If I could wear one shoe for eternity, it would probably be a Birkenstock (sorry, Barbie). The Bostons, Arizonas, the EVAs, you name it—everything in the German footwear brand’s catalog is as comfortable as it is timelessly cool. I only recently retired the Arizona Sandals I got as a Christmas gift back in 2014 —a testament to the quality (and unapologetic wear by moi) that goes into every pair.
All this to say that if anyone can spot a worthy Birkenstock dupe, it’s me. And the Nappa Leather Double Buckle Slides ($70) are exactly that. Made by Quince, the affordable luxury brand behind our favorite ethically made summer sneakers, wallet-friendly cashmere and plush bedding, the Nappa Leather Slides are nearly identical to Birkenstocks’ iconic Arizona Sandal—and dare I say, even more comfortable? Let’s discuss.
Quince, Nappa Leather Double Buckle Slides — $70.00
Sizes Available: 5-10
From the leather straps to the iconic cork midsole, the Quince Nappa Leather Double Buckle Slides are unequivocally the best Birkenstock dupes I’ve come across—and they’re more comfortable, too! All for nearly half the price.
Colors: black, brown and white
At $70, the Quince Nappa Slides are nearly half the cost of Birkenstocks for a strikingly similar look—some shoppers say the Nappas are even more stylish. “[They’re] surprisingly better looking than Birkenstock for that price,” wrote one customer in a 5-star review. They’ve got the same full grain leather upper—except Quince’s is sourced from an LWG, or Leather Working Group, certified tannery, which means it’s produced using sustainable methods—natural cork midsole, non-slip EVA outsole and adjustable metal buckles.
The Quince Slides feel just as durable and well-made as my old Birks, which is astonishing, given the more affordable price. What’s more, they feel lightweight on my feet, without being flimsy or unsupportive. And just like my old Arizonas, the Nappa Slides go with pretty much anything, from wide leg jeans and a tee to summer dresses, maxi skirts and my WFH uniform of soft pants and a sweatshirt. When it comes to ways to wear, the limit does not exist.
Where the Quince Slides do have the Birkenstocks, however, is in comfort. The Nappa’s soft foam in-sole gives the slides the perfect amount of squish, cushioning every step while offering all-day arch support. And sliding my feet onto the plush suede footbed feels sooo good.
Quince claims the sandals feel like walking on clouds, and I have to agree—turns out, I’m not alone because the sandals have a stellar 4.9-star customer rating. “The footbed is soft and cushiony while still supportive,” agrees one happy Quince shopper in a 5-star review. “And the leather is soft and not as tough to break in as a pair of Birkenstocks.” And it’s true! The dreaded blister-y “break-in” period really isn’t a thing with the Quince Nappa Leather Slides. I slid them on my feet straight out of the box and have been wearing them non-stop ever since, with no cuts or blisters to speak of. “So comfortable and beautifully designed,” echoes another Quince fan in a 5-star review. “Feels great without having to break them in.” I’d just recommend sizing up if you normally wear a half size.
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