The Best Birkenstock Alternatives, Tested by Style Editors

ProsSleek round toe designDeep heel cup keeps foot feeling secureEasy to clean with a quick rinseWater-resistantConsLower arch support than other optionsOf all the Birkenstock alternatives I’ve tested, Crocs’ clog is probably the pair I’ve reached for the most. Crocs went from shoes that nurses wore around the hospital to gracing the runway at fashion week, thanks in part to major design houses like Balenciaga for putting their own spin on the chunky footwear. This leveled-up version has a rounded toe that’s sleeker than your standard foam clog. I’m always apprehensive about walking around for hours in shoes with my heel out in the back, but the deep heel cup keeps my foot feeling secure.It’s made from EVA, a smooth, rubber-like material that’s incredibly easy to maintain, too. I can get them wet without worrying about them becoming waterlogged or heavy underfoot. And if they catch any minor scuffs, I can wipe them away with a quick rinse. The arch is lower than what you’ll find on the Hoka and Oofos slides I tested, but there’s still enough cushioning to keep my feet comfortable throughout the day. Just keep in mind that they run big, so I’d size down if you’re between sizes.UpperEthylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)OutsoleEthylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)ProsWoven upper offers breathabilityNo real break-in periodEasy to dress up with pants or shortsGreat for brunch or dinnerConsLeather can absorb water and pick up stains (be choosey about what days to wear it)Fisherman sandals have gone from something your dad might have worn on vacation to one of the coolest sandal styles around. Quince’s version makes a pretty convincing case for adding one to your rotation. The woven upper offers a series of leather straps that cross over one another, creating a cage-like design that covers most of the foot while leaving openings for airflow. Think of them as the middle ground between a sandal and a casual shoe—that combination makes it a lot easier to dress up than your average summer sandal. I’ve been pairing mine with wide-leg pants and tailored shorts, but they also work with something as simple as jeans and a tee.Despite the structured build, it didn’t take any time for me to break them in. Plus, the adjustable buckle lets me tighten and loosen whenever I see fit. They’re also a nice option when you want the breathability of a sandal without having your toes exposed. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that they’re not the pair I’d grab for the beach or a rainy day; the calf leather material needs a little more care than your typical rubber sandal. Leather can absorb water and pick up stains, while the open weave leaves plenty of room for sand and moisture to sneak inside. I’d save these for brunch or dinner rather than the beach or a rainy day.Upper100% American calf leatherOutsoleVegetable-tanned leatherAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsComes with soft, plush footbed with memory-foam cushioning Sole makes it feel light on your feetWhale-tail buckles give these a dressy vibeConsHave to baby the suede materialIf you like the aesthetic of a Birkenstock, but want something that feels a little sharper, G.H. Bass offers a solid alternative. The brand’s version has the same familiar double-strap setup as the Arizona, but instead of the usual cork footbed, you get a soft suede footbed with memory-foam cushioning underneath. I noticed the difference immediately: it feels plusher and more supportive than I expected. The padded leather straps are finished with G.H. Bass’ signature whale-tail buckles, which give the sandal a dressier look than your standard Birkenstock.I’ve worn this style with linen pants and a camp-collar shirt for a resort dinner in Turks. The EVA sole also keeps the sandal feeling light on my feet. Where my Birkenstocks have that firm, almost hard-underfoot feel with every step, these feel softer and a little more forgiving when I’m walking around. I really appreciated that while exploring the island, when I was on my feet most of the day.ProsEspecially great for quick errands or airport dashesPerfect for wider feetCrepe rubber outsole gives comfy, squishy feel underfootConsNot for all-day walkingMules have become one of my favorite ways to get the ease of a sandal without completely exposing my feet, which is why I love Luca’s offering. The slip-on design makes them ridiculously easy to get in and out of, especially when I’m going through the TSA checkpoint. Since they feel much more put-together than your typical poolside slides, I’ve worn mine with chinos and a polo for a cool, preppy office look. The upper is made from Italian full-grain leather, which gives a richer aesthetic, and the crepe rubber outsole has a springy, slightly squishy feel underfoot.There’s also a supportive cork footbed that gives you that familiar Birkenstock-like construction. They aren’t my first choice for an all-day walking shoe because the footbed feels a little firmer than I’d prefer after several hours on my feet. But for slipping them on for work around the house or heading out to a casual dinner, they’re a great choice. I wear a size 8 and have a relatively narrow foot, and I found these had plenty of room through the forefoot, so I’d especially recommend them if you have wider feet.UpperFull grain leatherOutsoleCrepe rubberAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPairs nicely with shorts or linen pantsSuede upper separates it from traditional slideGeometric cutouts give striking resemblance to Hermes popular slide (at a cheaper price)ConsNot the best option for long sightseeing toursSteve Madden takes this classic slide in a more interesting direction with the Maiven. The geometric cutouts across the upper give these a striking resemblance to the Hermes slides, so much so that you’d barely be able to tell the difference. You’re basically getting that same luxury-style vacation energy without the designer price tag. I’ve worn them with shorts and a tank top as well as a full linen monochromatic set. The instep strap that crosses the middle of the foot keeps it locked in place.I’m usually skeptical of completely flat sandals for anything beyond a quick trip out, but these have enough flexibility underfoot that I don’t immediately feel like I’m walking on a slab. I’d think of these more as an everyday lifestyle sandal than something I’d wear for hours of sightseeing, but they’re more than comfortable enough for a weekend brunch or shopping trip. What really sells them for me is the shape: They have the simplicity of a traditional slide, but the suede upper stands out from similarly priced shoes.UpperLeather OutsoleSyntheticProsPerfect to pair with neutral-heavy wardrobeGrippy textured bottomCan be dressed up or downConsMust be careful with suede materialSometimes the simplest sandal is the one that makes the biggest impact. Take Mr. Porter’s suede slides with a minimal, two-strap setup. They have a rounded toe and a low rubber sole that sits close to the ground. The gray suede gives it a dressier vibe. I’ve found it easy to pair with just about anything in my neutral-heavy wardrobe, from shorts and a tee to linen trousers. The flat rubber sole has a textured, grippy bottom that gives you some traction on these New York City streets.The suede material does require a little more TLC than leather or rubber, though. I wouldn’t wear these through puddles or to the beach because water can stain suede, and dirt is much harder to simply wipe away. They’re also one of the pricier options in this lineup, but for good reason. The pared-back design and neutral color make them wearable for years rather than a trend you’ll replace next summer.UpperLeather (suede)OutsoleRubberAs the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.