Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
You may have already heard of Birdies and know it as the brand that makes flats you can comfortably wear all day long. Though this is true, and has been since the brand’s inception in 2015, Birdies has become so much more than that over the past several years. That’s why we’ve decided to take a look at everything else the San Francisco company has to offer—its various other styles, ethical practices, and exactly how its shoe design has made the historically painful flat so easy to wear from morning to night.
TL;DR: Is Birdies Worth It?
Best Overall: The Starling Classic Flat
Most Exciting New Launch: The Speedbird Sneaker
Best For Travel: Speedbird (packable + lightweight)
Go-To Warm Weather Shoe: The Songbird
Chicest House Slipper: The Heron
From “House Shoe” to Everywhere Shoe
Birdies was launched almost eight years ago by Bianca Gates and Marisa Sharkey because the pair wanted something a little fancier to wear during the dinner parties they hosted in their homes. Tired of their old, unfashionable slippers, they designed a shoe that would have all the dazzling charm of something you’d wear out on the town but that was meant to be worn in the home. It’d have the support of a sneaker but be soft and plush at the same time.
Of course, after wearing their Birdies at home, Gates and Sharkey were overcome by how much they wanted to wear them out in the world and so, a new vision was born.
Founder, Bianca Gates, puts it best, “Our fans have always come to Birdies for comfort and style, but their lives don’t stop at the front door. We saw an opportunity to bring what we do best—elevated design and all-day comfort.”
What Makes Birdies So Comfortable?
Before getting into specific styles, it’s worth understanding why Birdies feels so different from traditional flats.
Each pair is built with a multi-layer construction that includes:
- Soft quilted satin
- Arch and heel support
- Premium cushioning
- Dual-density foam
- Shock absorption
- Memory foam cushioning
The result: a shoe that actually supports your foot (rare for flats) while still feeling soft and flexible.
Our Favorite Birdies
Whether it’s a pair of Herons or Songbirds, Birdies guarantees that your feet will be supported by the company’s seven-layer technology, which includes: a layer of soft, quilted satin followed by arch and heel support, a layer of premium cushioning, dual-layered high-density foam, a shock absorption pad, and memory foam cushioning.
Now that you can rest assured you won’t go wrong with comfort when it comes to any pair of Birdies shoes, we’ll fly you through our favorite styles.
We like
We don't like
If you want something that leans into Birdies’ original DNA, this is it. The Heron is a luxe velvet slipper that’s equal parts cozy and polished. Easy to slip on, easy to wear all day, and perfect for everything from hosting to quick errands.
We like
We don't like
Birdies makes sneakers now, and the Speedbird is its most exciting addition. Rather than going the traditional route, the brand designed something that feels distinctly Birdies: “[Their] soft crushable ballerina inspired retro jogger… joyful, colorful and ready for fun,” says Gates.
It’s also incredibly functional. The Speedbird is padded, lightweight, and packable, with a collapsible back that makes it easy to slip on and off (ideal for travel or long days on your feet).
Comfort-wise, it still delivers on the brand’s promise: “We crafted the Speedbird sneaker to have our signature ballet toe shape, flexible EVA tiny wedge and a shock absorbing PerfX removable footbed,” Gates explains. In other words: it has all the comfort of a sneaker but looks far more elevated.
We like
We don't like
A slightly more elevated take, often featuring seasonal materials like raffia or woven textures. The Songbird is ideal for warm-weather events, summer dinners, or anytime you want your shoes to feel a little more special.
We like
We don't like
Of course, we couldn’t leave the classic Birdies Starling off this list. This is the everyday shoe you need in your closet. It’s offered in the widest variety of colors and patterns available on the Birdies site and you’ll probably want them in as many styles as you can fit in your closet. The Starling is an easy way to make one part of your daily outfit planning a no-brainer, and they even come in a cable-knit design that’ll keep your feet warmer than the traditional flat in cold months.
We like
We don't like
Why Birdies Still Stands Out
There are plenty of brands making comfortable shoes, but Birdies sits in a unique lane. It’s not overly sporty. It’s not purely fashion. It’s not trying to be trendy for the sake of sales. Instead, it focuses on thoughtful design that actually fits into your everyday life.
And as the brand continues to evolve: “Expanding into more lifestyle styles like sneakers is a natural extension of who we’ve always been, effortless style, elevated comfort, designed for wherever life takes her.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Birdies Speedbird sneakers good for walking all day?
Yes, thanks to their shock-absorbing footbed and lightweight construction, they’re designed for all-day wear without fatigue.
Do Birdies run true to size?
Generally, yes. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit.
Can you travel with the Speedbird?
Absolutely. They’re packable, lightweight, and versatile enough to style with multiple outfits making them ideal for trips.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we don’t just cover products, we analyze what makes them worth your time and money. Our editorial team evaluates design, functionality, materials, and real-world wearability to ensure every recommendation meets our standards. We also incorporate insights directly from founders and brand experts to give you a deeper understanding of what sets each product apart. The result: honest, informed recommendations you can actually trust.
Are you looking for more fashion trends, advice, and inspiration? Check out our fashion edit and all our favorite fashion products.
