on cushioned slipper or clog, quilted fabric upper with lace detail and faux fur lining, podiatrist-designed, targeted arch support and heel cushioning
  • Benefits: Comfort, warmth, and support in a stylish and professionally-approved package
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Sanuk Women’s Pair O’ Dice Flat
  • Features: Soft enzyme-washed slip-on canvas boat shoe in 18 different color options, high-grip rubber sole
  • Benefits: Breathable and odor-resistant, reliable traction for wet surfaces, firm stability and flexible fit
CHECK LATEST PRICE

4 Cheap Birkenstock Alternatives

Birkenstocks are great shoes for people suffering from painful conditions, but they are also beloved by those of us who just appreciate comfort. The brand is known for its commitment to building shoes that can last for years and years and start to feel like extensions of your feet. 

But if you aren’t sold on the sometimes exorbitant price for such promises, definitely take a look at the alternatives we’ve provided below. Each one has been tested and reviewed to ensure that it meets the quality and comfort standards of an authentic Birkenstock but at a much more accessible price.


1. CUSHIONAIRE Luna Cork Footbed Sandels

CUSHIONAIRE Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandal
Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandals

Okay. Look at these shoes and tell me you see a difference with the Birkenstock Mayaris. I guarantee you do not. This is probably one of the most effective Birkenstock dupes out there, and the customer reviews definitely reflect that. 

With the Luna sandals, you get genuine leather insoles, soft vegan leather adjustable straps, and a natural cork bottom that exactly replicates the Birkenstock Mayari. 

The traction in the outsole is actually stronger than that of the Birkenstocks and at nearly one fifth the price! Now you can buy a pair of the highest trending sandals without concern that they’ll go out of style before you’ve gotten your money’s worth.


2. Madden Girl Brando Slide-On Sandles

Madden Girl Women’s Brando
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona

The Birkenstock Arizonas are probably what most of us picture when we think of the brand. From the cork footbed to the chunky leather straps, you definitely know it when you’ve spotted a pair of these shoes in the wild. 

The Madden Girl Brando Sandal takes the comfort and quality of the Birkenstock build and makes some slight alterations for style. A reduction in strap material makes for a sleeker profile and more breathable fit. 

We found no real difference in comfort, with the Brando molding to our feet just as quickly and effectively as our old pair of Arizonas. These are a great purchase if you’re new to the look of Birkenstocks but want to give it a try.


3. Vionic Women’s Backless Indulge Pleasant Slipper 

Vionic Women’s Backless Indulge Pleasant Slipper
Birkenstock Women’s Boston Shearling Clog

Since I don’t live in SoCal anymore, a good pair of slippers is CRUCIAL to getting through the winter. Birkenstocks and Uggs are the big names in cozy footwear, but I prefer house slippers that can be replaced if (when) I spill coffee on them. So I was thrilled when I discovered the Vionic Indulge Slipper. It has the same profile as the Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clog, comes in four different colors with fun animal prints, and knocks it out of the park when it comes to coziness. And it’s no surprise, Vionic shoes are designed by podiatrists to offer unparalleled comfort and support to those suffering from a variety of conditions, from plantar fasciitis to fallen arches. But even if you don’t have foot pain, these slippers will feel like a dream.  

What’s cool about these slippers is that they can actually hold up to the elements outside as well. If you’re the kind of person who likes to maintain their foot comfort outside as well as inside, you’ll be impressed by the solid traction and durable faux fur of these slippers. I actually bought two pairs- one for inside and one for outside.


4. Sanuk Pair O’ Dice Flat 

Sanuk Women’s Pair O’ Dice Flat
Birkenstock Women’s Barrie Flat

This casual slip-on is one of my favorite shoe styles these days. In the right color, you can wear them with practically anything – bathing suits, athleisure, dresses, and jeans. 

The soft canvas material is flexible and almost seems to mold to your feet. I like this better than the Birkenstock original, which is made of thicker material and offers less give. Birkenstock tries to make up for this with elastic sections in the side panels, but we prefer the seamless nature of the Sanuks instead. You may also like our guide on the best shoes for standing all day. Read more about it here.


Shoes & Sandles Like Birkenstocks – Final Thoughts

Birkenstocks have never been about chic designs. Their focus has always been comfort and reliability. You can slip them on to run errands, go to the movies, and even hike a few trails. And now that they are seeing a resurgence among young folks, you’ve probably been considering buying a pair or two. 

If the price of these shoes has put you off, you’re definitely not alone. It’s hard to believe that any sandals or slip-ons can really be worth as much as these sell for. And with the alternatives we’ve presented to you, it’s obvious that they aren’t! You can get the same level of comfort, quality, and design for pennies on the dollar. 

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
CUSHIONAIRE Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandal
  • Features: Slide-on sandal with big toe wrap, leather insoles, ergonomically-designed footbed, heel cup cushioning, neutral arch support, adjustable buckles
  • Benefits: Durability and comfort with supportive cushioning for sufferers of flat feet and high arches alike
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Madden Girl Women’s Brando Slide-On Sandal
  • Features: Adjustable buckle straps, backless open-toe sandal, textured outsole, cushioned footbed, cork bottom
  • Benefits: Great arch support for collapsed arches, moldable and adjustable fit, reliable traction and stability
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Vionic Women’s Backless Indulge Pleasant Slipper
  • Features: Slip-on cushioned slipper or clog, quilted fabric upper with lace detail and faux fur lining, podiatrist-designed, targeted arch support and heel cushioning
  • Benefits: Comfort, warmth, and support in a stylish and professionally-approved package
CHECK LATEST PRICE
Sanuk Women’s Pair O’ Dice Flat
  • Features: Soft enzyme-washed slip-on canvas boat shoe in 18 different color options, high-grip rubber sole
  • Benefits: Breathable and odor-resistant, reliable traction for wet surfaces, firm stability and flexible fit
CHECK LATEST PRICE

If you’ve been worried that the Birks look will go out of style again soon, take a chance on one of the products on our list instead. You’ll rest easy knowing that you didn’t have to break the bank to keep your wardrobe up to date.

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Austin Mills

Austin Mills in an outdoor enthusiast. He's been featured on some of the top outdoor & fitness blogs sharing his expertise in order to help others. In his free time, he likes spending time with his dogs enjoying the outdoors.