Hey there shoe lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for that elusive pair of shoes that are both stylish and so comfortable you forget you‘re wearing them. Sounds like a fantasy, right? Well I‘m here to tell you that Birdies flats are making that shoe dream a reality.
I first heard the buzz about Birdies a couple years ago, with fashion editors and celebrities like Meghan Markle singing the praises of these chic and cushy shoes. I was intrigued but held off on ordering a pair myself. Could a shoe that looks like a sophisticated flat really feel like a slipper? I had my doubts.
Fast forward to today and I finally took the plunge and treated myself to not one but two pairs of Birdies – The Starling and The Heron. And let me tell you, I get what the fuss is all about! These shoes have barely left my feet since the box arrived.
But I‘m getting ahead of myself. Let‘s start with the basics of the Birdies brand and what sets these shoes apart. Then I‘ll dive into the nitty gritty of the styles I tried, sizing recommendations, and how they held up to real world wear.
What is Birdies?
Founded in 2015 by Bianca Gates and Marisa Sharkey, Birdies is a San Francisco-based footwear brand on a mission to help women look and feel great without sacrificing comfort. The idea for Birdies was hatched when Bianca and Marisa, both busy moms, were lamenting the lack of cute and cozy shoes to wear while hosting gatherings at home. They wanted a stylish slipper that could take them from entertaining to running errands, a tall order!
After two years of researching, designing and wear testing, they launched Birdies with their first silhouette called The Starling. It was an instant hit! While originally intended as a chic indoor slipper, customers started wearing their Birdies out and about, so the co-founders tweaked the design to add a more durable rubber sole. And just like that, Birdies became the ultimate indoor-outdoor shoe.
What makes Birdies shoes so comfortable?
So what exactly is the secret sauce that makes Birdies so pleasant to wear? It‘s all in the unique 7-layer cushion technology. While most flats have little to no arch support or cushioning, every pair of Birdies has a plush, quilted insole with high-density memory foam and shock absorption to hug your feet in comfort all day long.
The insoles are also removable, which is ideal if you need to swap in orthotics or freshen up the slippers after lots of wear. On the bottom, rubber soles provide no-slip traction so you can confidently stride from house to street.
Birdies also prioritizes premium, responsibly-sourced materials like suede, calf hair and vegan velvet that look luxe but wear easy. They hold their shape, mold to your feet and can be refreshed at home with a quick brush or a sprinkle of baking powder. For shoes this comfy and durable, the $80-165 price point is well worth it in my book. Cheap flats always fall apart after a few wears anyway!
Reviewing Birdies Slippers & Flats
Now that you have the scoop on Birdies, let‘s talk about the specific styles I road tested and some other bestsellers worth checking out. If you like variety, you‘ll love that Birdies come in dozens of colors and patterns, from goes-with-everything black to statement cheetah print.
The Starling
The Starling was Birdies‘ OG style and is still one of their most popular shoes to date. A loafer-inspired silhouette with a classic round toe and subtle stitching, they‘re cute and crazy comfortable thanks to the 7-layer cushioning and 10mm heel. I ordered The Starling in a beautiful olive green suede and it added the perfect pop to my t-shirt and jeans uniform. These would also pair perfectly with skirts, dresses and more dressy looks too.
The Heron
A sleek, sculptural flat with a v-shaped vamp and angular toe, The Heron is a versatile day-to-night shoe. I opted for the Heron in Amber Velvet, a warm coppery shade that‘s ideal for fall. Heads up, the velvet is a vegan material that looks lush but wears well over time. It was a tiny bit stiff at first but quickly softened up to a buttery hand feel. After a few wears, The Heron molded to my feet for a truly custom fit. Outfit inspo: pair these sophisticated flats with trousers and a button-down for work or a slinky slip dress for happy hour.
The Phoebe
Looking to make a statement? Let me introduce you to The Phoebe – a chic mule with a pointed toe and eye-catching details like embroidery, quilting and graphic prints. While I don‘t personally own The Phoebe (yet), it‘s a fan favorite in Birdies‘ slipper collection. The Floral Jacquard would make a stunning wedding or party shoe that you could actually dance all night in. And the Phoebe in Cheetah Calf Hair basically screams "treat yourself!"
The Songbird
Love the ease of a slide but want more foot coverage than a mule? Enter The Songbird, a chic hybrid that stays securely on your foot with the addition of a delicate sling-back strap. The crystal velvet gives these slippers a festive feel perfect for holiday entertaining, while the blush and rose satin colors are understated and pretty for everyday. I‘m envisioning these paired with a flowy dress for a shower or styled with a silky PJ set for an elevated movie night.
Birdies Sizing & Fit
Based on reviews and my own experience, Birdies run true to size and are available in whole and half sizes 5-12. I ordered my usual size 8 and found them to fit perfectly right out of the box. They were snug at first but quickly molded and stretched to my foot shape.
Birdies also work well for both narrow and wide feet thanks to the plush, pliable materials. If you‘re between sizes, I‘d suggest sizing up, especially if you plan to wear them with socks. Birdies offers free shipping and returns which is amazing if you need to exchange for a different size.
Where To Buy Birdies Shoes
The best place to shop Birdies is directly on their website, Birdies.com. You‘ll find the full range of styles and colors there, and they often run promotions. Right now, they‘re offering a discount on your first pair if you sign up for emails.
Select Birdies styles are also sold at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, which is convenient if you prefer to shop in person. I love that you can order a few sizes online to try at home, then easily return what doesn‘t work to your nearest store.
How To Save on Birdies
As I mentioned, Birdies are an investment compared to cheaper flat brands, but I firmly believe they‘re worth every penny for the quality, comfort and style. That said, who doesn‘t love a good deal? Here are some ways to save on your Birdies:
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Check the Sale section: Birdies regularly adds past-season colors and styles to their Before They Fly Away sale for up to 40% off. If your size is in stock, pounce!
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Sign up for emails: Get a special discount code for 10% off your first order when you join the Birdies email list. It‘s a smart way to stay in the loop on new arrivals and future promotions too.
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Shop smart for groups: Brides, bridal parties and businesses can score 20% off Birdies when they order 4+ pairs through the Group Gifting program. Just email [email protected] with the deets of your event.
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Give $20, get $20: Refer a friend to Birdies and you‘ll both enjoy $20 off a pair of shoes. Spreading the shoe love pays off.
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Look for promo codes: Birdies occasionally releases limited-time codes around holidays and special events. Do a quick Google search for "Birdies promo code" before checking out, and don‘t forget to try your email code if it‘s your first order.
Birdies Shipping & Returns
All Birdies orders ship free across the US. and they estimate a delivery window of 5-7 business days. Based on my experience, I‘d say that‘s accurate! My order arrived in 5 days on the dot. You can also opt for expedited shipping for $25 if you need your shoes in a hurry. Orders placed before 12 PM PST will usually ship out the same day.
Birdies also ships to Canada, the UK and Australia for a flat rate of $10-20. Customs and duties are included at checkout so you won‘t have surprise fees when your order arrives. Transit times are longer for international orders, about 7-15 business days.
Return shipping is free for US orders within 30 days of purchase. Shoes must be unworn and in the original packaging. Start your return on the Birdies Returns page and they‘ll email you a prepaid shipping label and instructions. Once your return is received and inspected, you‘ll be refunded to your original payment method. Easy!
Exchanges are also free, though Birdies recommends placing a new order for the size/style you want to avoid a delay in receiving your replacement shoes. As long as the first pair is returned within 30 days, you‘re golden.
International customers can return shoes within 30 days but are responsible for the cost of return shipping. Once your unworn shoes are received back at the Birdies warehouse, they will refund your original payment method. Easy peasy!
Contacting Birdies Customer Service
If you have questions or concerns about your Birdies that I didn‘t cover here, their customer service team is stellar. I emailed with a sizing question and got a friendly, thorough reply within a couple hours.
You can email [email protected], call 650-451-3082, or live chat on their website. The customer care team is available Monday-Friday 5am-5pm PST and Saturday-Sunday 9am-2pm PST.
How Birdies Compare to Allbirds, Rothy‘s and Tieks
If you‘ve been on the hunt for the perfect flat, you‘ve probably considered brands like Allbirds, Rothy‘s and Tieks. While each has its own unique features, I personally rank Birdies at the top of the pack.
Allbirds are lightweight and breathable thanks to the knit upper, but I find them a little too unstructured and casual for my taste. They also pill easily after washing. Rothy‘s hold their shape better and have the bonus of being machine washable, but the footbed isn‘t quite as cushioned as Birdies.
Tieks are the most similar to Birdies in terms of aesthetics – they‘re both real leather shoes that lean dressy. However, Tieks have a stiffer sole and thinner insole that requires more of a break-in period, in my experience. The iconic teal sole also isn‘t as versatile as Birdies‘ design.
Those nit picks aside, all four brands deliver on the promise of a comfortable, attractive and well-made shoe. It really comes down to personal preference. I don‘t think you can go wrong with any of them, especially Birdies.
The Verdict: Are Birdies Shoes Worth It?
By now, I‘m sure you can guess my verdict – yes, Birdies are 100% worth the hype and the price tag. No other shoe has completely checked the boxes of style, comfort and quality for me quite like Birdies have.
After miles of walking in them, I‘m happy to report my Birdies still look great and feel amazing. They‘ve stretched a bit for a custom fit but haven‘t gotten slouchy or lost their shape. The footbeds are as cushioned as day one. I expect to be wearing them for years (maybe even decades!) to come.
At $80-165 per pair, Birdies are undoubtedly a splurge, but I view them as an investment in my wardrobe and my comfort. I love not having to choose between looking polished and feeling good on my feet. With Birdies, you really can have both.
Your feet carry you through long days, special occasions, and everything in between. Don‘t they deserve to be pampered in plush, pretty flats? If you‘re a comfort shoe skeptic like I was, I promise Birdies are the real deal. Treat yourself to a pair (or two, or three) and prepare for compliments and "where did you get those?" on repeat. Happy shopping and strolling!
