I wanted to like these so badly! I love Birkenstocks but not the $100 price tag, so I was excited to have a lower cost option. These are not similar enough for me to keep though. They are narrower than the regular Birkenstocks and I don't like the suede-like sole that the Betula shoes have as opposed to the cork. Im also not a fan of the synthetic upper, but understand thats how they can sell them at a lower price. Good shoes, but not what I wanted.