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In the era of comfort fashion, Birkenstock sandals are everywhere, namely the ‘Arizona’ style that has been at the fore of the enduring “dad sandal” trend for some time now. But the brand is “Not Good Enough”, so we hunted down Birkenstock alternatives you’ll love even more.
Why you’re best steering clear of Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are the chunky German sandals that were once considered a fashion faux-pas. Yet they’ve defied the odds and bounced back from a hippy staple to become iconic warm-weather shoes. In 2026, Birkenstock is going from strength to strength, having been propelled into mainstream popularity by social media, celebrity endorsements, an appearance in the 2023 Barbie movie, and high fashion collaborations with the likes of Rick Owens and Valentino. This year, Birkenstock branched out into making nail polish, launched a bridal collection in collaboration with Danielle Frankel, another with Kith, and most recently one with French shoe brand Repetto.
But while Birkenstock’s stardom rises, the brand’s sustainability record isn’t as stellar. Sorry to burst your Birkenstock bubble, but the brand is “Not Good Enough” across the board for people, the planet, and animals.
In our last rating review, we discovered that the lack of lower-impact materials, living wages, or animal welfare regulations put a damper on the whole outlook for this now iconic sandal brand.
Being fans of the look ourselves, we went on the hunt for more sustainable and ethical brands making sandals like Birkenstocks that match our outfits and our morals—and we weren’t disappointed. This style of shoe has been around in Germany for hundreds of years, having been designed to support and contour the foot, rather than relying on a flat insole. The brands in this list have taken the popular style into their own hands and created conscious alternatives to Birkenstock sandals that deserve a place on your tootsies.
As ever, don’t take this as a sign to toss your existing Birks: the most sustainable fashion is what’s already in your closet, so use those sandals until they’re falling apart at the seams, look out for second-hand options, and only shop new if you need to.
