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There’s no denying that Birkenstock has staying power — and there’s no surprise there, given that the best Birkenstock sandals are incredibly comfortable.
With a tradition dating back to the 1700s, the Germany-based shoe maker has garnered many repeat customers, winning over fans both young and old with its comfy wares. What’s more, the label was recognized in both 2013 and 2017 with FN’s prestigious Brand of the Year honor. And Birkenstock has even captured the enthusiasm of celebrities aplenty, with fans including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Kaia Gerber and Tracee Ellis Ross, to name a few.
For Birkenstock fans wondering why the shoes are so comfortable, it may have something to do with the brand’s unique footbeds. Birkenstock footbeds are designed to imitate a natural footprint in the sand, allowing the wearer to feel comfy for hours on end.
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In addition to being both comfortable and breathable, the best Birkenstock sandals have a classic look that never really goes out of style. (Of course, as an added bonus, the brand is also having a bit of a moment amidst today’s “ugly” shoe trend.)
While the label is best-known for its sandals, it offers a wide variety of men’s, women’s and children’s options, including sandals, clogs, boots and sneakers.
What’s more, Birkenstock is also a great buy for individuals looking for eco-conscious footwear. The company has long placed an emphasis on sustainability, using natural products such as cork, copper, brass and leather in its styles. Cork, in particular, is used in many of the label’s silhouettes, including in the soles of many of its sandals. The eco-friendly product has high elasticity, superior cushioning and excellent heat and sound insulation.
In addition to using sustainable materials, Birkenstock was one of the first shoe manufacturers to reduce its carbon output through the use of water-soluble and solvent-free adhesives in its production processes.
Another benefit to shopping the best Birkenstock sandals? The label’s shoes are relatively affordable. At full price, the brand’s adult footwear ranges from $40 to $230, with most options selling in the $100 range — a far more accessible price point than what many other celebrity-loved styles cost.
If you’re considering adding a new pair of Birkenstock shoes to your wardrobe, look no further. We’ve rounded up a of the best Birkenstock sandals for men and women, all based on customer reviews from popular e-tailer Zappos.
Read on to discover them all.
Birkenstock Arizona
Based on over 600 reviews, nearly 90% of customers gave this style a five-star rating on Zappos.com . By far the brand’s most iconic sandal silhouette, the Arizona features two top straps with buckle closures for a secure fit. In addition, it boasts a contoured footbed and a roomy toe box to promote better posture and foot alignment, as well as a deep heel cup that cradles the heel and keeps natural cushioning right under the heel bone.
Offered for both men and women, the Arizona can be styled in a wide variety of ways — for instance, with a chic summer dress or with shorts and a T-shirt — and work just as well in a casual work environment as for outdoor activities.
What reviewers say: “These Birkenstocks are very comfortable and have a classic style. I can even walk two miles to work everyday in them without feeling discomfort.”
To Buy: Unisex Arizona Birko-Flor, $100.
Birkenstock Gizeh
With over 530 five-star ratings on Zappos.com, the Gizeh is among the best Birkenstock sandals that you can shop right now. The shoe boasts a classic — and trendy — thong silhouette with an adjustable buckle at the instep, along with Birkenstock’s signature cork sole. The Gizeh is offered in both oiled leather as well as a vegan Birko-Flor option.
What reviewers say: “This is my second pair of Gizehs and they are just as comfortable and as cute as my first pair. After wearing them for a couple days, your feet should automatically slide right into position when you put them on and they will bend naturally to conform to your gait. They’re much more supportive than most sandals and flip flops!”
To Buy: Women’s Gizeh Oiled Leather, $125.
To Buy: Unisex Gizeh Birko-Flor, $100.
Birkenstock Mayari
With a trendy thong-toe silhouette and thin double straps, the Mayari is a favorite for anyone traveling to locales ranging from theme parks to European cities — and one of the best Birkenstock sandals offered in women’s sizing only. Similar to many of Birkenstock’s best sandals, the Mayari has a raised toe bar, extra room at the toes and a contoured footbed, along with Birkenstock’s recognizable cork sole. Shoppers say the style is comfortable to wear for an extended period of time and offers sufficient support, even for those with plantar fasciitis. In addition, the shoes come in both leather and vegan fabrications, both selling at the same $100 price point.
What reviewers say: “This is actually the best Birkenstock product I’ve owned. I wear it constantly around my house. Feels like heaven on the feet, even for Birkenstocks. Simply amazing.”
To Buy: Women’s Mayari, $100.
To Buy: Women’s Mayari Vegan, $100.
Birkenstock Florida
If you’re a fan of strappy slides, consider purchasing the Florida, a women’s style that comes in both leather and Birko-Flor vegan fabrications. The best Birkenstock sandals with three straps, the Florida shoes are ultra-comfy thanks to their contoured footbed, which is accompanied by extra toe room and a raised toe bar. In addition to being chic, the Florida has such great underfoot support that even individuals with plantar fasciitis have said that the shoe worked well for their needs.
What reviewers say: “Sometimes you’ll forget you have shoes on! Birkenstocks are really high comfort shoes. You’re doing yourself a favor by getting a pair!”
To Buy: Women’s Florida Leather, $135.
To Buy: Women’s Florida Birko-Flor, $110.
Birkenstock Soley by Papillio
For a height boost that’s still comfy, one of the Birkenstock best sandals to snag is the Soley by Papillio, an open-toe sandal with a wedge heel. Some wearers say the style pairs well with various summery outfits and can be dressed up or down, working just as well with a sundress as with a blouse and capri pants. While heels can often be uncomfortable for a full day of walking, shoppers say the Soley by Papillio offers lasting comfort — thanks to a contoured footbed that provides support and improved weight distribution, a deep heel cup to promote body alignment and a lightweight blended cork sole.
What reviewers say: “I love the way these look and feel. Very comfortable like all my Birkenstocks, just a little more dressy with the heel.”
To Buy: Women’s Soley by Papillio, $140.
Birkenstock Yara
If you’re searching for a comfortable wraparound summer sandal, allow us to introduce you to the Yara. The women’s style features adjustable foot and ankle straps, ensuring it will support you wherever you roam. Like many of Birkenstock’s signature shoes, the sandals earned a majority five-star reviews for their supportive cork soles, raised toe bar and deep heel cup. Available in a variety of chic leathers, the stylish twist on a summer sandal has become many Birkenstock fans’ go-to pair.
What reviewers say: “These shoes are so great! I bought it in both brown and black. I wear them everyday…easy to dress up or down. Definitely a spring and summer staple. They offer lots of support and are so comfortable, they make it feel almost like you’re not even wearing shoes!”
To Buy: Women’s Yara, $125.
Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle
For those who like a little extra details on their sandals, look no further than the Madrid Big Buckle. True to its’ name, the women’s slide features an oversized adjustable buckle for instant throwback style. Many customers say the model fits true to size and provides exceptional arch support, with added comfort from Birkenstock’s contoured footbeds. Also complete with a chic white leather upper and insole, the dressier style is perfect to wear from day to night.
What reviewers say: “I had to have them after spotting them on someone in a department store and falling instantly in love. I have a minimalist, classic kind of style and these are great! Very comfy – can’t wait to wear them this summer.”
To Buy: Women’s Madrid Big Buckle, $140.
Birkenstock Milano
An updated take on Birkenstock’s classic Arizona sandal, the Milano features a back strap that strongly secures the wearer’s feet. Boasting the brand’s signature buckle straps and a contoured foam footbed, they’re a key staple in any Birk lover’s wardrobe. Fans say the sandal even works as a winter shoe when layered with socks, and that its roominess ensures a true-to-size fit. Although mainly available as a men’s style, the Milano also comes in unisex sizes — ensuring that comfort is available to all.
What reviewers say: “My toes are not squished like in most shoes, the arch support feels comfortable and firm, and despite being leather they are not too hot even on the hottest of summer days. My feet are happy and that makes me happy.”
To Buy: Unisex Milano Leather Soft Footbed, $135.
Birkenstock Granada
For a modern and feminine version of Birkenstock’s signature dual buckle strap design, we recommend adding the Granada to your cart. The style’s straps feature angular cutouts and come in a variety of oiled leather colors, making them a fashionable addition to any ensemble. Birkenstock’s renowned footbed is lined in foam and suede for the Granada, aiming to create a sole that molds to the wearer’s unique foot shape. Of its over 500 five-star reviews, many shoppers say the style works with a variety of feet sizes, from narrow to wide — and combined with its versatile hues, is a summer shoe staple.
What reviewers say: “The soft footbed is an improvement on already pretty perfect shoed, I will be looking for more shoes with this style footbed. The design of these shoes are cute and not-clunky at all. I love Birkenstocks!”
To Buy: Women’s Granada Soft Footbed, $135.
Birkenstock Kyoto
Taking a cue from breezy Japanese style, the unisex Kyoto can easily be worn from the pool to an afternoon lounging at home. The slide is a revamped version of the brand’s Zürich style, featuring layered suede and nubuck leather straps with Velcro that secures wearers’ feet. One customer stated the “band is so comfortable and doesn’t pinch or restrict at all,” while others shared how they never worry about these slides slipping off. It’s also earned rave reviews by customers with slightly wider or different-sized feet, who say the slides’ adjustability also ensured comfort.
What reviewers say: “I’m new to Birkenstock, and this pair is by far the best shoe I’ve ever bought. I love everything about it. The width adjusts by Velcro in two different places and they are very secure on the foot. And the sizing on these is the best I’ve found yet.”
To Buy: Unisex Kyoto, $140.
