I LOVE MY BIRKS. One of my most worn pairs is actually my plastic (EVA) birks! I have been wearing birks since I was a kid growing up on Cape Cod, and will defend them forever – they are truly one of my most favorite shoes. Luckily, they’re cool now… but when the trend inevitably dies again, I’ll still be rocking mine.
I have talked about my gold birks and those are probably my other most worn pair of Birkenstocks right now and often get asked how they compare to the EVA birks. I love my Birkenstocks so much. It’s comfortable and supportive, it molds to the shape of your foot, it’s great for long walks, and it’s (kind of, depending who you ask!) pretty cute, too! I just added this glossy tomato red pair to the roster this season and can’t get enough.
Birkenstock EVA vs Leather Birkenstocks
Birkenstock EVA Sandals
The Birkenstock EVA sandals are made from something called ethylene vinyl acetate. EVA is a super lightweight and flexible material. It feels a bit like foam and if I’m going to compare them to anything, it’s crocs. That really light, ultra comfortable, cushiony material. I call these my “chic crocs” as I did love crocs back in the day. (Back when I was a long distance runner, NOTHING was better after a long run!). If I were to ever run a marathon again (probs never), these are the shoes I’d reach for after.
Birkenstock Leather Sandals
Birkenstock leather sandals are a classic, with their signature cork footbeds. They’re also very comfortable but much heavier than the EVA pair. I’m on my third pair of gold birkenstocks as I’ve been wearing birks since before they were cool (I’m kinda just a Cape Cod hippie at heart!). They come in birko flor (a vegan alternative to leather) too and I find that they’re equally comfortable – I accidentally ordered a pair of gold birko flor sandals earlier this summer and like them just as much as the leather ones. I have not tried the oiled leather variation yet but have heard wonderful things.
Birkenstock Sandals Comparison
Footbed
The best part of Birkenstocks (EVA or regular) is how they mold to the shape of your foot, making them become your perfect sandal with incredible arch support. The deep heel cup, moldable footbed, and toe grip… it’s heaven. The footbed of any Birkenstock is just… the best.
Sizing
Sizing is pretty true to size for both styles. I typically take an 8.5 in almost every shoe and have narrow-ish feet and take an 8 (or a 38, depending on the size chart). I know many Birkenstock styles come in a narrow footbed, I’ve never tried those BUT find wearing my Birkenstocks on the most narrow buckle setting gives me the perfect fit!
Style and Color Options
They come in so many fab colors…. black, white, metallics, and of course a huge range of happy, bright colorful hues.
Price
The biggest differentiator here is that the EVA birkenstock sandals are considerably less expensive than the original. At around $45 vs $100+.
Comfort
They are equally comfortable. The same shock absorbing molded footbed, but they’re much more lightweight and flexible than the original. I do find that the nubuck leather takes a little longer to break in. But once you break them in you are golden.
Other differences
The EVA Birkenstocks are extremely easy to clean – much easier to clean than leather birks in my opinion – especially with oil and grease. Wipe clean with soap and water, no fancy leather cleansers necessary. You could even put them in the dishwasher if you’d like! They might get a scuff mark or two but you can easily clean that with a magic eraser.
Which One Is Better?
Honestly, I don’t think you can really say that one is “better” than the other. I like them both a LOT. I have my gold pair and now these. And recommend both. I would say that the EVA birks are a little bit more trendy / cool girl, especially if you go for a solid white or black (I went for a much less trendy orange – mango, if we are being specific – but I like color!). And for the beach or the pool (or walks in the rain), these are a great waterproof alternative to the originals as you won’t get them wet!
I do think that the leather pair lasts longer – and it’s easier to resole if you choose to! And they’re definitely more sturdy, so if you are looking for something sturdy go with the classic (though the EVA ones are like walking on air, which I love!)
Where to buy them?
I bought mine at Urban Outfitters. You can also get them at Free People, Macy’s, Nordstrom, and a bunch of other places (refer to the widget below!)
Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thank you for your support!
Photo by Allie Provost.
I love Birkenstocks but I can’t see myself wearing these right now! Maybe they’ll grow on me though – I hated bike shorts but now I love them haha! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Haha. I still hate bike shorts 😉
Hi Grace! I have both regular and plastic Birks and I sized down one size for the plastic ones. Curious as to your experience with sizing for the two types?
Love the plastic ones as a more substantial flip flop type shoe. And yes great for working in the yard/garden and places where your feet get wet. 🙂
Hi! I took the same size in both (8/38) which is down a half size for me!
I LOVE Birks — been wearing them in various styles and colors since my sleepaway camp days in the early 00’s.
While I love new plastic-y ones for beach trips, the OG leather sandals are still what I prefer for long walks and everyday life because the footbed is more solid. I find the plastic ones too flimsy for walking long distances, and the leather sandals help with bunion issues.
Oh funny! I walk pretty far in my plastic ones though I do agree the OG’s are more sturdy!
I love my plastic Birks! They are the most perfect beach shoe. I have fallen arches and really have a hard time wearing flats that don’t have much arch support. The plastic Birks are a perfect flip flop alternative because of how supportive they are. I also love that they don’t rub and cause blisters in the same way many plastic sandals usually do when you first wear them
They are SO supportive!! I love them so much.
I LOVE the plastic Birks! I’ve tried wearing regular birks and had to give away a pair because with my flat feet I was crying they were so painful. I’ve had my pink ones for 2 years and STILL get compliments whenever I wear them. I say, if you are wearing plastic shoes…wear fun colors! I have a new pair in Lime on my way to me.
Oh no! That’s so sad. They def have a higher arch (I have high arches!) so I can see that happening!!!! But happy the plastic worked out for you. Mine make me so happy!
Have you heard of Freedom Moses? They are very similar aside from not having adjustable straps but they come in lots of colors and patterns. I had been eyeing them for years and just bought a pair earlier this year on sale and all of a sudden I feel like I see them everywhere (bloggers, J. Crew, Shopbop, Saks, etc)! Great quarantine purchase!
Yes! They’re cute! I prefer these but those are great too!
I call mine birken-crocs, and everyone who made fun of me last summer for having suddenly has a pair this summer… they’re also amazing for walking into a rocky ocean (they float if they come off!), scrubbing a shower (bare feet always feel too slippery, I don’t worry about bleach/cleaning product on these), and washing a dog in the driveway. I have the coral from last summer, and keep considering the white, even though I have giant feet and white tends to only make things look bigger.
omg totally stealing that expression!!!!
My husband also christened my EVAs birken-crocs, which is very true! I love the EVA Birks so much. Because regular Birks are so molded, it seems like the sizing is pretty precise and I was never able to find a good fit for my feet. The EVA Birks are more forgiving. I started with a pair of the EVA Madrids, but the strap was a little irritating when it was really hot. I’m a fan of the Gizehs now. I work remotely so I wear them all day around the house, and to the pool, yoga, Pilates, etc. I previously got a silver pair. I just bought a new bright pair on Poshmark for $25. So, it’s worth checking there, if you are interested in trying the EVA Birks.
Haha that is a great name for them!
Thank you for sharing in depth review! I always thought Birkenstocks were ugly until I bought my first pair of EVA in black and light pink pre-covid. I am so glad I did I wear them as slippers around the house and don’t know why I didn’t invest in some sooner. Next, I have my eyes on a yellow leather Birkenstock.
they’re the greatest!!!!!
I just ordered a pair of Evas after seeing your post! I’ve had the soft-bed leather for YEARS which have been my go-to summer travel shoe but I think I need these easy-to-clean, chic shoes in my closet too.
they are wonderful!!!!!
I love my Birkenstocks! I have some classic corck pairs and will now look into the EVA ones.. they sound amazing!
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Thanks for the review Grace. I just ordered the Watermelon EVA Can’t wait for them to arrive!
YAY – they are so fun (and comfy!!!)
I just bought my first pair of birks just to try them out & I really thought I was gonna return them. I’ve been a big Birkenstock’s HATER.. but now they’re the only shoes I wear ! You were a big reason why I bought mine. Help I’m addicted to Birkenstock’s now!!!
Hahahahaha I felt the same! They’re just so comfy!
Are the EVA’s Resole able ?
I don’t think so!
+1 to the inner New England hippie 🙂 (NH native here, DC for the last 23 years)
I got my first pair of Birks – dark green suede Arizonas – in high school in the early 90s when I was an inner preppy cosplaying as a hippie during the grunge era. So wish I kept that pair! Started re-wearing Birks again about 10 years ago and last summer tried the birko-flor 1/2 white, 1/2 gold, which I love. Considering adding the rose gold this summer. Unsure about EVAs, though it may be time. Best part about being in my 40s is not caring at all whether Birks are in or out of style!
I could not agree more. I love them, they make my feet happy, I will wear them forever!
I think I am an outlier on this trend. I have tried traditional Birkenstocks and they are so incredibly uncomfortable – they hurt my feet! I tried the plastic version to wear around the house and they are a little better. I would never wear them out in public even though I do think they look cute on other people, they are not for me.
Oh no! I have actually heard this from others… I think feet shape and shoe preference is such a personal thing. For example, I find most ballet flats to be wildly uncomfortable.
This just made me realize that I need to get a new pair, because they really helped improve my arch support. However, I think I’m going to get a plastic pair next to see if they can provide the same support. 🙂
I can’t seem to find a pair of Birkenstock sandals with rubber soles. One of the many distinguishing features of Birkenstock sandals is that they’re environmentally friendly, made made natural materials. The EVA sole strays from that paradigm.
I can’t seem to find a pair of Birkenstock sandals with rubber soles. One of the many distinguishing features of Birkenstock sandals is that they’re environmentally friendly, made from natural materials. The EVA sole strays from that paradigm.