(Style)

So You Love Birkenstock Sandals? Try Shopping These 12 Alternative Brands

Same comfort, more unique styles.

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Originally Published: 
@emmeparsons
Emme Parsons

You’ve probably noticed a recurring theme among fashion lovers’ shoe collections — Birkenstock sandals all hold a valuable spot. If you own a pair yourself, you know why this is: The shoes are comfortable, coordinate with basically everything in your closet, and add a cool relaxed vibe to any ensemble you throw on. But, if you’re eager to explore other styles to wear in addition to your beloved Arizona slide-on silhouette, it turns out that there are plenty of amazing sandals from alternative brands like Birkenstock that are also worth checking out.

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Birkenstock’s sandals, fortunately, there are labels out there that offer up similar silhouettes, one being Freedom Moses. At just $45, the brand’s lightweight two-buckle sandals are great if you’re not ready to splurge on the sandals. Or if you want a slide that just feels a bit more special, there’s also Loza Maleombho, whose appearance in Beyonce's Black Is King helped to thrust it into the spotlight. Plus, you have plenty of cool fashion girl-favorite labels to shop for comfortable, simple designs, like STAUD (who actually just collaborated with Birkenstock on elevated versions of the label’s most popular pairs — a match made in style heaven!) and Neous.

For a full round-up of options, keep reading — and be sure to reference the many times celebrities have worn Birkenstocks in totally different ways for some styling inspiration, too. While summer might be prime sandal season, the good thing is that these chunky shoes work year-round (just choose a fuzzy style or add some thick socks).

We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

GIABORGHINI

GIABORGHINI, established in 2016 by Florentine designer Barbara Borghini, puts female entrepreneurship at the forefront of its business plan. GIABORGHINI’s products are made by experienced craftsmen in Italy through innovation and creativity. Their goal is to provide women with confidence, power, and most of all comfort, which they achieve by way of clunky-chic shoes like the Double Touch-Strap Sandals and the Open-Toe Chunky Sandals.

Brother Vellies

Founded by buzzy designer and 15 Percent Pledge founder Aurora James, Brother Vellies is an accessories brand committed to sustainability by way of authentic African design practices. Since its 2013 inception, the label has focused on melding time-honored artisanal production with striking, where-did-you-get-that designs. And while the company has been known for some major statement heels, it also offers incredible updates on the humble walking sandal — just the things to jazz up all your comfy T-shirt dresses.

Emme Parsons

Emme Parsons leans on time-honored European design elements to create sleek, sophisticated footwear for her insider-y fan base (the line is a favorite amongst the fashion editor set). Established in 2017, the brand is a go-to for anyone who wants elegant, all dressed up flats that are sneakily as soft and long walk-friendly as your favorite house clogs.

Alexandre Birman

Shoe brand Alexandre Birman is influenced by Brazilian tradition and beloved for its selection of luxe slide-on sandals. Between its Clarity Sport Sandal and Asymmetric Clarita Braided Baby Leaf Flat, the assortment fits a variety of different fashion tastes as a Birkenstock alternative.

Neous

Take a scroll through Neous’ website and Instagram, and you’ll quickly see why fashion girls are hooked on the brand. Handmade in Italy, the accessories label’s offerings include minimalist, upscale sandals that give off Birkenstock vibes.

Staud

If you’re in need of a relaxed yet eye-catching shoe that’s a tad dressier than OG Birks, look to cool girl-loved label Staud. You could go with the company’s latest collaboration with Birkenstock (elevated Arizona’s abound), or its equally covetable in-house footwear line, where styles like the Remi Sandal prove to be the not-so-basic basic flats you’ve been looking for.

Hereu

Founded by José Bartolomé and Albert Escribano in 2014, Hereu is a shoe and handbag brand that’s “rooted in the Spanish Mediterranean landscape and its eclectic lifestyle.” And while that sounds pretty great, it looks even better on the company’s range of Birkenstock-like sandals. Choose between timeless styles like the Pauma Interwoven Front-Strap Sandal and Beltra Fisherman Sandal, both of which embody a relaxed vibe, but still look chic.

ZOU XOU

For those who favor clean, minimalist detailing, ZOU XOU’s sandals are up to the job. Handmade in Argentina, the silhouettes are a bit more upscale than your Arizonas. But, not to worry, the label didn’t compromise comfort for style when crafting these alternatives.

Freedom Moses

As mentioned before, here you’ll find a price point that's well worth taking the plunge — plus Freedom Moses' super reliable sandals are nearly a dupe of Birkenstock's Arizona silhouette. Not to mention, the affordable shoes are available in basically every color of the rainbow, plus a slew of trendy prints.

Loza Maleombho

Designer Loza Maleombo's eponymous brand imbues modern fashion with cultural and subcultural influences, specifically those from Ivorian tribes along the West African coast. Its shoes are handmade by Ivorian artisans, with gold-toned, emblematic hardware.

Rekken

Rekken is a Korean footwear brand that's known for its thick chain-adorned footwear — but its Birkenstock-like shoes also attract tons of attention (in the best possible way). The Nanashoo slides boast crystal-embellished buckles and a cream finish that minimalists can get behind.

Grenson

This English footwear brand has a rich history that rivals Birkenstock's — with 150 years of creating world-class Oxfords and Chelsea boots, its repertoire of sandals is just as timeless.

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