15 Best Birkenstocks and Alternative Styles to Shop Right Now

If you want the look of the Arizonas but don't want to deal with breaking them in, these EVA versions from Birkenstock are your safest bet. The silhouette is exactly the same, but they are made from cushiony rubber for extra comfort and padding. They are feature adjustable straps and a contoured footbed designed to absorb shock and mimic the shape of a healthy foot. Plus, they are Waterproof and only $50!

Why they stand out: Comfortable and way more affordable while having the Birkenstock stamp of approval.
What could be improved: There are some discrepancies regarding sizing, with some users reporting that they run a little small and others stating that they are a little big, so be sure to triple-check conversions.

Available in a range of bright and bold colors (we love the blush pink shade), these EVA alternatives are great for those who aren't fans of double-strap sandals and want to try out the style, as they’re only $10. Like the originals, they're constructed from 100% plastic and have an overall squishy feel. “These pink sandals have become my go-to shoe for running errands, grabbing coffee, or strolling through the park,” says former Teen Vogue commerce editor Shauna Beni-Haynes. They feel very lightweight and comfy on the feet; the only gripe is that I wouldn't recommend wearing them on days you plan on walking for an extended period of time. I did find that my heels started to hurt after walking in them for a long time due to the lack of cushioning."

Why they stand out: Inexpensive; available in a variety of bright colors.
What could be improved: The insole could benefit from additional padding.

If you love the sandal style but want something a bit more elevated, look no further than the Madrid Big Buckle style from Birkenstock. The show features a single wide strap, so they will feel a little looser on the feet. To make them a bit of a statement, they also feature a large adjustable metal pin buckle. These also prioritize comfort with an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed.

Why they stand out: Leather upper and lining, chic and sleek style with a more feminine edge, while still keeping the Birk core.
What could be improved: Some users note that the strap placement is hard to get used to when walking.

The best way to get a more affordable Madrid alternative is to opt for the EVA version in all black, just as chic and even more versatile. You can bring them from the pool to dinner if you want, since they are waterproof (just don't let them out in the sun, because they will shrink!), but also look the part when paired with the right fit. “They look much better in person and look really nice on. If you're looking for a cute pair of Birkenstocks, this one is worth trying on," a Nordstrom reviewer wrote.

Why they stand out: ⅓ of the price of the original style, just as chic and even more versatile.
What could be improved: There are some size discrepancies with other similar EVA styles, so make sure to check the Birkenstock site for accurate sizing.

The Gizehs are another of the Birk original styles with the same contoured cork footbed that molds to the shape of your foot over time. Unlike the Arizonas and the Madrids, these are more of a flip-flop style sandal, featuring a resin toe piece and an adjustable strap with buckle closure on the instep.

“I was concerned that I wouldn’t like the look of Birkenstocks, but I love this pair! I wear them every day for long walks with my dog in the city. I wear it with anything — from leggings to casual dresses. More importantly, they have helped alleviate the pain in the balls of my feet and second toes. I’m a believer of Birks now!” a Nordstrom reviewer wrote.

Why they stand out: Classic style, all of the Birk features.
What could be improved: The resin toe piece can be a little bit uncomfortable for some wearers, especially those not used to flip-flops.

Like the few pairs above, if you like the Gizehs but want a bit more variety in terms of color or are not 100% sold on the style and simply want to test it out first, these are a safe alternative. “[They] are very comfortable and feel great the moment you put your foot into them. I saw a comparison review that showed the Birks have a thinner strap, so I was a little hesitant about whether I would like the thicker Cushionaire pair with my small foot size. So far, these are my new favorite sandals and will be worn daily,” wrote Amazon reviewer Jennagirl09.

• Why they stand out: Crafted with 100% genuine suede insoles; has a flexible cork footbed for comfort.
• What could be improved: Some shoppers note that the interior lining can cause skin irritations.

In the same flip-floppy vein, Birkenstock also has the Mayari, which features a double cross design that can fit one big toe and another band on the upper that comes with an adjustable metal buckle.

“My first pair of Birkenstocks, and I love them. Comfortable and formed to fit every curve in my foot. I have plantar fasciitis, so it really helps with relief. The sandal is stylish, and the straps are adjustable,” a Nordstrom reviewer wrote.

Why they stand out: Cork footbed that mimics the shape of the foot for excellent support, combined with a cushy EVA sole for ultimate comfort.
What could be improved: Some users report the straps need a little bit of extra TLC.

If you like the looks of the Mayari and want something similar for half the price, this option from Amazon might just be it. They have a similar design but add a bit of an unexpected edge, so you'll be sure to stand out in the crowd.

"I am glad I chose these!!!! I opened the box, tried them on, and have not taken them off. I love them," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "From the moment I put them on, they were comfortable. I have high arches, and my feet hurt all the time. I cannot go barefoot without foot pain. Ordered these on a whim and boy am I sure happy I did. I love the way they look, too!" another one added.

Why they stand out: Adjustable straps, extra supportive cork footbed, sweat-resistant.
What could be improved: While some reviewers find them true to size, others think they run a bit narrow.

Another twist on the flip-flop design is this fun braided alternative from Cushionaire, which almost sits between the Gizehs and the Mayaris. They are made with a premium traction EVA outsole, a 100% genuine suede outsole, and a faux leather upper.

“If you are looking for comfort and style, these are the sandals for you,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Great arch support, cushioning at the sole, and the wide width offers a bit more toe room. I will not buy any other sandal. You can wear these all day and your feet and back won’t ache. The upper part of the sandal is also very soft and won’t rub against your foot if you adjust them to the proper setting.”

Why they stand out: Multiple colors, unique design, lightweight, and comfortable.
What could be improved: While some reviewers find them true to size, others think they run a bit small.

Another braided design is this Lizzy Cork Footbed Sandal, which also features adjustable straps and arch support. “Literally the best sandals! I struggle to find sandals with wide widths available and enough arch support, and these are amazing! I wore them all day and my feet felt great! The best part is how cute and stylish they are! Highly recommend for anyone that has flat wide feet like me!!” one Amazon reviewer wrote.

• Why they stand out: Genuine suede insoles, long-lasting EVA outsole, comfortable, and lightweight.
• What could be improved: Some reviewers find them true to size, while others say they run small.

When it comes to Birkenstocks, there's nothing quite as iconic as the Boston clog. They are classic and versatile and work literally for every season, from summer to winter. These Bostons feature a layer of cushy foam on top of the contoured cork footbed, making them extra supportive and comfortable.

“The suede Boston with the ‘soft’ footbed provides terrific support and comfort after 20 or 30 hours of wearing, so that the cork footbed can conform to your feet and your feet adjust to the aggressive arch support,” a Nordstrom reviewer writes. “After 40 or 50 hours of active wearing, that snug fit relaxes noticeably. The soft footbed IS softer than the traditional Birkenstock footbed, but it is still MUCH firmer than most people are used to. If you wear your Bostons three or four days a week, that firmness becomes your new normal, and other footwear will feel mushy and unsupportive. After you and your Bostons have adjusted to each other, you can wear them 12 hours a day, and your feet, ankles, and knees will still feel fine.”

• Why they stand out: They come in a variety of colors and finishes, and are extra comfortable.
• What could be improved: Leather versions may cause some friction initially.

If you are not quite sure and want to test run the style before committing, these Hana clogs are truly an excellent alternative to the Boston Birks. They’re made from 100% genuine suede, have a vegan upper, and feature a high-quality EVA outsole with excellent traction. The best part? You can choose from several different colors, including ivory, tan, and sand wool. “These shoes are super comfortable. They did take a bit of time for me to get comfortable with wearing them as my foot was sliding out with every step, resulting in shin pain, but I realized that tightening the straps on my foot definitely helped with that pain,” wrote Faith, an Amazon reviewer. “Once I broke them in, I wore these shoes religiously. I will say that the stone color is beautiful, but it does scuff quite easily. I probably wore them every day for a month and a half before realizing that the scuffing was too much and no longer looked good.”

• Why they stand out: Crafted from 100% genuine suede insoles; has premium traction EVA outsole for comfort and grip.
• What could be improved: Some shoppers have noted that the sizing and durability are not ideal.

If you are a big platform person and want to join the clogs trend, these might be your safest choice. They feature a similar slip-on design but pack a punch on the sole, which is made from non-slip rubber. To balance the chunkiness, they also have high-density memory foam padding.

“I am so impressed with my Project Cloud Clog shoes! From the moment I slipped them on, it felt like walking on pillows,” Amazon reviewer C Morgan wrote. “The cushioning is next-level, and they provide amazing support for long days on my feet. Super lightweight yet durable, with a sleek, minimal design that pairs well with everything — from casual outfits to comfy workwear. Plus, the slip-on style makes them perfect for on-the-go days. These clogs are a total game-changer for comfort and style. Highly recommend to anyone who values foot-friendly fashion!”

• Why they stand out: Chunkier alternative with extra padding.
• What could be improved: Some shoppers note that the shoes can be heavier than expected due to the thick soles.