Birkenstock definitely needs no introduction, especially in recent times, after this German brand of sandals made an entry in the country. The reason for its centuries-old success and popularity? Unmatched comfort. That is what the luxe footwear label sells and the reason why it's a hit among any generation — old or young. While you can't put a price on their quality, these sandals, known for their signature footbeds and easy slip-on style, are pricey. So we thought, why not do a quick round up of Indian footwear brands that harbour similar aesthetics at more affordable price points. Thank us later, read or bookmark these Birkenstock look-alikes for style or comfort (whatever your preference), first.
Love Birkenstock? 7 Brands To Bookmark For Similar Easy-Breezy Sandals
Bucik
₹2599
Bucik maybe a men's footwear brand, but their sandals and floaters scream unisex to us. The textured cross strap sandals and one toe sandals are a fun take on the Birkenstock styles with the same comfort.
LBB Pick: The Navy Blue & Red Colourblocked Sliders
Pro Tip: This ones are also waterproof, albeit not as elegant as the Birkenstocks!
Neeman's
₹1299
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One of our top favourites for their sneakers, their slipper and sliders are now inching their way to top spot as well. I have tried and love the Eco Slides. Available in six colours, I found them so comfortable and light, the whole family got them as presents. For the record, they're very pleased too! Apart from being unisex, they're also sustainable, so really these work for more reasons than one. Plus, they can be worn indoors or outdoors. If you happen to not like them, the brand has a no-questions-asked 7-day return and refund policy. But you won't need to return them!
LBB Pick: The Eco Slides
Pro Tip: You can wash these with a mild detergent, but make sure to only air dry them.
SOLEPLAY By Westside
₹1096
OK then. This one from Westside genuinely looks like it was made to look like Birkenstock shoes! While the prices are much less than the OG, the comfort is fairly good. The cushioning isn't as soft though. But if you're looking to spend less, but get a similar look, get more colour options and perhaps you don't mind them being a tad less durable, go ahead and pick these up from SOLEPLAY, the in-house shoe brand.
LBB Pick: We're not even joking, but the specific pair we're talking about is even called Berkie Sandals.
Pro Tip: Ladies, the SOLEPLAY option is only for men, but you can pick up a version from Luna Blu here.
Shapecrunch
₹4800
Offering you all the support with their custom insoles with inbuilt footbeds, Shapecrunch's sandals are comfort level max. These can also be customised exactly according to the shape of the foot. Oh and the brand does a splendid iteration of Birkenstock's most popular style, the classic, two adjustable strap style - Arizona.
LBB Pick: The Arch Support Sandals
Pro Tip: They've even launched a special range for those with bunions. Feel the bunion pain? Shop here.
Crocs
₹2295
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While the Birkenstock sandals are more on the expensive side, we can get why you want a slightly cheaper but as durable option. We pick Crocs! With wide straps, padded footbeds and slides that are waterproof and washable, the whole collection of slides and sandals are a decent replacement to Birkenstocks. That said, they don't look as classy and perhaps you won't want to show up to work in them! A great option for a holiday or if you don't mind funky colours and prints, men, women and kids options are aplenty here.
LBB Pick: I've worn the Kadee sandals for about 10 years now (or a version of it) and it is still going strong. Not even a crack in the rubber. Pick them up here for women and pick the classic ones for men here.
Pro Tip: They have a sturdy all-terrain sandal for men and women which comes close to the Birkenstock Milano.
Skechers Foamies
₹2799
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Skechers Foamies are perfect for the monsoon, or if you live in tropical India, then all year round. Besides, walking on our streets really need shoes to be safe, waterproof and sturdy! So, pick the Skechers Foamies. We haven't yet tried these ones, but going by Skechers and their durability, we'd say it's a good buy in anyway.
LBB Pick: The Cali Breeze for the ladies and the Dual Strap EV ones come closest to the OG Birkenstock Arizonas.
Pro Tip: We read a few reviews and while these seem great for daily wear, don't extensively walk in them. The soles are a tad hard.
Carlton London
₹2699
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Whether it's the Gizeh, Arizona, Milano or Kairo, Carlton Milano seems to have done a fairly good job of making similar styles. They have options for men and women with T-straps, Velcro fastening to suit your foot shape and size, sling back options and double and single strap sandals too. They look like Birkenstocks, but come at prices ranging from INR 1,000. On sale, you can even get these at an easy INR 499!
LBB Pick: Colour-block slides or the slingbacks for the ladies, and slip-on sandals with buckle closure for the men.
Pro Tip: We found it easier to find the shoes on AJIO and Myntra than their own website!
If you like comfortable footwear, we know you will want to live in these slides and flip flops, all day, err day too!