Demi Moore and Cindy Crawford may be glam celebs, but they still appreciate the comfort of classic Birkenstock sandals. (Getty)(Getty)
People tend to feel one of two ways about Birkenstocks. Either you hate the way they look and feel, or you're a diehard fan who wears them on repeat. I've been a Birks loyalist for years because they're one of the few shoes that fit my finicky feet and don't cause any pain or discomfort. And I'm not alone; there's a whole Reddit subchannel where Birks boosters extol the glories of these wonderful shoes.
If real folks aren't enough to convince you naysayers out there that Birkenstocks really are the truth, perhaps some famous faces will do the trick? Celebs like Demi Moore, Cindy Crawford and Salma Hayek are known to walk red carpets in sky-high designer heels, but when they're out living their everyday lives? They wear Birkenstocks too! Check out the styles they've been spotted in over the years below — plus, some more affordable alternatives in case you're on the fence about spending $100-plus on the real deal.
Yes, Cindy Crawford is part of the Birkenstock fan club. The iconic supermodel shared an Instagram photo of herself in Palm Springs last year wearing the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal. While they're not the popular Arizona style you see many people wearing, the chic slides still deserve a spot at the top of your shoe wishlist.
Still not sure Birkenstocks are for you? Perhaps seeing Lawrence pull them off in Paris with a denim pencil skirt will finally convince you? She wore a luxe black pair, but there are plenty of other colors to choose from.
And the beauty of this EVA pair? They're waterproof and super easy to wipe clean if they get dirty.
Cindy Crawford isn't the only celeb fan of this Birkenstock style. Gwyneth Paltrow has also been spotted wearing the minimalist slide.
People who've purchased this style admit they take some time to mold to your feet, but they're pleased with the sturdy construction and say they have a slightly more elevated vibe than other Birkenstock designs.
"Super cute sandals," one shopper commented. "Loved [that] these [are] a little dressier, [and I can wear them] with summer dresses, shorts and jeans. They did take a little break in time."
The price of this similar style, $40, will warm your heart, not just your feet. Choose from four colors.
"These are so warm and comfortable. They are a great value for the money. They fit like a glove. The style keeps you from overheating," one toasty-toed customer commented. "These are like walking on clouds right out of the box, while feeling stable and secure," another added.
Some other notable names who've sported this bestselling two-strap sandal? Kendall Jenner, Katie Holmes and Kate Hudson, just to name a few.
Available in sizes 5-12 in a range of colors, the Arizonas are a true walking shoe that gets more comfortable over time.
"I absolutely love these! Most comfortable shoes I own. Worth every single penny!" one fan declared. "Great fit and quality. Absolutely perfect fit for my feet," a DSW shopper shared.
If the OG Arizonas don't feel chic enough for you, try the Big Buckle option. The enlarged hardware gives the sandal a more fashion-forward look without compromising on comfort.
The white style shown here will look great against sun-kissed summer skin, but you can also snag them in black or neutral brown.
"These are great! The big buckle makes it even nicer! Very comfy," one DSW customer raved. Another fan added, "Love these! Comfortable and the gold buckle makes them pop. Pricey but will be my summer shoe for the next couple of years."
Heidi Klum and Sienna Miller are also Gizeh fans. There are also hundreds of DSW customers who give this style high marks for arch support and style.
"Most comfortable shoes/sandals I've ever owned! My feet just let out a sigh of relief the moment I put them on," one wearer wrote. Another raved, "I love these sandals. This is my third pair in about 15 years."
Reminiscent of the popular Arizona, the Sydney has two straps that are slightly thinner and smaller buckles. The result? A more feminine-looking sandal that pairs nicely with skirts and dresses (okay, and jeans and shorts too).
A new-to-Birks buyer shared, "This is my first pair of Birkenstocks. They are amazing! I don't know what it is. They aren't squishy, they aren't super flexible, but somehow, they are super comfortable. I wore them on vacation walking up and down hills in San Francisco. Even with recent knee surgery, I did fine. I will definitely order another pair in the future."
I frequently slip into these clogs for quick walks with my pooch, and I see lots of other dog owners in the 'hood wearing them too. I will note that it's worth investing in a suede protector in the event you get caught in the rain in these. They are not water-resistant and will get ruined if they get wet (learn from my mistake!).
"Love these clogs," one satisfied DSW shopper shared. "They're super comfy and cute! Love wearing them with jeans while I'm running errands around town." Over at Amazon, another fan called them "supportive, comfortable and great for walking."
Available in black, gray and brown, these slides have the same cork-latex footbed that are a signature of Birkenstocks, just with a plush shearling lining. The straps are adjustable, and there's a rubber anti-slip sole.
"Great alternative to sneakers. I’m not able to go barefoot due to bone spurs in my heel, and these shoes are so comfortable," one shopper shared. Another wrote, "These are by far my favorite sandals. They are so soft, cute and comfortable."
We've spotted Demi Moore wearing the iconic Birkenstock Arizona sandals on multiple occasions. She wore a tan suede pair in this pic she shared on X and a different leather pair while vacationing in Italy.
Jennifer Garner just seems like one of the most down-to-earth celebrities out there, so it makes sense that her shoe collection includes Birkenstocks. We loved the way she styled this Big Buckle pair with a jumpsuit while running errands around town.
Another must-try Arizona option? The water-resistant EVA slides that actress Julianne Moore owns in green. Perfect for the beach or pool, these rubbery slip-ons are a summer must-have because they won't get ruined if they get wet.
As a Birkenstock diehard, I immediately recognized the low-profile sandal in this pic on Salma Hayek's Instagram page. Yes, the Arizona is probably more popular these days, but there's something very chic and elevated about the minimalist design of Hayek's Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal.
Amanda Seyfried has been a fan of the brand's comfy sandals since at least 2016, when she was snapped wearing the two-strap Sydney style in pretty metallic pink with jeans and a tee. Sadly, her exact color is no longer available, but there are plenty of other hues to choose from.
So your tootsies aren't quite ready for primetime? Follow in Hilary Duff's comfy footsteps and go with closed-toe Birkenstock Boston clogs. She wore a beige pair back in 2022 with cozy knit pants and a cute cropped sweater. Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid are also fans of this style.
So your feet are always cold? Don't think twice about nabbing Reese Witherspoon's shearling-lined Arizonas that are like a warm hug for your soles. They're probably too toasty for summer, but you'll be glad you grabbed them when the fall and winter return.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
