If you are looking for that trendy Birkenstock Arizona style without the thick rigid sole, you’re in the right place! Here are some barefoot alternatives to the popular double strap summer sandal.
I’ve written about Birkenstocks numerous times – I myself wore them for decades and when I was in the throes of a persistent foot injury they really helped. But I’ve now put Birkenstocks into the category of “a therapy that’s there as needed but is not ideal for chronic use.” I prefer to spend the majority of my shoe-wearing time in options that are more flexible and thin, so my feet can stay supple and strong as I age!
These are in order of my personal favorites!
Mukishoes Nazare – Buttery soft, with ample toe box space and a soft insole. These are my fave! Sizing is mostly true, but they are wide and soft so if in between I’d recommend sizing down.
These are coming soon to Mukishoes in the EU, there you can use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off.
Butterfly Your World – ANYA10 for 10% off. Definitely a favorite because they are so comfy.
Check out our BYW review here for details on ordering and sizing!
Softstar Camino Sandals – Read my review here! They also come in a thinner soled version. These take some breaking in, but are really durable.
Freet Salcombe – AnyaFreet for 10% off. These are brand new, so I don’t yet know how they feel. But Freet is a solid brand and they look very promising.
If you’re in the UK, shop Freet here.
Shapen Dazzle – ANYA5 for 5% off. I think these are pretty, but found the width limiting because the sole comes up around the sides. Better for average width, medium to high volume feet.
Posh Panda – Watch my YouTube review here. Super soft and light, but the material stretches a lot.
Bioworld (vegan)
Ruby Barefoot – ANYASREVIEWS35 for 15% off
Barehugs (Poland only)
Slides
Slides definitely have their place – I use slides and slip-ons to run the trash out and do other quick things when I need to be totally hands free. But because they aren’t secured to your feet they can promote toe gripping shuffling, and other gait compensations that aren’t helpful longterm. So I personally don’t recommend them for daily or frequent wear. Do with that what you will!
Ahinsa Slip-ons (vegan) – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Vivobarefoot Sensus Yin Slide – ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
Tarasoles (EU only)
11 thoughts on “Better than Birkenstocks – The Sandals I’m Wearing Instead”
Would love to hear comparisons between them!
Also, which one has found a way to keep the strap in the back from sliding down?
Great post! Who makes the aqua ones at the top of the post?
Those are the Softstar Camino Lites
I wear my Birkenstock daily. Short walks long walks. Wore them on my trip abroad, walked a 9 hour day in Rome and my feet were amazing. Not a single sore or swelling. And my toes are protected from bumping things. These are toes all the way up and no lip for protection. But these say not for daily use.
Not good for your feet, they have no arch support. I will stick to my very comfortable, podiatrist approved Birkenstocks.
You know, it kind of depends on the podiatrist. The podiatrists that take a natural approach to foot health recognize the place that different types of shoes have. Here is a link to a documentary about shoes with a podiatrist discussing her take on it. And here you can find an interview I held with another practicing podiatrist that you might find interesting.
Thats the whole point lol… why are you on a barefoot shoe blog if you believe arch support is needed? o_O
What about if you have high arches?
IMO high arches can affect the fit of your shoes quite a bit, but don’t have a lot of bearing on whether or not you can wear barefoot shoes.
I wish she would have made her own designs. They look exactly like Birkenstock knock offs, but with thinner soles. Not to mention with Birkenstocks,. I know how to replace the soles.
That’s exactly what some people are looking for, including me. We don’t want a totally different design. We like Birkenstocks for what they are, especially style, but we want them flexible and flat. There’s a market for totally new designs, but there’s a market for taking other designs that we love and want to wear (even used to wear), but choose not to because of lack of toe space, flat soles, and flexibility.