I LOVE MY BIRKS. One of my most worn pairs is actually my plastic (EVA) birks! I have been wearing birks since I was a kid growing up on Cape Cod, and will defend them forever – they are truly one of my most favorite shoes. Luckily, they’re cool now… but when the trend inevitably dies again, I’ll still be rocking mine.
I have talked about my gold birks and those are probably my other most worn pair of Birkenstocks right now and often get asked how they compare to the EVA birks. I love my Birkenstocks so much. It’s comfortable and supportive, it molds to the shape of your foot, it’s great for long walks, and it’s (kind of, depending who you ask!) pretty cute, too! I just added this glossy tomato red pair to the roster this season and can’t get enough.
Birkenstock EVA Sandals
The Birkenstock EVA sandals are made from something called ethylene vinyl acetate. EVA is a super lightweight and flexible material. It feels a bit like foam and if I’m going to compare them to anything, it’s crocs. That really light, ultra comfortable, cushiony material. I call these my “chic crocs” as I did love crocs back in the day. (Back when I was a long distance runner, NOTHING was better after a long run!). If I were to ever run a marathon again (probs never), these are the shoes I’d reach for after.
Birkenstock Leather Sandals
Birkenstock leather sandals are a classic, with their signature cork footbeds. They’re also very comfortable but much heavier than the EVA pair. I’m on my third pair of gold birkenstocks as I’ve been wearing birks since before they were cool (I’m kinda just a Cape Cod hippie at heart!). They come in birko flor (a vegan alternative to leather) too and I find that they’re equally comfortable – I accidentally ordered a pair of gold birko flor sandals earlier this summer and like them just as much as the leather ones. I have not tried the oiled leather variation yet but have heard wonderful things.
Birkenstock Sandals Comparison
Footbed
The best part of Birkenstocks (EVA or regular) is how they mold to the shape of your foot, making them become your perfect sandal with incredible arch support. The deep heel cup, moldable footbed, and toe grip… it’s heaven. The footbed of any Birkenstock is just… the best.
Sizing
Sizing is pretty true to size for both styles. I typically take an 8.5 in almost every shoe and have narrow-ish feet and take an 8 (or a 38, depending on the size chart). I know many Birkenstock styles come in a narrow footbed, I’ve never tried those BUT find wearing my Birkenstocks on the most narrow buckle setting gives me the perfect fit!
Style and Color Options
They come in so many fab colors…. black, white, metallics, and of course a huge range of happy, bright colorful hues.
Price
The biggest differentiator here is that the EVA birkenstock sandals are considerably less expensive than the original. At around $45 vs $100+.
Comfort
They are equally comfortable. The same shock absorbing molded footbed, but they’re much more lightweight and flexible than the original. I do find that the nubuck leather takes a little longer to break in. But once you break them in you are golden.
Other differences
The EVA Birkenstocks are extremely easy to clean – much easier to clean than leather birks in my opinion – especially with oil and grease. Wipe clean with soap and water, no fancy leather cleansers necessary. You could even put them in the dishwasher if you’d like! They might get a scuff mark or two but you can easily clean that with a magic eraser.
Which One Is Better?
Honestly, I don’t think you can really say that one is “better” than the other. I like them both a LOT. I have my gold pair and now these. And recommend both. I would say that the EVA birks are a little bit more trendy / cool girl, especially if you go for a solid white or black (I went for a much less trendy orange – mango, if we are being specific – but I like color!). And for the beach or the pool (or walks in the rain), these are a great waterproof alternative to the originals as you won’t get them wet!
I do think that the leather pair lasts longer – and it’s easier to resole if you choose to! And they’re definitely more sturdy, so if you are looking for something sturdy go with the classic (though the EVA ones are like walking on air, which I love!)
Where to buy them?
I bought mine at Urban Outfitters. You can also get them at Free People, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and a bunch of other places (refer to the widget below!)
Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thank you for your support!
Photo byAllie Provost.
FAQs
All materials are subject to strict quality controls. Of all materials, leather has the best properties for making shoes. This sustainable material is breathable, absorbent and pleasantly soft, so it adapts well to the shape of your foot. Leather is also very easy to process.
Which style of Birkenstock is the most comfortable? ›
Birkenstock Arizona
It's the perfect choice for people who need comfortable and supportive shoes. The two buckles make it easy to adjust the fit while providing excellent arch support. The black Amalfi leather version of the Birkenstock Arizona is among the most popular.
Do EVA Birkenstocks mold to feet? ›
EVA stands for “ethylene vinyl acetate,” – it's a synthetic plastic that is lightweight and feels similar to foam (except they're sturdy). They feature a molded foot, deep heel cup, and supportive arches, too – and they mold to your foot shape.
Is EVA good for your feet? ›
Benefits of using EVA footbeds.
There are several benefits to using EVA footbeds in your footwear. Firstly, the cushioning and support provided by the foam material help to reduce strain on the feet and joints, making them ideal for individuals who spend long periods on their feet or engage in high-impact activities.
How long do EVA Birkenstocks last? ›
Unlike the traditional cork-and-leather sandals, which get better with time and can last you years, you can expect to replace your Eva sandals after two to three summers, at most.
What do podiatrists say about Birkenstocks? ›
"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."
What sandals are better than Birkenstocks? ›
Both the look and comfort of Birkenstocks — at a fraction of the price
- CUSHIONAIRE Women's Lane Cork Footbed Sandal With +Comfort.
- FUNKYMONKEY Women's Comfort Slides Double Buckle Adjustable EVA Flat Sandals.
- WHITE MOUNTAIN Women's Gracie Signature Comfort Molded Strappy Footbed Sandal.
In 2024, Birkenstock-mania is no where close to stopping. Earlier this year, the brand revisited three of its flagship models: the Madrid shoes (the very first sandals imagined by the company), the Arizona shoes (a symbol of the 1970s counter-culture), and finally the Gizeh shoes, created in 1983.
Why do my Birkenstocks hurt the side of my foot? ›
We recommend you should break in a new pair of BIRKENSTOCK shoes slowly. Start by wearing them around your house and increase the time you wear them gradually. It can take time for your foot to adjust to the contours of the footbed, and for the cork/latex to flex and mould.
Do Eva Birkenstocks give you blisters? ›
Basically, I would describe it as a foam material that is light as air, and super soft, so it doesn't rub or give you blisters–even the first wear!
Footbed. The best part of Birkenstocks (EVA or regular) is how they mold to the shape of your foot, making them become your perfect sandal with incredible arch support. The deep heel cup, moldable footbed, and toe grip… it's heaven.
Can Birkenstock EVA get wet? ›
Are Birkenstocks waterproof? We offer water-friendly styles made of EVA. Most styles should not be immersed in water as over-saturation can compromise the integrity of the sealant materials. Hydrophobic styles are water-resistant, but still should not be submerged.
What are the disadvantages of EVA shoes? ›
One major drawback is its inability to withstand abrasions. As a result, it is prone to wearing out quickly, especially when used in high-impact activities or outdoor environments. This limits its durability and lifespan. Another disadvantage of EVA soles is their susceptibility to long-term compression.
Are EVA soles slippery? ›
EVA soles and horizontal stripes are the most slip-resistant for household items. Currently, the common soles of items are mainly TPR soles, EVA soles, and PVC soles. Among them, TPR soles are the least slip-resistant, followed by PVC, and EVA is the best.
What are the benefits of EVA shoes? ›
EVA is incredibly light, making the shoe feel light on your foot, which is a great benefit when you are using the shoes for running and sports! EVA is softer than rubber, making them more flexible and comfortable on your feet. EVA has shock absorption technology; most running shoes use EVA for this reason.
What is better Birkenstock soft footbed or regular? ›
Our general recommendation is that if you have ongoing pain in your feet, the soft footbed is the way to go as this is gentle to wear in. Otherwise, you should have no issues with the traditional footbed. For a large range of soft footbeds to suit anyone and free express shipping, click here.
Is birko flor or leather better? ›
The Nubuck leather has a softly brushed outer surface making it soft and easy to break in. Birk Flor has a fleece lining making them super soft on your feet meaning you won't suffer from any blisters wearing them in. One thing to note, unlike leather, Birk Flor does not get better with age.
What's the difference between birko flor and regular Birkenstocks? ›
What's the Difference Between Birko Flor and Birkibuc? Birko-Flor is a synthetic material that is designed to look and feel like leather, but with the added benefits of being easy to clean and maintain.
Which Birkenstock material is easiest to clean? ›
I'll focus on the materials that most Birkenstocks are made: suede, nubuck, and natural or oiled leather. You can easily clean styles made from materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or synthetic leather with soap and water.
