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The 9 Best Birkenstock Sandals for Women According to PureWow Editors

Let’s get comfortable

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Abby Hepworth for PureWow

I have loved Birkenstock sandals since way before they were ever considered cool, thanks entirely to my mom. As memory serves, classic Birkenstock Arizonas were essentially the only sandal she ever wore throughout my childhood, often accompanied by socks when in the house. “I remember wearing them back in the ‘70s when they first became ‘cool,’ although I don’t know how cool they actually were,” she told me recently. “Then after having kids, I returned to them because they’re just so comfortable and easy. I had terrible feet before having bunion surgery, but my Birkenstocks were always a perfect fit.” It wasn’t long before my sisters and I were wanting pairs of our own and when we got them it finally clicked why these were the only sandals mom would wear.

The Birkenstock company has actually been around for 250 years, although the version we know and love can be traced back to the 1964 release of the Madrid sandal. It wasn’t until 1973 that the iconic Arizona sandal hit the market, scoring major points with the hippie scene who adored the comfortable construction and nature-inspired aesthetics. Cut to the 2010s and suddenly the “dorky” sandals were back en vogue, with sustainably-minded activists and fashion stylists alike, as well as numerous PureWow editors. I credit the incredibly comfortable-yet-supportive cork sole (that’s also podiatrist approved!) and the fact that they are built to last—my mom has worn her Arizona sandals for at least ten years at a time, and multiple editors also talked to me about how well their Birks have aged after time, conforming to their feet and getting softer and better with each wear.

So now we’re sharing our favorite picks with the masses. Read on for the best Birkenstock sandals for women, according to PureWow editors who’ve worn them for years.

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The Best Birkenstock Sandals at a Glance

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How I Chose the Best Birkenstock Sandals

All of the Birkenstock shoes on this list come directly recommended by the PureWow editorial team. I chose only those styles our team has worn for at least a few months (or in some cases, a few years) to ensure our picks continue to hold up well over time, and supplemented the opinions of our editors with other customer reviews across multiple ecommerce sites.

How to Wear Birkenstocks for Maximum Style and Comfort


Most Fashion-Forward

1. Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Sandals

What We Like

  • chic design
  • fit true to size

What We Don’t Like

  • require some breaking in

Nordstrom

Audience Development Director Mary D’Alessio and I are obsessed with these sleek, one-strap Birks. “I live up in the mountains in New England, things like heels and cute strappy flip flops aren’t what I would always call practical here,” explains D’Alessio. “The Madrids are a perfect sandal option to jazz up a summer outfit, but still feel like I’m wearing a good, durable shoe. They’re still comfortable and have great arch support, but the look of the slide makes me feel a little more city for a country girl.” I, too, find these sandals look more elevated than other Birkenstock styles, especially if you opt for the Big Buckle style. And they have the same amazing arch support with a cork sole and contoured footbed. As for fit, they seem to fit true to size for most reviewers, but do require a brief breaking-in period. “After the first few wears they’ve been fine,” says D’Alessio, “but if you’re like me and have sensitive skin I would recommend a little mole skin patch the first few wears while you break them in.”

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide andMedium/Narrow
  • Materials: available in oiled leather, nubuck leather, EVA, woven textile, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor

Best Minimalist Silhouette

2. Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals

What We Like

  • minimalist design
  • wide toe grip

What We Don’t Like

  • length of straps is not adjustable

Nordstrom

Ali Gazan, Executive Producer of Video and Podcasts, swears by the Gizeh style for a more minimalist, but still supper supportive, sandal silhouette. “These give way more support than your average flip-flop, but are still a fabulous shoe to throw on with shorts, jumpsuits and dresses,” she says. The combination of the wider toe strap, adjustable buckle and Birkenstock’s signature cork footbed works to provide your arches with the comfort they need, despite that streamlined cut. Gazan also recommends opting for a metallic, like the copper pictured here, to give your Birks a more elevated vibe. “I always opt for fun colors or metallics to make them feel even dressier,” she notes.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide andMedium/Narrow
  • Materials: available in oiled leather, nubuck leather, EVA, woven textile, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor

Most Classic

3. Birkenstock Arizona Suede Sandals

What We Like

  • classic design
  • both straps are adjustable

What We Don’t Like

  • tend to run wide

Nordstrom

The Arizona may not be the actual first Birkenstock sandal, but it’s definitely the most iconic, especially in supple suede. Both straps are fully adjustable and they come in two different widths (like most Birkenstock styles) to ensure a perfect fit no matter what. And the material only gets softer and more comfortable the more you wear them. D’Alessio joined the ranks of Arizona fans years ago, but recently updated her OG suede sandals to a more fashion-forward nubuck leather Big Buckle pair ($160). “That big buckle makes such a difference in elevating the look of these crunchy sandals,” she notes. “I love pairing mine with a cute maxi dress for spring, but they also make me feel more put together when I throw them on to walk my dog. They’re so versatile and oh-so-comfy.”

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide andMedium/Narrow
  • Materials: available in oiled leather, suede, nubuck leather, vegan faux-leather, EVA, woven textile, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor

Most Supportive

4. Birkenstock Mayari Birko-Flor Sandals

What We Like

  • extra toe support
  • both straps are adjustable

What We Don’t Like

  • require some breaking in

Birkenstock

Birkenstock is well known for its attention to detail, specifically with regards to crafting supportive, comfortable soles that won’t break down after just one season. But the criss-cossing of straps on the Mayari style are also designed to provide extra support. The top strap, which hits roughly the same spot as the top strap on the Arizona style, helps keep your sandal in place while you step and prevents the constant smacking of your average flip-flop, which can put unnecessary stress on your arches. The combination of the two front straps requires less effort from your toes than the Madrid or Arizona models to keep the sandal in place. “I live in these sandals in spring and summer,” admits D’Alessio. “I love them so much I was out shopping once with my husband and picked them up to try on... when he quickly reminded me that I already had them in not one but two different colors, oops!”

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide andMedium/Narrow
  • Materials: available inoiled leather, nubuck leather, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor

Easiest to Clean

5. Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals

What We Like

  • super lightweight
  • easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

  • not as breathable as cork styles

DSW

If you want something more lightweight than leather and cork, former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak highly recommends the EVA version of Birkenstock Arizona sandals. “The EVA material is nice and squishy in the footbed, and doesn’t feel hard on my bunions like the classic Arizonas do,” she explains. “I wear these when I’m going for a cute, casual look and prefer the double straps because they’re way more secure than regular slides, in my opinion.” Indeed, there are a bunch of cute EVA options to shop, including the Gizeh, as well as a more traditional slide (the Barbados, $35) and a classic flip-flop (the Honolulu, $35) upgraded with all the support you’d expect from Birkenstock.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide andMedium/Narrow
  • Materials: available inoiled leather, suede, nubuck leather, vegan faux-leather, EVA, woven textile, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor

Best Year-Round Style

6. Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

What We Like

  • closed toe
  • great for all seasons

What We Don’t Like

  • fit is less adjustable

Birkenstock

OK, so the Boston isn’t exactly a sandal, but it is a total must-have according to multiple editors. Former Senior Food Editor Katherine Gillen and Vice President of Design and Branded Content Angela Pares both swear by these comfy clogs for any and all seasons. “I love them because they are so easy to slip on and off for quick walks, they're comfy and supportive, and they last FOREVER,” says Gillen. “Seriously, I’ve had my pair since 2006.” Pares also adores how versatile this style is, calling it out as a great alternative to everyday sneakers. “Aside from a sneaker, this is the most versatile shoe in my closet,” she says. “I got them last year after reading Megan Strachan wax poetic about them for months. She's a whole lot cooler than me and thus looks a lot cooler than me while wearing them. But I love that they are practical, yet currently in-fashion enough to wear with everything from leather pants and denim to sweats for school drop-off. I leave them by the door and slide them on to take out the garbage, but I've also worn them to dinner. Oh, and I’m obsessed with the insole.”

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide and Medium/Narrow
  • Materials: available in suede, oiled leather, nubuck leather, wool felt, EVA and shearling

Best for Cold Weather

7. Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

What We Like

  • warm, shearling lining
  • supportive footbed

What We Don’t Like

  • not as adjustable as other styles
  • too warm for summer months

Birkenstock

If you want a house shoe/slipper to keep you toes cozy all year round, or are looking for some cold-weather shoes to break you out of your sneakers or boots habit, try this shearling-lined version of the iconic Boston clogs. Per Megan Fishmann, Publishing Executive, “These are the coziest clogs that also manage to be chic. If I’m running to the market or school pick up, I can slide them on without feeling ‘basic’ and still feeling true to my best fashion self. Not to mention they feel like a slipper cradling my foot. Three other mom friends now own these—it’s like we’ve started our own shearling clog club!” Reviewers agree this style fits true to size, despite the addition of a plush shearling lining. And it also offers the same level of support as the classic Boston clogs with the signature Birkenstock footbed hidden under that fluffy layer.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide and Medium/Narrow
  • Materials: suede with shearling lining

Best Velcro Sandals

8. Birkenstock Uji Sandals

What We Like

  • easy to adjust on the fly

What We Don't Like

  • some color discrepancy between the leather and suede sections

Birkenstock

The child in me was delighted to discover there are indeed adult-size shoes that close with hook-and-eye strips and that actually look chic. The Birkenstock Uji style was released just a few years ago, but has racked up a seriously devoted fan base, myself included. They have the same appeal as traditional Arizonas, but without a splash of metal to break up the color. Some reviewers mention not loving that the leather straps and suede sides are not an exact color match for some of the brighter hues, but I find it adds depth and interest, instead. And being able to adjust the width on the fly is so nice when traveling or post-workout when my feet tend to swell.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide and Medium/Narrow
  • Materials: nubuck leather and suede

Best Multi-Color Option

9. Birkenstock Textile Arizona Platform Sandals

What We Like

  • adds some height
  • unexpected upper

What We Don’t Like

  • tends to sell out quickly

Birkenstock

Leather and suede Birks are by far the most instantly recognizable, but there are also a ton of other materials to shop, including this multi-colored textile twist on the classic Arizonas. The woven yarn is giving major Missoni vibes, but there are other cool textiles to choose from as well, including a moody floral brocade. A 1-inch platform adds a little extra pep to your step and, as always, the straps are fully adjustable. “I get so many compliments whenever I wear them,” says Randee Cerota, PureWow’s Senior Director or Brand Partnerships EC. “I love the platform—it gives me a little more height than normal Birks. They are a little heavier in weight, but definitely not clunky.” Like most Birkenstocks, Cerota says these beauties require some breaking in, but nothing outside the usual. A word to the wise, however: If you see a textile you like, add them to your shopping cart ASAP. These beauties tend to sell out more frequently than the leather or suede designs.

FAST FACTS

  • Size Range: US 4/4.5 to 12/12.5
  • Available Widths: Regular/Wide and Medium/Narrow
  • Materials: yarn upper, cork footbed and rubber sole

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Birkenstocks Are Most Comfortable?

The answer to this question is unique to each person. For some, the single wide strap of the Madrid style reigns supreme, but for others the two-strap Arizona style offers better support across the top of the foot. Then, of course, there are those that have a preference between the lightweight EVA designs and the classic cork footbeds. And the uppers come in such a wide range of materials, it’s hard to say which one you’ll find most comfortable. My suggestion is to try to find them in store so you can try them on IRL without needing to buy anything to get a sense for what you might like best.

What Do Podiatrists Think of Birkenstocks?

New York–based podiatrist Miguel Cunha, D.P.M., founder of Gotham Footcare, recommends folks of all ages buy shoes with arch support and a strap across the heel to secure the shoe in place. Birkenstock’s Cannes sandals ($250) and Tokio clogs ($160) fit both those requirements, with the added bonus of hundreds of positive reviews to boot.


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Editor

  • Covers fashion, trends and all things running
  • Received certification as an RRCA run coach
  • Has worked in fashion for over a decade

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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