Make like a super model and add a pair of Birkenstocks to your summer shoe rotation. (Getty)(Getty)
For a while, Birkenstocks had a bad reputation for being all comfort and no style. No one could deny the shoes felt good on their feet, but many naysayers argued they didn't look good at all. Luckily, that all changed a few years back when the fashion world collectively decided that the "hippie sandals" were cool. Now, Birkenstock is a billion-dollar brand with celebs like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow all proudly wearing the sandals in public.
These "rich mom" slides are sure to be in heavy rotation this summer. Pair them with jeans and a casual T-shirt a la Cindy, or toss them on with your favorite flowy sundress — you can't go wrong. You can shop this sleek style right now in nine neutral shades.
These leather and suede sandals come in 18 colors (including vibrant shades like this aqua), and could be the Birkenstock Madrid's twin. This style also features an anti-slip sole and is water-resistant, so you don't have to panic if you get caught in a summer storm.
"I won’t ever buy another pair of Birkenstocks again after getting these !! So comfy and I absolutely love the style and fit," wrote one happy shopper, who rated the sandals "1000000/10."
These cute shoes are hard to beat for just over $20. Complete with a super soft suede insole and a cushy cork footbed, these shoes were made for long walks and exploring. You can shop them in 11 neutral colors.
One pleased customer shared: "I needed some cute slides that were dressy enough to wear with a casual outfit without looking like athletic wear, and these definitely fit the bill. They're super comfy and pair perfectly with lots of outfit options."
If you're a fan of the Birkenstock Madrid design, but know your summer will be spent on the beach or by the pool, these waterproof slides may be a better fit. Ideal for pools, beaches, locker rooms and campsites, these sandals look similar to the Birkenstock style but are meant to get wet.
"These were exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a cute lounge sandal for throwing on to take the dogs out or wear at the cabin. And love the current big buckle trend, it’s so cute on these. These are very lightweight, made of a foam-like material," shared one five-star fan.
Oh, and let’s not forget fashion heavy-hitter Cindy Crawford is part of the Birkenstock fan club. The iconic supermodel shared an Instagram photo from Palm Springs last spring, wearing the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal. They may not be the classic Arizona style you've seen everywhere, but these sleek slides deserve a spot at the top of your shoe wishlist.
Crawford paired them with a relaxed, effortless look — blue jeans, a white tee and a printed scarf. But the sandals are surprisingly versatile and can be dressed up or down. With an angled strap and oversized buckle, they feel far more polished than your basic flip-flops or even the original Arizona style.
The Madrid sandals have a cushioned and shock-absorbing contoured footbed to keep your feet happy all summer, and they're durable enough to last for seasons to come, thanks to all of the leather elements. While the Madrid design is in stock at Nordstrom in a range of neutral tones like rose and sage, we, like Cindy, are partial to the rich brown shade that is especially versatile.
The shoe itself runs true to size, but it does have a narrow to medium footbed, so if you prefer a wider fit, you may want to try something like the Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Slide Sandal, which is on the wider side.
Birkenstock's Madrid sandals retail for a pricey $150; if you're looking for something similar but a bit more affordable, Amazon has a few dead ringers that are a fraction of the price.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
