(Style)
So You Love Birkenstock Sandals? Try Shopping These 14 Alternative Brands
Same comfort, more unique styles.
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: They are comfortable, coordinate with basically everything in your closet, and add a cool relaxed vibe to any dress or top 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 an affordable pick, fortunately there are labels out there, like Freedom Moses, that offer up similar designs. At just $45, the brand’s lightweight two-buckle sandals are great if you’re not ready to splurge on your footwear. Or if you want a slide that just feels a bit more special, there’s also Loza Maléombho, 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, Loeffler Randall, 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).
Loeffler Randall
Founded in 2004 out of a tiny Brooklyn apartment, shoe brand Loeffler Randall has expanded far beyond only selling footwear, breaking into the handbag, accessories, and ready-to-wear spaces. However, their distinctive shoe designs are still leading the charge and building a fanbase for the label. Loeffler Randall’s unique designs are handmade in small, purposeful batches in order to produce high-end products every time without fail, so add these Birkenstock-esque beauties to your cart quickly because they’re certainly a high ticket item for the brand.
Marcella NYC
Marcella NYC puts a unique spin on minimalist basics combining NYC designs and European handcrafted creations from locally sourced fabrics and trims. The brand was created in 2010 by husband and wife duo Siyana and Andy Huszar after they were both inspired by classic city street style and the possibility to support women through the power of fashion. After getting their start selling small collections on Etsy, the brand now brings timeless yet modern NYC fashion to people around the globe all while partnering with the non-governmental organization CAMFED to support girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their Heidi and Korin sandals offer both comfort and style whether or not you’re walking around the city all day.
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-Strap Sandals and the Gia 29 Walnut 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 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 Maléombho
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 Two Brick sandal boasts buckles and a smoother 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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