To me, there is nothing better in life than waking up and slipping on a pair of Birkos – but the best Birkenstock clog alternative produces a very similar feeling, at a much more affordable price.
Let me explain. For the past two months, I have been testing what I vouch to be the best Birkenstock clog alternative on the market right now, which is the Simba Stormur Slippers, priced at £69. That's 63% cheaper than the Birkenstock originals (at £190). Here's why this pair is the ideal walking shoes to gift your loved ones... or yourself.
Shop: the Simba Stormur Slippers here
Testing the best Birkenstock alternative — and my results
When they arrived, I was impressed that the look and quality of the Simbas was up to par with my other well-worn walking sandals, including its comfort technology. Indeed, the Simba slippers have been designed with the health benefits of reflexology in mind.
The soft, massaging leather insole features nine gel-filled pressure points. Layered below is a cork-effect, foot-shaped midsole that provides comfortable support, and a durable non-slip rubber outsole. The rubber outsole makes them ideal for wearing outdoors as well as indoors.
Shop: the Simba Stormur Slippers here
Although I can't say for certain how long these shoes will last you, they are made up of the same materials as the Birkenstock originals: leather and Merino wool. The key difference between the two is the Simbas have a reflexology insole, whereas the Birkenstocks have a cork insole that moulds to the shape of your feet over time.
Birkenstocks have been a best-seller on the market for a long time, so have more brand-recognition behind them, whereas Simbas is a relatively new take on the market. Ultimately, it depends on what you want out of your slip-ons, and whether you want to take a risk trying out a new brand.
How did I test the best Birkenstock alternative?
I have been wearing these consistently for the past two months, and I have found them an absolute joy to wear. Not only are they supremely comfortable to wear, but their contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired design goes well with most outfits. Now that clogs are back in fashion (we're truly bringing back the 70s), you can get away with matching them to jeans, leggings, trousers — even a maxi skirt look. I've genuinely gotten so many compliments of these shoes when I paired them with my current wardrobe.
The type of terrain I tested these slippers on were concrete, paving and dry grass, and they performed well. At no point did they slip off my feet, as the grip inside was enough despite being a slip-on shoe. I avoided testing on wet, muddy terrain as I imagine the felt material would not handle that very well.
After testing for this period of time, I have no negatives to note, except that I wish the Stormurs came in more colours. The only two available colours at the moment are beige and grey (I tested the beige swatch). Perhaps Simba will add more colours in the future.
In conclusion, instead of forking out on a pair of Birkenstock clogs, the Simba Stormurs are a brilliant alternative – and put in the work to be up to the standards of the original. After two months of testing, I still find myself reaching for this pair of shoes when heading out the door.
Shop: the Simba Stormur Slippers here
