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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. Grab your PSL and make some room in your closet: We’re going shopping.
- Quince Water Repellent Suede Clog Mule
- Sorel Viibe Clog
- Steve Madden Ledger Black Leather
- Rothy’s The Casual Clog
- Kidmi Suede Clogs
- Cushionaire Hana Cork Footbed Clog
- Universal Thread Betsy Clog Mule Flats
- Dr. Martens Zezag Suede Slingback Platform Mule
- Very comfortable
- Budget-friendly
- Run a little large
- No half sizes
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 that the weather is cooling off, 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
- Convertible strap for more support
- Comes in lots of colors and materials
- Run a little small
- Pricey
Here’s a pair of clogs that’s not meant to be an exact dupe—instead, they’re like the Birkenstock Boston’s funkier, sportier sister. I was excited to test these because Sorel is known for its 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 super cute, and I’d style them the same exact way I'd style 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
- Sleek design
- Lightweight
- Creases easily
- Not great for sweaty feet
Cute clogs aren’t always comfortable—thankfully, this pair from Steve Madden checks both boxes. “I have high arches and was pretty impressed by how supportive and lightweight they are,” one SELF editor says. “I tested them in 90-degree summer weather and noticed that my feet did sweat inside a little—since they're all faux leather (even in the footbed), they're not very breathable. But as I wear these into fall and winter, I don't think this will be a big issue.”
Also good to know: “The upper creased almost immediately after I tried them on—so if you like the broken-in look, you'll love these,” our tester says. “The buckle is surprisingly high-quality too.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
- Feels like slippers
- Comes in lots of colors
- Not great for longer walks
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
- Wide size range
- Variety of colors
- Budget-friendly
- Some reviewers say they’re hard to keep clean
Amazon always comes in clutch with trendy dupes, so I wasn’t surprised to find a sleek Boston lookalike on the site. These Kidmi shoes stand out because they have a super similar silhouette, thanks to their suede upper and worn-in buckle. But regardless of how they look in photos, I’d only consider buying shoes with a great rating and tons of fans—thankfully, this pair fits the bill, with over 2,200 five-star reviews.
One Amazon shopper calls these “the best Birk dupe out there.” Another says, “they’re sturdy and my go-to for almost all occasions. Whenever I have to run out the door, I know my trusty Fakenstocks are there for me.” The fact that they come in several neutral colors and cost less than $50 is just icing on the cake.
Sizes: US 5.5 to 14 | Colors: 7 | Material: Suede, cork, leather
- Comes in a bunch of colors and materials
- Variety of sizes and widths
- Budget-friendly
- Some reviewers say they feel stiff at first
Not sold on a suede upper? Cushionaire offers a few different options, like faux leather, denim, corduroy, and wool. According to Amazon reviewers, 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).
One Amazon shopper says these are supportive enough to wear for long days on your feet: “I work 12-hour night shifts as a respiratory therapist. These are by far some of my comfiest shoes to wear.” Another reviewer echoes how great they feel: “They form to your foot, just like the real deal.”
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Colors: 15 | Material: Faux leather, suede, EVA foam
- Good size range
- Budget-friendly
- Some reviewers say they show creases
Universal Thread’s Betsy Flats are the least expensive clogs on this list, but you wouldn’t know it by the 4.6-star rating that comes from more than 1,000 happy reviewers. Shoppers say they’re a great lookalike for the Birkenstock Boston, since they have that same silhouette and suede outer—and they’re just as comfortable too. “I’m a year into owning these shoes and I SWEAR by them,” one Target reviewer says. “I’m about to buy two more pairs for the upcoming fall season. They are so comfy and long lasting.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Colors: 4 | Material: Suede, polyurethane, zinc alloy, polyester, rubberlon
- Adjustable, convertible straps
- Comes in pretty pops of color
- Pricey
Fans of Dr. Martens’s classically cool combat boots will appreciate these suede slingbacks. The black platform sole with gold stitching gives them an edgy look, and the suede upper comes in several colors to match your vibe and your wardrobe.
Dr. Martens have a reputation for being uncomfortable until they’re broken in—but the reviews on these are pleasantly surprising, with many saying they feel cushy and lightweight right from day one. “They are so soft and comfortable that I don't want to wear another pair of shoes,” one Dr. Martens reviewer says. Like the Sorel clogs, these also have convertible straps that you can wear around your ankle for extra support (plus, they’re adjustable).
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 | Material: Suede, EVA
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