For a while, Birkenstocks had a bad reputation for being all comfort and no style. No one could deny the shoes felt good on their feet, but many naysayers argued they didn’t look good at all. Luckily, that all changed a few years back when the fashion world collectively decided that the “hippie sandals” were cool. Now, Birkenstock is a billion-dollar brand with celebs like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow all proudly wearing the sandals in public.
Quick Overview
Nordstrom
Oh, and let’s not forget fashion heavy-hitter Cindy Crawford is part of the Birkenstock fan club. The iconic supermodel shared an Instagram photo from Palm Springs last spring, wearing the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal. They may not be the classic Arizona style you’ve seen everywhere, but these sleek slides deserve a spot at the top of your shoe wishlist.
Crawford paired them with a relaxed, effortless look — blue jeans, a white tee and a printed scarf. But the sandals are surprisingly versatile and can be dressed up or down. With an angled strap and oversized buckle, they feel far more polished than your basic flip-flops or even the original Arizona style.
The Madrid sandals have a cushioned and shock-absorbing contoured footbed to keep your feet happy all summer, and they’re durable enough to last for seasons to come, thanks to all of the leather elements. While the Madrid design is in stock at Nordstrom in a range of neutral tones like rose and sage, we, like Cindy, are partial to the rich brown shade that is especially versatile.
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The shoe itself runs true to size, but it does have a narrow to medium footbed, so if you prefer a wider fit, you may want to try something like the Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Slide Sandal, which is on the wider side.
Birkenstock’s Madrid sandals retail for a pricey $150; if you’re looking for something similar but a bit more affordable, Amazon has a few dead ringers that are a fraction of the price.
Amazon
“I won’t ever buy another pair of Birkenstocks again after getting these !! So comfy and I absolutely love the style and fit,” wrote one happy shopper, who rated the sandals “1000000/10.”
Amazon
Amazon
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
