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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. Comfort made them a lockdown must-have, while TikTok propelled the Boston clog to stardom, even gracing the feet of Kendall Jenner. And then there are Birkenstock’s high fashion collaborations with Rick Owens and Valentino, and an appearance in the 2023 Barbie movie. “According to Lyst, the movie moment sparked a 110% increase on searches for Birkenstock Arizonas following its release,” reports Yahoo. And in October 2023 the brand went public on the New York Stock Exchange.

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 Birkenstocks 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.

More sustainable alternatives to Birkenstocks

ESSĒN

The Chunky Black Slide – Ships internationally from the Netherlands

“I founded ESSĒN in 2016 as a response to a fashion cycle that overproduces more than it carefully crafts, chases trends more than it determines classics, and wastes more than it sustains,” says founder Marre Muijs. The shoes and accessories brand, which limits its production runs and uses low-waste cutting techniques, eschews the fashion calendar in favour of a single, permanent collection.

See the rating.

Shop ESSĒN.

Whimsy + Row

Dazed Sandals – Ships internationally from the US

Whimsy + Row is a US-based lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and responsible practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern woman. Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, and by limiting each garment to short runs, the brand also reduces packaging waste and takes care of precious water resources.

Find most products in XS-XL, with an extended sizing range up to 3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

Elk

Uma Slide – Ships internationally from Australia

A pioneer of independent Australian design, Elk was founded in Melbourne in 2004. Elk creates bi-annual collections that are informed by a design ethos where simplicity and sustainability meet innovation.

Find most items in AU sizes 6-18.

See the rating.

Shop Elk.

Spell

Boulevard Wrap Sandal — Ships internationally from Australia

Spell is an Australian fashion brand inspired by far-off places, vintage treasures, and childhood memories. Its clothes are proudly designed and sampled in Byron Bay, and produced responsibly in factories around the world.

Most garments are available in sizes 2XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Spell.

Editor's note

Feature image via Whimsy & Row, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

We updated this article on 11 November 2025. Our editors frequently make updates to articles to ensure they’re up to date. We refreshed our selection of products to ensure we’ve got top picks from brands with recent ratings.