Every fall, I scroll through Instagram and watch as dozens of friends and influencers swap their summer sandals for Birkenstock’s suede Boston clogs. If you ask me, these ever-popular slip-ons lend an effortless, cute-but-casual air to any outfit. I often debate buying a pair for myself—but I always stop in my tracks when I see the price ($160) or the “out of stock” alert on the color and size I want.
This year, I decided to end the cycle for good by finding the best Birkenstock Boston dupes around. I also asked SELF editors to help me test a few promising pairs. The result: A curated list of great alternatives—some that are meant to be an exact dupe at a more affordable price, and others that have a slightly different look and feel, in case you want to stand out from the Birk-loving masses. Make some room in your closet: We’re going shopping.
Our top picks
Quince Water Repellent Suede Clog Mule, $70Sorel Viibe Clog, $144SeaVees Tiburon Trekker, $160Rothy’s The Casual Clog, $159Dr. Scholl’s Louis Iconic Clog, $85Shop the best Birkenstock Boston dupes
To choose the best Birkenstock Boston dupes, we scoured the internet for look-a-likes and read dozens of reviews to get a sense of how comfortable and high-quality they are. From there, we got our hands—er, feet—on some pairs to test for ourselves by wearing them for grocery runs, brunch with friends, and neighborhood strolls. The ones we’ve tested and loved made it to our list of top picks.
Quince Water Repellent Suede Clog Mule
Quince
Water Repellent Suede Clog Mule
These Quince clogs completely scratched my itch for the Birkenstock Boston. They have the same shape, buckle design, and suede and cork materials I associate the Birks with, for less than half the price. I wore them around my apartment like slippers at first, and then out for some quick coffee and bagel runs to test their soles. Now I’m excited to wear them to work and on walks around the city because so far, they’ve proven to be just as comfy as I hoped they’d be.
Since these clogs don’t come in half sizes (and Quince recommends sizing up if you’re in between two sizes), I went with a US women’s 9. They fit well length-wise, but my foot has some wiggle room inside the shoe, so I like wearing them with socks for a more secure feel. Luckily, I like the socks and clogs look—it adds to the cozy vibe I’m going for.
Sizes: US 5 to 10 | Colors: 3 | Material: Suede, cork, EVA foam
Sorel Viibe Clog
Here’s a pair of clogs that’s not meant to be an exact dupe—instead, they’re like Birkenstock Boston’s funkier, sportier sister. I was excited to test these because Sorel makes running sneakers, hiking boots, and walking sandals, so I thought they might be more supportive than your average clog. (Spoiler: I was right.)
The biggest difference is that the Viibe has Croc-like convertible straps that can lay across the tops of your feet or slip behind your ankles to prevent your heels from sliding out the back. I tightened the straps while they were on top of my feet and that alone helped the clogs feel snug enough that I didn’t worry about slipping out of them while walking. Along with being comfortable, I think these are hella cute, and I’d wear them with the same exact outfits I’d wear Birks.
Worth noting: I agree with reviewers that they run small. I chose the larger of the sizes I’m between, and my heel hit right at the edge of the shoe. And because they just barely fit my feet, the strap dug in when I tried to put it behind my ankle.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Colors: 6 | Material: Suede, EVA foam
SeaVees Tiburon Trekker
With solid arch support that rivals Birkenstock’s signature footbed, the Tiburon from Seavees is another great suede option. These babies are designed to be worn all around town—their outsoles have deep grooves and a tread pattern that has excellent traction, even in not-so-great conditions. “I’ve worn them in cold, icy conditions, and I’ve never slipped or felt unsteady,” SELF’s senior commerce editor says.
But we won’t blame you if you want to keep them as indoor shoes to wear like slippers. “They’re so, SO comfortable,” our tester says. “I wear them around my building while doing laundry four flights of stairs down from my apartment and out and about while running errands.”
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Suede, leather, Vibram XS Trek
Rothy’s The Casual Clog
Rothy’s has always been about comfy footwear, so when they dropped their take on a clog, we had to give them a try. “Every time I wear these outside, I feel like I’m getting away with something—but yes, even though they look like slippers, they are indeed outside shoes!” one SELF editor says.
They’re made with Merino wool or hemp, depending on the style you choose, which gives them that cozy, casual look. But their rubber bottom makes them durable for hitting the pavement. “I’m a fan of the roomy toe box and the insole’s mid-height arch that hits my foot at the right spot to support my former-dancer feet,” our editor says.
FYI: They’re not ideal for power walking, she explains. “When I pick up the pace, sometimes I step right out of the clog; so I stick to sneakers if I’m running errands or bopping around town and slip these on for quickie dog walks and casual strolls.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Colors: 10 | Material: Merino wool or hemp, recycled plastic bottles
Dr. Scholl’s Louis Iconic Clog
Dr Scholl’s
Louis Iconic Clog
Dr. Scholl’s is synonymous with comfy shoes—they don’t make all of those inserts for nothing! One SELF editor is currently putting these through their paces. “My feet feel cushioned and supported thanks to the thick, soft footbed, particularly in the heel and arch areas,” she says. One caveat: “I wish the back edge of the heel was higher. This is a common issue I run into with slides because it always feels like my foot is on the verge of slipping out (and it has before!).” Still, she plans to continue slipping these on to run errands or meet up with friends.
We like that these shoes come in a few different upper textures: wool, microfiber, and faux leather. Our tester has the faux-leather pair, which has a slightly more polished vibe. And they’re much more wallet-friendly compared to the leather Birkenstock Bostons.
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Wool blend, recycled bottles, faux leather
More great options
Just because we didn’t have a chance to try these, doesn’t mean they’re not worth checking out. All of the options below have rave reviews and might just be your new everyday shoe.
Steve Madden Cecily MuleWe have to call out this cute pair from Steve Madden. The basketweave uppers on these clogs are a fun twist on the other styles on this list. They’re made of sleek suede and have a comfy rubber and cork bottom, just like real Birks.
Sizes: US 5.5 to 10 | Colors: 2 | Material: Suede, rubber
Cushionaire Hana Cork Footbed Clog
Cushionaire
Hana Cork Footbed Clog
Cushionaire offers a few different clog options, like faux leather, denim, corduroy, and wool. The faux-leather style is a game changer if you’re worried about stains or creases, or if you want to be able to wear your clogs when it’s drizzling outside.
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Colors: 15 | Material: Faux leather, suede, EVA foam
Dr. Martens Zezag Suede Slingback Platform Mule
Dr. Martens
Zezag Suede Slingback Platform Mule
Fans of Dr. Martens’s classically cool combat boots and ballerina sneakers will appreciate these suede slingbacks. The black platform sole with gold stitching gives them an edgy look, while the suede upper comes in several colors to match your vibe and wardrobe.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 | Material: Suede, EVA
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