Even if you're unfamiliar with the ins and outs of shopping at Target, you likely know it can be one of the easiest stores in which to land a bargain buy. But while many see the retailer as an excellent source for purchases like electronics or essentials like groceries, it's also the home of some remarkable fashion finds. Now, the savviest shoppers have scoured the store's vast inventory and found more affordable versions of high-end items that might otherwise be too much for the average budget, including a trendy piece of footwear. Read on to learn more about the super cheap Birkenstock dupes Target sells—and if experts think they're just as good as the real thing.
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Target shoppers claim to have spotted a convincing Birkenstock clog dupe.
Few fashion items have had the trajectory that Birkenstocks has had over the past few decades, skyrocketing from a serious fashion faux pas to one of the must-have trendy items of the year. However, while the footwear may seem relatively straightforward, its careful design and high-quality production make it a surprisingly expensive item.
But lately, Target shoppers have taken to social media to point out what they consider a very convincing dupe. In a TikTok video posted in July, user @trishadawnjackson_ points out the big box retailer's Betsy Clog Mule Flats by Universal Thread, calling them "Birkenstock lookalikes."
And in a similar video, TikTok user @matttiiieee also gushes about the "Boston Birk dupes," noting their resemblance to the popular Boston clogs made by the company.
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Retail experts are convinced by the product's looks.
BirkenstockWhile plenty of Target shoppers chimed in on the video's comments to say how uncannily similar the clogs are, retail experts couldn't find much to disagree with.
"These clogs definitely look like classic Birkenstocks, and they're super highly rated too: They have 4.5 stars from 119 ratings," Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, tells Best Life.
But what makes the Universal Thread pair really shine is the price difference. "The Birkenstock Boston clog will set you back around $158, but these Betsy clog mule flats at Target are just $29.99," Ramhold says. "Reviewers note that these are actually more comfortable than the Birkenstocks, as well, so while saving money, you may also be getting a more pleasant experience in general."
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The lower price could justify picking up a pair—even if they're less durable.
Brenda Rocha - Blossom / ShutterstockWhen it comes to dupes, it's about more than just looks: Many shoppers try to justify the sacrifice in quality for deep savings. But in this case, Ramhold thinks there's very little risk to grabbing a pair to try for yourself.
"As far as quality goes, reviewers seem to think they hold up pretty well, but even if they only last a season or two, for that price it's not hard to justify the purchase," she says. "If you can get 30 wears out of the shoes, that's pretty much $1 per wear, which isn't bad at all. And if you can get even more out of them, it's even better!"
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There is one potential drawback to this super similar affordable pair.
ShutterstockSocial media can make shopping discoveries like this one possible in a way that wasn't possible a decade ago. But the fan fervor over the find creates another type of problem.
"They're super popular, which means they may be gone soon," Ramhold warns. "If you're interested in these items, it's worth running to your local Target ASAP to see if you can still nab a pair. I only saw sizes 9 and 11 available online in the Taupe color, though Black and Cognac had more sizes available."
