Amazon shoppers say £30 sandals are 'every bit as comfortable' as Birkenstocks
From the heartwarming storyline to the dopamine-infused soundtrack, the Barbie movie has certainly given us all cause for conversation since it hit the big screen last month. And with it, it brought a wave of fashion inspiration, from film buffs dressing up in pink to watch the movie, while others scrambled for the viral ‘I am Kenough’ hoodie.
The movie - which recently hit $1 billion at the box office, making female director film history - saw costume designer Jacqueline Durran style some incredibly iconic and recognisable brands throughout the movie, including Chanel and Missoma. But in a surprise twist, it’s Birkenstocks that has seen sales soaring since starring not once, but twice in the film, with the term ‘Barbie Birkenstock’ up over 4,000 per cent in the US, according to Google Trends.
The brand’s Mocha Arizona Sandals were the first to make an appearance when Weird Barbie asks Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie if she’d like to return to Barbieland, or go to the Real World to learn the truth, with the brown shoe representing the latter. Margot herself is later spotted in a pink pair of Arizona sandals with a big silver buckle, a style which has since sold out online - oh the power of Barbie.
However, if you missed out on the rose coloured slip-ons, of pumps that are ‘every bit as comfortable and a fraction of the price’ of Birks. The cost just £29.99 at full price, but some styles are currently reduced to as little as £16.99, which is much cheaper than Birkenstocks, many of which cost over £100.
While Birkenstocks have become a household name, loved by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow and Hailey Bieber, these dual-strapped cork slides are giving them a run for their money.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'Coming in a these sandals are made from ‘ultralight materials’ that won’t make your feet smell, with arch support and a cork footbed that makes them comfortable to wear for hours on end.
“I’ve worn these shoes pretty much solid for eight weeks and they're now my favourite sandals,” said one shopper. “Definitely a summer essential! I bought them for a trip to Rome and walked 8 miles a day in them, for the price I honestly expected them to break by now but they’re still going strong!
“I did get a blister on the top of my foot where the strap was rubbing in first use but was fine after a few uses and the strap has softened over time. They are great every day sandals, comfy, true to size and stylish, they go with everything. 10/10 would recommend!!”
The mules have racked up a who say they’re a great alternative to the high-end shoe. One wrote: “Great cheaper alternative to Birkenstocks,” while another added: “I’ve always had Birkenstocks and with times being hard needed to replace my last pair (worn down) these were the next best thing, fit great and so comfy!”
A third said: “I usually go for Birkenstocks but these Oncai mules are every bit as comfortable and a fraction of the price.”
Though some found issues with the sizing and shades, commenting: “The item ticks all boxes in terms of comfort, support etc. It's unfortunately too large and colour isn't right for me.”
Amazon isn't the only place you can find more though, with the high street and online retailers also stocking their own take on the two-strap sandal. At Marks and Spencer, shoppers can find a pair of in a deep pink, reddish shade, while
But if it’s branded Birkenstocks you’re keen to add to your collection , meaning you can channel Barbie anywhere from the beach to the bar and back again this summer - or what’s left of it.
Alternatively, you can shop the