When an iconic brand creates vegan versions of their ever-popular products, it’s cause for celebration at Vegan American Princess! (Of course, needless to say, we’d love all products to be vegan and cruelty-free.) The vegan trend is moving in the right directions—growth!– and we congratulate every step.
Birkenstock is one of those companies that remains true to its design, while tweaking and re-inventing its classics to reflect trends and modern times. Going vegan is one of their latest, very exciting recreations! Some of these vegan beauties look like their leather counterparts but in synthetic materials and others just break out into fireworks and rainbow colors in bright plastics!
First, a word from Birkenstock — how they define “vegan shoes” and the materials they use to produce them in true Birkenstock style.
What are vegan shoes? Vegan shoes are made form 100% animal-frinedly, ecologically sound and sustainable materials. No animal-based materials–such as leather, wool felt and animal adhesives–are used during the manufacturing process. Apart from the ethical considerations, vegan shoes also offer additional benefits on account of their composition, e.g. a lightweight design. As a result, vegan shoes are also worn by people who do not otherwise practice a vegan lifestyle or observe a vegan.
What materials are used for Birkenstock vegan shoes?
Synthetics:
- Birko-Flor®: a soft, sturdy and dirt-repellent synthetic material with a cozy fleece lining on the inside. It is used as an upper material on a vast range of models.
- Polyurethane (PU): a foam-like plastic that exhibits outstanding flexibility in solid form. Garden clogs and certified safety shoes by BIRKENSTOCK are made from a single piece of PU material.
- Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA): an ultra lightweight, exceptionally flexible and skin-friendly plastic that boasts outstanding abrasion resistance. BIRKENSTOCK beach sandals are made completely from EVA. What’s more, EVA is used to make the soles of many models.
Fabrics:
- Microfiber: a lightweight, soft and breathable material that is made from fine fibers and is visually reminiscent of leather. It keeps feet fresh. On BIRKENSTOCK shoes, it is, for instance, used as an upper material, a cover for linings and for insoles.
Natural materials:
Cork: a natural product that is extracted from the bark of the cork oak; it has an insulating effect and boasts exceptional cushioning properties. It is used to make the original BIRKENSTOCK cork and latex footbed.
AND NOW….. the Vegan Birkenstocks!
Birkenstock Vegan Gizah
Birkenstock ‘Gizeh Vegan’™ Women’s Slide Sandal
Head out in style in the stylish Gizeh strap Sandal! If you were searching for a comfortable flat that goes with everything, end your quest here with the new Gizeh Vegan. 100% vegan, this sandal will make your feel and look your best. With a ground-gripping rubber outsole, the Gizeh Vegan slide features a non-removable microfiber insole that provides lasting support. Crafted with PU, polyester, and cotton, it features a breathable lining that wicks moisture away leaving your feet comfortably dry all-day. Sure to go with any casual paring, the Birkenstock Gizeh will complete your summer days with ease.
- Synthetic – 100% Microfiber Upper (non-leather upper, non-leather sole) with rubber EVA sole.
- Birkenstock’s Vegan-Friendly Gizeh Women’s Sandals
- Constructed with no animal-based materials, these slide sandals keep your heart – and your style – feeling good.
- These strappy sandal exudes and embodies the highest quality – just like you.
- This ecofriendly vegan sandal is crafted with microfiber PU uppers and a comfortable rubber outsole.
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s BIRK-129423 Sandal
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s BIRK-129423 Sandal
The BIRKENSTOCK Arizona is a true classic. Modeled on the cork sandal; it is made from ultra light and highly flexible EVA. The high-quality; odor-neutral EVA has been tested for harmful substances and combines numerous positive attributes. It’s waterproof; ultra lightweight; washable and therefore extremely easy to care for.
- Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Lightweight and waterproof EVA material
- Fully contoured footbed
- Elevated footbed edge
- Arch support and heel cup for maximum comfort
- Two adjustable straps
- 11 Fun Colors
Birkenstock Microfiber Pink
Birkenstock Madrid Pink Synthetic Sandals
Birkenstock merely needs an introduction, it has been a trademark for high quality sandals for over a decade. The Madrid furthers Birkenstock’s tradition of comfortable, sturdy and durable sandals with its superb Microfiber upper and lining. In addition, its natural cork footbed will provide you with enhanced durability and comfort anytime. And EVA outsole will provide great traction on any surface.
- Synthetic
- Synthetic sole
- Microfiber Upper
- Microfiber Insole
- EVA Outsole
- Natural Cork Footbed
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona 2-Strap Cork Footbed Sandal
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona 2-Strap Cork Footbed Sandal
The BIRKENSTOCK Arizona is a classic model. The sandal’s iconic style has been given an update in a new material; with a vegan version now available. The vegan material composition is analyzed by independent testing laboratories. The upper and the lining are made from a pleasantly soft yet hard-wearing microfiber weave.
- Synthetic
- Imported
- rubber sole
- Birko-Flor upper
- Suede covered footbed
- Cork-latex midsole
- Built-in arch support
- Toe grip for added support & comfort
Birkenstock Madrid Synthetic
Birkenstock Madrid Synthetic Sandals
- Synthetic
- Synthetic sole
- Synthetic Upper
- Microfiber Insole
- EVA sole
- Natural Cork Footbed
- Iconic Birkenstock Pattern Outsole
Birkenstock Boston Unisex Vegan
Birkenstock Unisex Boston Vegan
The popular Boston clog model is now available in a very special version that is completely free from animal-based components. The vegan material composition is analyzed by independent testing laboratories.
- Microfiber
- Imported
- fabric sole
- Birko-Flor Upper
- Linning Birko flor
- Regular Fitting
- Insole Microfibre
- Eva sole
Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Adjustable Toe Loop Cork Footbed Sandal
Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Adjustable Toe Loop Cork Footbed Sandal
- Synthetic
- Imported
- rubber sole
- Thong sandal with adjustable buckle straps featuring contoured cork footbed and grippy outsole
- Comes in 14 colors!
Birkenstock Women’s EVA Madrid Sandal
Our classic one-strap sandal; now available in a no-fuss; waterproof EVA. Super lightweight – great for the gym or the beach.
- Made in Germany
- EVA one piece molded construction – a waterproof and lightweight synthetic material
- Contoured EVA footbed features moderate arch support; a deep heel cup and roomy toe box
- Lightweight EVA sole for cushioning and shock absorption
- Avoid extreme heat
We hope these beautiful styles remind you of your Birks of bygone years, only better and cruelty-free! Let us know what you think of this Birkenstock reincarnation!
xox Enjoy
Ellen Francis
Years ago I bought a pair of EVA Birkies that had an Hawaiian print on them, before that another colorful patterned pair. Why no more patterns?
Birkenstock seems to either stick with their classics or introduce new style that go with the trends. Hopefully, patterns will come back one day! How about a bright and fun solid color?
the footbed of the mayari’s are leather unfortunately
I do NOT recommend buying vegan Birkenstocks. My daughter saved up to buy a pair and loved wearing them. She has had them less than a year and the microfiber lining has started to grow MOLD. This is their response when she reached out for their help:
“I’m sorry to hear about what happened to your sandals. I would like to note that since the footbeds of our vegan sandals are made of microfiber, they are porous. This means that even in dry climates, moisture can accumulate on the footbed just like dew does on a grass lawn in the morning. Any moisture when left unchecked will cause mold and there is nothing we do during manufacturing the footwear that predisposes them to this any more than another shoe with similar materials.
As each person wears and cares for their footwear differently, we currently do not have any warranty or guarantee on our footwear. This means that we cannot accept them back as a return or exchange.
With that said, due to the composition of our sandals, Birkenstock footwear may be repaired for various types of damage or wear depending on the style. In your case, your sandals at best only need a footbed liner replacement and professional cleaning. Although, in full disclosure, due to the moisture and mold, your sandals may also need a cork footbed replacement as well.
A repair facility would be able to evaluate them and give you an estimate for the necessary repairs.”
So, basically, they are acknowledging that they know there is a problem with their very expensive sandals but you have to incur additional expense to fix it.
They should fully disclose this problem beforehand. If people still want to purchase, then at least they were warned.
Extremely disappointed in this company. They have been around for decades and people associate their brand with a quality product. Apparently, they don’t care about their customers once they’ve gotten our money.
BUYER BEWARE!!
Hmm interesting that they know there’s an issue. But isn’t leather porous? I wonder why the microfiber is more susceptible to mold than their usual material. Thanks for sharing this information! It takes a village of vegans!