Tested and Approved: The VegNews Guide to Vegan Birkenstocks

No matter where you go when the weather is warm, you can’t miss them: Birkenstocks. They’re easily spotted from a distance with their chunky metal buckles, thick straps, and orthopedic footbeds. Fashion cycles through trends like rapid-fire, especially since the notorious debut of fast fashion in the late 20th century. But, Birkenstocks have prevailed. Though these sandals are known for their strappy suede construction, these days there are vegan Birks available in all colors and styles.

JUMP TO THE BIRKENSTOCKS

Back in the ’60s, Birkenstocks were the unofficial shoe of the hippie and beatnik uniform. The sandals experienced another surge of popularity again in the early ’90s in Laguna Beach. But, in the early aughts, Birkenstocks stepped outside of granola countercultural circles and earned a mainstream following. 

It’s generally accepted that the moment that made anti-fashion footwear chic happened in 2012, when luxury shoe brand Céline sent a model wearing bejeweled Birkenstock sandals, designed by Phoebe Philo, down the runway. Not much has changed today. Birkenstocks remain in the favor of fashion editors and celebrities, such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

How sustainable is vegan leather?

Despite the association with those who take a walk on the earth-loving, crunchy granola side of life, the original Birkenstocks are made from cowhide leather. But leather is no friend of the planet. It has ties to the cattle industry, which accounts for 65 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. And a report released in 2021 linked more than 100 fashion brands to the destruction of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest. This is especially concerning because rainforests absorb twice as much carbon as they emit in a year. But when they’re cleared, that carbon is released into the atmosphere.

Several studies indicate that Brazil’s cattle herds—the largest in the world—are a major driver of the Amazon’s deforestation. Many of the brands highlighted in the report source leather for fashion goods from JBS, the largest meat processing company in the world. 

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However, the fashion industry is catching up to the urgent need to become more sustainable. Vegan leather has evolved beyond the unpliable pleather of yesteryear. Some of the biggest names in footwear, like Adidas and Nike, have launched vegan shoes in recent years. The latter even collaborated with Billie Eilish not once, but twice, on animal-free leather sneakers.

With proper care, high-quality vegan leather lasts and it’s also more environmentally friendly. Vegan leather can be made from natural materials, such as nopal cactus, pineapple leaves, apple skins, and even mushroom mycelium. Or, it can be made from artificial materials, like polyurethane, which is derived from plastic. While the latter sounds like it may not be more sustainable than conventional cowhide, a report developed by luxury goods corporation Kering revealed that the environmental impact of vegan leather can be up to a third less than that of the animal leather. 

What are vegan Birkenstocks made from?

In 2017, Birkenstock announced its first vegan shoe collection, which was created in response to the rising consumer demand for animal-free footwear. Its cruelty-free footwear is primarily constructed from its proprietary vegan leathers, Birko-Flor and Birkibuc.

Birkenstock

Birko-Flor is made from polyvinyl chloride, aka PVC, and it has a smooth, shine-free upper that looks and feels like oiled leather. The bottom layer is lined with a soft, breathable felt material to reduce friction. Birkibuc, meanwhile, emulates nubuck leather, which has a soft, brushed exterior. Both are made to be durable and long-lasting, like Birkenstock’s signature shoes

In addition to these two types of vegan leather, the brand also makes sandals with woven textile straps. A few styles are made from lightweight microfiber, which has a suede-like feel to it. And, the brand’s signature comfortable footbeds are made from jute and cork. The former material, which is primarily derived from the Corchorus olitorius plant, is moisture-wicking while the latter cushions the soles of your feet.

The best vegan Birkenstock styles

There are several options for vegan Birkenstocks, including kids’ styles. Here’s your style guide to the iconic sandal.

Birkenstock

1 Arizona Vegan

When you think of a Birkenstock sandal, you probably picture the Arizona style and its two big, chunky straps. This sandal’s design has remained unchanged since 1973—why change a classic, after all? The Arizona Vegan comes in more than 10 colors to match any outfit, such as black, tan, white, baby blue, pastel green, and iridescent. If you like a bit of height from your footwear, this shoe also comes in a platform version.
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Birkenstock

2 Mayari Vegan

For an elegant shoe that matches with jeans and a blouse, as well as a flowy summer dress, turn to the Mayari. This sandal features crisscrossed, adjustable straps and a single-toe loop. Colors include thyme and black, but some retailers offer a wider selection including this rich, wine-inspired red hue. 
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Birkenstock

3 Gizeh Vegan

Featuring both regular and platform footbeds, the Gizeh is a minimalist thong-style sandal with an adjustable strap. It comes in three colors: black, pecan, and iridescent matcha. The neutral tones make this shoe the perfect addition to any summer outfit. Pair with a basic t-shirt and shorts, pack them in your swim bag, or style with a dress for a night out on the town. For a pop of color, go for the iridescent color way.
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Birkenstock

4 Boston Vegan

This slip-on clog named after Beantown features a single adjustable strap that adds a touch of sophistication. But it’s casual enough for everyday wear all year round, too, whether you’re in the office or out and about. Long live the Boston Vegan clog!

Birkenstock

5 Milano Vegan

The Birkenstock Milano channels the timeless style of the Arizona, only it comes with an adjustable ankle strap in pebbled vegan leather that’ll keep your shoes securely on your feet while on long treks and shopping trips. 
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Birkenstock

6 Super Birki

Who’s ready for the pool? This clog-style shoe is water-resistant and dirt-repellant, making it easy to clean and keep spotless. Plus, each shoe has a colorful footbed that complements the upper. With 17 different colors to choose from across two styles (Super Birki and Super Birki 2.0), this shoe is perfect for long shifts, gardening, and so much more. 
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Birkenstock

7 Sydney Vegan

Like the Arizona, the Sydney Vegan’s draw is its two sturdy adjustable straps. Currently, these sandals are available in gray taupe and floral varieties (for the perfect pop of color!). If you ask us, the Sydney Vegan is sleek, minimalist, stylish, and exceptionally comfortable. 
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Birkenstock

8 Franca Vegan

The Franca Vegan may come in just two colors, but these sandals are worth your attention. This elegant sandal has thin criss-cross straps and three classic Birkenstock buckles. The iridescent matcha color way glimmers in a rainbow of colors and has a light gray footbed, perfectly complimented by the bright white sole. The Franca Vegan is also available in classic black for a more universal look. 

Birkenstock

9Florida Vegan

Birkenstock’s Florida Vegan most closely resembles the brand’s classic Arizona Vegan sandals—but instead of two thick straps, this style features three straps. The flexible, platform sole provides comfort plus an extra inch of added height. Pair with a white crop top and maxi skirt for an effortlessly chic look. 
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Birkenstock

10Madrid Vegan

Want less straps and buckles but still prefer the breathability of open-toed sandals over the Boston clog? The Madrid Vegan offers just one minimal strap and buckle for the classic Birkenstock look without the extra fuss. Slip on before a day of errands for comfort, style, and functionality.
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