RS Recommends: These Birkenstock Dupes Are Just As Stylish and Cozy As the Originals
There’s something about Birkenstocks; whether it’s their versatility, durability, earthy charm, or a combination of all three, people just can’t get enough of this strapped sandal with the contoured cork footbed. So much so that teams of undercover investigators with hidden cameras have been sent to factories in an attempt to stop the production of counterfeit pairs.
The brand has been around since the 1920s, though you probably know it as the shoe of choice for campers and stylish celebs alike. And since it hit the scene, the love for Birkenstocks has only grown, becoming “the world’s most popular shoe,” according to the fashion search platform Lyst.
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As with anything that’s in high demand, Birkenstocks can sometimes be difficult to find. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to score a pair of stylish, and comfortable, sandals and slides, thanks to a large variety of Birkenstock dupes and alternatives from reputable brands that offer a similar look and feel.
The Best Birkenstock Alternatives
Here are some of our favorites, from brands like Greats and L.L. Bean. (And if you really just want some Birkenstocks, we’ve worn the Arizona slides for years.)
1. Freedom Moses Two Band Slides
At first glance, these slides by Freedom Moses don’t look all that different from a pair of Birkenstocks (in fact, one reviewer wrote that these were just as comfortable as their pair of Birkenstocks, while another said they fit better), but are significantly cheaper and come in a variety of fun colors and designs to fit your style. Let your feet sink into the molded and textured PCU (polycarbonate) footbed, whether you’re wearing these around the house or out on the town as you run errands or meet up with friends.
Freedom Moses Two Band Slides
2. L.L. Bean Go Anywhere Clogs
Nothing beats a good pair of clogs; they’re simple and easy like a sandal, but are more stylish, versatile and kinder to your feet. These clogs by L.L. Bean are similar to the popular Birkenstock’s own design; while they don’t have an adjustable buckle, they’re easy to slide on and off, and can similarly be worn, well, like the name suggests, anywhere you like.
L.L. Bean Clogs
3. Roper Miranda Sandals
One of the hallmarks of a pair of Birkenstocks is the cork insole. These sandals’ insoles provide a number of benefits, namely shock absorption and the support to your heels and arch. These comfortable sandals feature a similar rustic design to Birkenstocks, but with a unique pattern and a budget-friendly price tag to boot.
Roper Miranda Sandals
4. Greats Classon Clog
It doesn’t get much greater than Greats. These editor-favorite clogs look sleek and minimal, looking like a pair of Birkenstock clogs that were beamed in from a sci-fi film set in the not-so-distant future. Their lightweight construction and slip-on silhouette make them easy to slide on or kick off, while the adjustable Velcro strap allows you customize the fit to your feet.
Greats Classon Clogs
5. Dr. Martens Blaire Slide
While Dr. Martens might be widely known for signature boots and rock & roll style, they offer a variety of other footwear options, namely these slides which offer ease and comfort as well as a little edge. Made from a highly durable full-grain upper leather and featuring three fully adjustable metal buckles and a cushioned footbed, we guarantee you’ll get years of use out of these stylish kicks.
Dr. Martens Slides
6. Teva Original Sandal
These rugged and hike-friendly sandals by Teva boast a softer footbed than the signature cork board insole associated with other sandals, though that doesn’t mean they lack support or comfort. In fact, the strapping system secures your feet without being constricting, while the cushioned EVA footbed make them a breeze to walk in. Best of all, these sandals are available in a variety of colors and styles; we are particularly fond of the Nineties-inspired style above, offering a nostalgic look that’s durable and cozy to wear all day long. These sandals are sustainable and vegan-friendly; made from 100 percent recycled plastic.
Teva Originals
7. Naot Santa Barbara
Looking for a casual, SoCal-inspired style of slides you can rock at the beach and at happy hour? Go with these Naot’s Sant Barbara sandals, which are a dead ringer for a classic pair of Birkenstocks, right down to the adjustable buckles and cork insoles. They come with classic suede straps, a medium-sized width, and are available in a wide range of sizes.
Naot Santa Barbara Sandals
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