I adored my Birkenstocks in college (late ‘90s era trend go-around, not ‘60s era – I’m not that old!). They were so comfortable that I never thought about blisters or sore feet. And, at the time, they were reasonably fashionable. But, now that Celine has made orthopedic sandal lookalikes into the height of summer style, I’m ready to fully re-embrace this trend and ride it to the end.
Last week, I featured a pair of classic white Birkenstock Arizona sandals as one of my top shopping picks. This week, I noticed that Nordstrom now has an entire corner of the shoe section dedicated to “footbed sandals.” I guess that’s the new euphemism for ugly-chic Birkenstock-inspired shoes. Regardless, there are plenty of fun knockoffs and reinterpretations to check out. Here are five of my favorites…
The silver metallic of this Topshop sandal is lots of fun, as is the ultra-bold black platform. Although the look is standout, I don’t think it would be too overwhelming for day-to-day wear if paired with neutral basics.
→ Buy the Topshop Fang Platform Sandal, $80.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
I’m clearly a little cuckoo for white “footbed sandals” this summer. Although I’m set on the Birks from last week, I may also spring for these Sam Edelman sandals. The wide crisscross straps feel just a bit dressier than the Birkenstock sandals.
→ Buy the Sam Edelman Adora Sandal, $89.95, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
Metallic rose gold sandals? Yes please! These will look amazing with black skinny trousers.
→ But the Topshop Fancie Sandal, $65.00, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
Ugly-chic sandals with abstract animal print calf hair upper are crazy unique and fun. Plus, they’re currently priced half off. It doesn’t get much more must-buy than this.
→ Buy the Steve Madden Boundree Calf Hair Sandal, $44.96 (was $89.95), at norstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
I think these KG Kurt Geiger sandals look closest to the actual Celine sandals that restarted the craze. But, obviously, they’re much less expensive. That’s always a plus.
→ Buy the KG Kurt Geiger Nola Sandal, $99.95, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.
More Ugly-Chic Sandals:
