If you live in your Birkenstock sandals, you already know the magic of a perfectly contoured footbed. The brand has mastered the art of creating shoes that are both incredibly comfortable and effortlessly stylish, making them a staple for anyone who values supportive, well-made footwear.
But if you're looking to branch out and find other pairs that offer that same blend of comfort and laid-back style, you're in luck. Whether you need something sportier, a little dressier, or just a different take on the ergonomic sandal, there are plenty of amazing brands to explore. Here are 18 brands like Birkenstock that your feet will thank you for.
For the adventurer, Teva is the go-to alternative. While Birkenstock is perfect for casual strolls, Teva sandals are built for action with their rugged, water-friendly designs and distinctive strapped-in security. They share a commitment to comfort and a laid-back vibe but lean into a more sporty and technical aesthetic.
If you love the support of your Birkenstocks but need a pair that can handle a hike, a festival, or a day at the beach, Teva is your answer. Their iconic Universal sandal is a great place to start for functional, all-day comfort with an outdoorsy edge.
Shop now at teva.com
Much like Teva, Chaco is a top contender in the performance sandal category. What sets Chaco apart is its signature Z-strap system that wraps around your foot for a fully custom fit, along with an intensely supportive LUVSEAT™ footbed that's certified by podiatrists. Chacos are all about durability and stability, making them a favorite for hikers and river guides.
Compared to Birkenstock's use of cork and leather, Chaco focuses on technical, long-lasting materials ready for any terrain. If you need serious arch support for an active lifestyle, these sandals deliver without question.
Shop now at chaco.com
If you want the orthopedic comfort of Birkenstock with a slightly more delicate or refined look, meet Naot. This Israeli brand uses a similar cork and latex footbed that molds to your foot over time, delivering incredible arch support. The key difference lies in the aesthetics, Naot's designs often feature more feminine straps, unique colorways, and embellishments.
Think of Naot as Birkenstock's dressier cousin. They’re perfect for those situations where you need to be on your feet all day but want a sandal that looks a little more polished and put-together for the office or a dinner out.
Shop now at naot.com
Vionic marries science and style, with every pair designed by podiatrists to provide exceptional arch support and stability. The brand’s Three-Zone Comfort technology is built into every shoe discreetly, so you get podiatrist-designed support hidden inside sleek, modern designs.
While Birkenstock has a more earthy, bohemian vibe, Vionic’s aesthetic is often more streamlined and contemporary. If you struggle with foot pain or just want to prioritize your foot health without compromising on style, Vionic offers a wide array of sandals, from simple slides to chic wedges.
Shop now at vionicshoes.com
Often considered the premier European comfort brand, Mephisto is a fantastic upscale alternative to Birkenstock. The French brand is renowned for its Soft-Air Technology, which reduces shock from walking and relieves pressure on joints. Many of their sandals feature cork footbeds and high-quality leathers, much like their German counterpart.
Mephisto positions itself as a luxury comfort shoe, so expect a higher price point. However, devotees swear by their durability and cloud-like comfort, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who prioritizes happy feet.
Shop now at mephisto.com
A true titan of comfortable footwear, Clarks is a reliable choice for quality and support. The British brand has been mastering shoemaking for nearly 200 years, specializing in styles that are timeless, practical, and incredibly wearable. Their sandals often feature cushioned footbeds and thoughtful design details that provide comfort from the first step.
Compared to Birkenstock's distinct European look, Clarks offers a more classic, somewhat British-heritage aesthetic. If you're looking for supportive sandals that fly under the radar with a more refined and understated style, Clarks is a safe and stylish bet.
Shop now at clarksusa.com
Söfft proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. This brand focuses on creating fashionable shoes - including wedges, flats, and sandals - with beautiful materials and supportive, cushioned footbeds. They're designed for women who want footwear that can keep up with a busy day and transition seamlessly into the evening.
While Birkenstock nails the casual-cool vibe, Söfft's sandals often have a more feminine and trendy touch, featuring details like metallic leathers, interesting textures, or block heels. They are a great choice when you need comfort for an event or a workday.
Shop now at softtshoes.com
Known for its ultra-cozy wool clogs and slippers, Haflinger also brings its comfort expertise to a line of sandals. Sharing Birkenstock's German roots and commitment to anatomical design, Haflinger sandals often feature cork-latex footbeds with gentle arch support and natural, breathable materials.
The brand's aesthetic is distinctly rustic and earthy, in a very charming way. If you love the natural feel of your Birkenstocks and are drawn to sustainable materials like wool felt and vegetable-tanned leathers, Haflinger is a brand you'll feel great about wearing.
Shop now at haflinger.com
Ecco takes a Scandinavian design approach to footwear: minimalist, functional, and exceptionally well-made. The Danish brand owns its own tanneries and factories, giving them total control over quality. Their sandals are known for being lightweight yet durable, using innovative direct-injection technology to fuse the soles to the uppers for a flexible, cushioned fit.
Ecco’s style is more modern and sleek than Birkenstock’s classic look. They offer everything from performance walking sandals to polished leather slides, all with that signature anatomical comfort that feels amazing for long days of walking.
Shop now at us.ecco.com
Originally born out of the 1970s wellness movement, Earth (formerly Earthies) is centered around creating stylish shoes with serious comfort. Their signature is a contoured footbed with enhanced arch support designed to make you feel good. The brand’s vibe is contemporary and chic, hitting that sweet spot between a true comfort shoe and a fashionable one.
If you love the grounded feeling of a Birkenstock but are looking for designs that feel a little more modern or trendy for the office or a casual weekend, Earth has a fantastic selection of sandals, wedges, and clogs worth exploring.
Shop now at earthshoes.com
Bringing the spirit of Aloha to your feet, OLUKAI creates premium sandals and shoes inspired by Hawaiian culture. Every pair features an anatomical footbed designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot in wet sand, providing both instant comfort and lasting support. The brand is known for its high-quality materials and relaxed, water-friendly style.
OLUKAI offers a more refined, island-inspired take on the comfortable sandal compared to Birkenstock’s European aesthetic. If you're looking for well-crafted leather flip-flops or slides that provide excellent arch support, look no further.
Shop now at olukai.com
Keen created its own category with the Newport sandal, a hybrid shoe known for its signature protective toe bumper. This brand builds footwear for an active outdoor life, blending the open-air feel of a sandal with the ruggedness of a hiking shoe. They prioritize a generous, comfortable fit and durable construction.
While Birkenstock is for the town and the trail, Keen is squarely for the trail and the water. It’s the perfect pick if your version of a casual day involves more challenging terrain but you still crave that all-day supportive comfort.
Shop now at keenfootwear.com
For those who love comfort but walk on the quirkier side of fashion, the answer is the Spanish brand Camper. They are masters of creating footwear that is both ergonomic and playfully creative. Their designs often feature unique silhouettes, bold colors, and an artistic flair that sets them apart from the crowd.
Camper shares Birkenstock's European design heritage and focus on quality but injects a lot more whimsy and avant-garde style into its collections. If you find traditional comfort sandals a little too tame, Camper’s imaginative designs are a perfect way to express your personality.
Shop now at camper.com
A giant in the world of outdoor footwear, Merrell is trusted by hikers and trail enthusiasts for its supportive, performance-driven shoes. While they're best known for hiking boots, their sandal lineup brings that same dedication to long-lasting comfort and support. Expect grippy outsoles, cushioned midsoles, and durable straps.
Think of Merrell as a highly athletic relative of Birkenstock. If your ideal weekend requires footwear that can confidently transition from a city street to a rocky path, Merrell provides the functionality and support you need.
Shop now at merrell.com
For the ethically minded shopper, Sandal & Co. is a brand worth knowing. It specializes in minimalist, handcrafted sandals that spotlight sustainable practices and natural materials. The focus here is on artisanal quality and eco-friendly craftsmanship, creating timeless styles that are kinder to the planet.
Like Birkenstock, Sandal & Co. leans into a natural and pared-back aesthetic, celebrating the beauty of simple designs and leather materials. This brand appeals to anyone who values both comfort and conscious consumerism.
Shop now at sandalco.com
VivoBarefoot offers a fascinating counterpoint to Birkenstock's structured support. Instead of a thick, contoured footbed, VivoBarefoot sandals feature an ultra-thin, flexible, and wide sole designed to let your feet move as nature intended. The goal is to mimic the barefoot experience while still offering protection.
While the approach is different - minimalist feel vs. maximalist support - both brands are ultimately focused on promoting good foot health. If you are curious about the barefoot movement and want to strengthen your feet naturally, VivoBarefoot is an innovative brand to try.
Shop now at vivobarefoot.com
You may know Mizuno for their high-performance running shoes, but they also apply that biomechanical expertise to recovery sandals and slides. Designed to be worn after a workout or on a rest day, these slide sandals are engineered to soothe tired feet with exceptional cushioning and a supportive, structured footbed.
While Birkenstocks are an all-day lifestyle sandal, Mizuno's sandals are more specifically designed for athletic recovery and supreme comfort around the house. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone who leads an active life and needs supportive footwear for their downtime.
Shop now at mizunousa.com
Aquatalia brings luxury Italian craftsmanship to the world of practical, comfortable footwear. The brand is famous for pioneering weatherproof and stain-resistant technologies, so you can wear its beautiful suede and leather shoes without worrying about the elements. Their sandals feature chic designs combined with cushioned insoles for all-day wearability.
This is your go-to brand if you need polished, sophisticated sandals that can handle a surprise summer shower. Compared to Birkenstock’s casual vibe, Aquatalia is significantly more upscale and fashion-forward - a true fusion of style, comfort, and function.
Shop now at aquatalia.com
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