Birkenstock sandals have long conjured up images of crunchy-granola, eco-friendly people. But if you’re vegan, you need to be careful about which ones you buy.
Not all Birkenstocks are vegan but the brand does offer some styles that are entirely made without animal materials.
Below, we’ll take a look at what goes into producing the iconic sandals, what makes certain models vegan, and what exactly goes into crafting a pair of vegan Birkenstocks.Â
Which Birkenstocks Are Vegan?
I’m happy to report that the Birkenstock website has an entire section dedicated to vegan-friendly versions of their products.
The brand’s top styles include the Arizona, the Gizeh, the Boston, the Madrid, and the Mayari – and all the most popular styles come in vegan versions.
In addition to the best-selling Birkenstocks, the brand also makes vegan versions of the Medina, the Milano, the Siena, the Sydney, the Franca, and the Rio.
And if you’re shopping for kids, you can get vegan versions of the Milano or the Arizona.Â
What Are Vegan Birkenstocks Made Of?
The majority of Birkenstocks are made with leather. However, the fashionable, ethical, and eco-conscious vegan versions come in a variety of materials.
These include:
- Birko-Flor®: A Birkenstock original synthetic material made from PVC plastic.
- Microfibre: A soft synthetic fiber that is lined with fleece. And while fleece can sometimes contain wool, this appears to be 100% polyester.
- Textile: It’s important to double-check the materials on Birkenstock textile sandals since some of them also contain suede. But 100% textile sandals are made with colorful vegan yarn.
- Synthetics: While not a lot of information is available on sandals labeled “synthetics,” the company notes that the material is 100% synthetic fibers.
- Birkibuc®: Another Birkenstock original material, Birkibuc is made from acrylic and polyamide felt fibers that imitate Nubuck leather.
While Birkenstock does offer patent leather sandals and a good deal of them are made with plastic, patent leather Birkenstocks do not appear to be vegan-friendly.
The brand states that its patent leather sandals are made from natural (animal-derived) piumato leather.
The Vegan Birkenstock Footbed
Aside from the leather substitutes used on the upper part of the sandals, Birkenstock ensures the whole shoe is vegan.
So if you’re wondering about the footbed of the sandal, the company sets vegan customers’ minds at ease by revealing that the materials include:
- Cork: A vital part of all Birkenstocks, vegan and leather, cork is a sustainable and natural material that helps the sandals mold to the shape of your foot.
- Jute: A plant fiber that helps stabilize the cork.
- EVA: A lightweight plastic called ethylene vinyl acetate.
- Latex: Natural latex is a renewable resource that serves as a binding agent to help provide comfort and support.
As you can see, it appears that Birkenstock is committed to providing the same comfort, durability, and style as their leather counterparts, sans the animal products.
Varieties of Vegan Birkenstocks
It’s essential to know how to identify vegan Birkenstocks amongst their wide product range. Thankfully, Birkenstock makes it quite easy for us. Look for models labeled as ‘Vegan’ in the product description.
In addition to the traditional neutral colors, Birkenstocks’ vegan line also includes fun colors like silver, sky blue, soft pink, neon pink, a “watercolor khaki,” and a plaid textile pattern. There are also seasonal patterns that become available at different times of the year.
Not all colors are available in all styles, but the variety means it’s likely you’ll find something you like if you search through the options on the Birkenstock page.
Vegan clogs are available in addition to toe-revealing sandals. Birkenstock even sells EVA rainboots and polyurethane professional shoes for people who are on their feet all day, such as nurses and chefs.
An Ethical and Less Expensive Alternative to Leather
Choosing vegan Birkenstocks is a nod to both ethical and environmental consciousness.
The production of leather requires significant resources, and the process often involves chemicals that can harm the environment. That’s why it’s wise to think about your clothing choices as much as your food choices as a vegan. Â
Opting for vegan alternatives also reduces the demand for these items, leading to a lesser environmental footprint and a willingness of companies to cater to the vegan demographic. Consumer demand can drive a positive change in the fashion industry.
And while the cost of vegan Birkenstocks can sometimes seem high (they typically ring in at $100+), the good news is that the vegan versions of their shoes are often less expensive than leather.
Summary
Not all Birkenstocks are vegan, but the company offers a large vegan line of sandals and clogs made from synthetic materials.
All vegan Birkenstocks are marked as such, but if you’re still confused, just look for shoes made with the company’s leather alternatives, namely Birko-Flor and Birkibuc.
