There's a reason so many of us have a pair of Birkenstock sandals in our closet. They nailed the magic formula of a supportive cork footbed that molds to your feet, paired with a simple, timeless style that just works.
But when you're looking to branch out, there are tons of other amazing brands offering that same blend of all-day comfort and effortless style. Whether you need something for outdoor adventures, a dressier alternative, or just a new go-to for daily wear, here are 18 sandal brands just like Birkenstock to check out.
Think of Teva as Birkenstock's sportier, more adventurous cousin. Known for their iconic velcro straps and rugged soles, these sandals are built for everything from city-strolling to light hikes. They have a more utilitarian, Gen-Z-friendly vibe and come in a huge range of fun colors and patterns.
Instead of cork, Teva uses cushioned EVA soles that offer immediate comfort. If you love Birkenstock for its durability but want something you can take to the beach or on a trail, Teva is your answer. They deliver that same all-day wearability but with an outdoorsy twist.
Shop now at teva.com
If intense arch support is your main priority, Chaco is a brand you need to know. Famous for their unique single-strap system that wraps around your foot for a totally custom fit, Chacos are a favorite among hikers and camp counselors for a reason. Their podiatrist-designed LUVSEAT footbed provides serious support you can feel instantly.
Compared to Birkenstock's passive support that molds over time, Chaco's feel is much more active and pronounced. Aesthetically, they are undeniably more technical and sporty, but they deliver on the promise of keeping your feet happy during high-activity days.
Shop now at chacos.com
Keen is best known for its iconic Newport sandal - a hybrid design featuring the brand's signature protective rubber toe cap. This makes them perfect for anyone who wants an open, airy sandal but with extra protection for rocky trails, kayaking, or clumsy moments. The brand prioritizes function and durability for an active, outdoor lifestyle.
While Birkenstock provides gentle, classic comfort, Keen offers a more rugged, utilitarian kind of support with grippy soles and secure bungee lacing. If your idea of a perfect day involves a trail or a river, you'll feel right at home in a pair of Keens.
Shop now at keenfootwear.com
Hailing from Israel, Naot is your perfect match if you want Birkenstock's magical custom-molding footbed but with a more polished or feminine twist. They use a similar blend of cork and latex that adapts to your foot shape but incorporate it into styles with more delicate straps, interesting textures, and even wedge heels.
Where Birkenstock leans minimalist and unisex, Naot often feels a little more refined and ready for a summer patio dinner. It's the ideal choice for someone who needs serious orthopedic support but doesn't want to sacrifice style to get it.
Shop now at naot.com
If you struggle with common foot issues like plantar fasciitis, Vionic should absolutely be on your radar. Every pair is designed by podiatrists, featuring deep heel cups, impressive arch support, and orthotic technology built right in. They offer a ton of different styles, from simple slides to strappy espadrilles.
While both brands are comfort powerhouses, Vionic's support is often more corrective and immediate compared to a Birkenstock you have to break in. They disguise their serious orthopedic benefits in fashionable designs, making them a secret weapon for stylish, pain-free walking.
Shop now at vionicshoes.com
A classic for a reason, Clarks is a master of blending timeless style with reliable comfort. Their sandals often feature soft Ortholite footbeds that provide great cushioning from the very first wear. The aesthetic is more traditional and polished than Birkenstock, making them a fantastic choice for work or smarter casual occasions.
If you find Birkenstocks to be a bit too casual but still crave comfort you can count on, Clarks is a perfect middle ground. They offer a more refined, put-together look without making you sacrifice support for style, often using high-quality leathers and suedes.
Shop now at clarksusa.com
Known primarily for their iconic wool clogs, Haflinger also makes wonderful cork-footbed sandals that will appeal directly to Birkenstock lovers. Their ethos is centered on natural, breathable materials like wool felt, cork, and leather, giving their footwear a wonderfully earthy and cozy vibe.
Their sandals share that same anatomical support as a Birkenstock but often feel a touch more relaxed and homespun. If you appreciate eco-friendly materials and have a slightly more boho or granola style, Haflinger's comfortable creations are worth exploring.
Shop now at haflinger.com
As the name suggests, Sofft is dedicated to creating unbelievably comfortable footwear. They use soft leathers, cushioned footbeds, and lightweight soles in fashion-forward designs that don't scream "comfort shoes." You can find everything from sleek slides to trendy platform sandals and elegant espadrilles.
Sofft provides a similar level of consideration for foot comfort as Birkenstock but packages it in much more trend-driven styles. If you love the idea of supportive footwear but want designs that feel a bit more modern and stylish, Sofft is a great brand to check out.
Shop now at sofft.com
For those looking for comfortable, supportive sandals without the higher price tag, Earth Origins is a fantastic option. The brand mission is all about creating accessible, everyday footwear with cushioned insoles and supportive designs. The styles are generally casual, practical, and easy to wear.
While they don't feature the molding cork footbed that makes Birkenstocks so unique, Earth Origins delivers solid, reliable comfort at a much more budget-friendly price point. They are an amazing choice for a simple, no-fuss daily sandal.
Shop now at earthbrand.com
Danish brand ECCO brings a clean, Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic to the world of comfort footwear. They use their own innovative technology to create incredibly lightweight and flexible soles, often paired with premium leathers for a polished look. Their sandals are sleek, modern, and built to last.
ECCO provides a more athletic-luxe alternative to Birkenstock's laid-back style. If your style is less bohemian and more streamlined, ECCO offers anatomical comfort in a package that looks sophisticated enough for travel and city life.
Shop now at ecco.com
Often considered the luxury European alternative to Birkenstock, Mephisto takes comfort and craftsmanship to the next level. Handcrafted with high-end materials, their sandals feature supportive cork footbeds plus an integrated shock-absorbing system in the heel, making them exceptionally gentle on your joints for long walks.
Mephisto shoes come with a premium price tag, but it's backed by incredible quality and durability. For those who are ready to invest in top-tier orthopedic support without compromising on materials, Mephisto is the ultimate upgrade.
Shop now at mephisto.com
If you find Birkenstocks a bit too boring, Fly London is here to shake things up. This UK brand is known for its quirky, fashion-forward designs that feature chunky wedge soles, bold colors, and unique details. They design for people who aren't afraid to make a statement with their footwear.
Believe it or not, comfort is at the core of their edgy and unconventional styling. You'll find supportive footbeds and soft leathers in their sandals, giving you Birkenstock-level walkability but with a dose of rebellious, architectural flair.
Shop now at flylondon.com
Aetrex is another brand that puts foot health at the absolute forefront of its design process. Their sandals feature significant built-in arch support to help with body alignment, plus memory foam cushioning and adjustable straps for a secure, comfortable fit. The styles often prioritize function but come in plenty of cute daily options.
Compared to Birkenstock, think of Aetrex as a more tech-forward ortho-comfort brand. They are a go-to for many who require targeted support for alignment and comfort throughout the day in their feet, knees, and back.
Shop now at aetrex.com
Known for their buttery-soft leathers and handcrafted construction, Born sandals feel like a dream straight out of the box. They offer plenty of cushioning and a laid-back, artisanal style that's a bit more versatile than Birkenstock's signature look.
While both brands prize comfortable materials, Born emphasizes immediate softness and a more polished, versatile aesthetic. Their designs can easily be dressed up or down, making them a fantastic and unbelievably comfortable option for everyday wear during the warmer months.
Shop now at bornshoes.com
Spanish brand Camper offers a fresh, playful take on footwear. They're known for their unexpected shapes, creative use of color, and innovative designs that blend comfort with a distinct, contemporary vibe. Their shoes are for people who see footwear as a form of self-expression.
While Birkenstock is rooted in traditional, ergonomic design, Camper explores the more artistic side of comfort. A lot of models still prioritize good ergonomics, but with a unique, fashion-forward sensibility you won’t find anywhere else.
Shop now at camper.com
Inspired by Hawaiian culture, Olukai creates premium sandals built for a surf-and-sand lifestyle. They offer anatomical footbeds that provide excellent support, just like Birkenstocks, but with a beachier, laid-back-luxe vibe. Many styles are water-resistant and feature non-slip soles.
Olukai captures that effortless, barefoot-in-the-sand feeling but packages it with the support you need for "dry land" adventures. If you love flip-flops but hate how they make your feet feel, Olukai's supportive designs are game-changing.
Shop now at olukai.com
Best known for its rugged winter boots, Sorel brings the same dedication to functionality and style to its sandal collections. Expect to see sneaker-inspired chunky foam soles, durable straps, and edgy designs that offer incredible comfort and swagger.
Sorel sandals have a much more urban, utilitarian feel than Birkenstocks. The comfort comes from their puffy straps and thick, cushioned soles rather than a molded footbed, appealing to those who love the "athleisure" trend and want shoes that can handle a full day of pounding the pavement.
Shop now at sorel.com
For something completely different, there's VivoBarefoot. This brand champions "barefoot" technology, which means their shoes are built with ultra-thin, flexible soles and wide toe boxes to let your foot move as naturally as possible. This is the flip side of Birkenstock's 'support' philosophy - this is all about strengthening your own feet.
Instead of a structured arch, the idea is to feel the ground and engage your foot muscles. For those interested in minimalism and a natural feel who still want a stylishly designed sandal, VivoBarefoot provides an intriguing and well-crafted option.
Shop now at vivobarefoot.com
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