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Papillio Vs Birkenstock Differences – An In-Depth Comparison
Why is there a battle of Papillio vs Birkenstock? What if you see both names on a pair of shoes?
If Birkenstock is a giant in the orthopedic category, what makes Papillio a worthy opponent?
All your questions will have their answers after a quick read. Hopefully, you will be able to make up your mind about a purchase!
Contents
A Quick View On Birkenstock
In terms of orthopedic footwear, there are not many brands that can surpass Birkenstock. They have more than 400 models of shoes and sandals of numerous styles and colors for all genders.
What sets Birkenstock apart from other competitors is the one-of-a-kind footbed. With a combination of cork and jute, the footbed becomes the heart of Birkenstock shoes.
And the suede lining further enhances its ability to mold to the shape of the feet and amplify comfort.
According to medical studies by the University of Queensland, using Birkenstocks is very beneficial for people who are enduring foot problems.
They put your feet in an appropriate position and align your posture properly, which flat footwear on the market could never do.
A Quick View On Papillio
Papillio is made by Birkenstock as a collection, thus it sometimes confuses people who are not updated about the brand. It is assigned to a separate creative team for a more intricate upper and stylish look.
Other than the upper design, Papillio maintains the essentials of Birkenstock shoes such as fine materials, heel heights, and textures.
Rest assured that they still won’t lose to most opponent brands when it comes to lightness and comfort!
Papillio vs Birkenstock Comparison
Papillio is a brand under Birkenstock and inherits the famous footbed, but the upper is designed by a whole different creative team.
If you wonder “Why do my Birkenstocks say Papillio”, chances are you have chosen the Papillio product line without knowing it.
Papillio vs Birkenstock Design
Traditionally, Birkenstock is synonymous with its iconic, often understated designs that prioritize ergonomic function and timeless utility. Models like the Arizona, Gizeh, and Boston are instantly recognizable for their classic buckle straps, minimalist uppers, and natural material palette.
The primary focus of Birkenstock footwear is the orthopedic footwear experience – providing superior arch support and a footbed that molds to your foot over time. Their aesthetic is often described as practical, natural, and enduring, appealing to those who value comfort and classic style above all else.
In contrast, Papillio embraces a more fashion-forward and experimental design philosophy. While still incorporating the signature Birkenstock footbed for comfort, Papillio distinguishes itself with fashionable designs, bolder patterns, vibrant colors, and creative uppers.
You’ll often find platform soles, intricate straps, metallic finishes, and trendy prints that appeal to a younger or more style-conscious demographic. Papillio’s aim is to blend Birkenstock’s famous comfort with current runway trends, offering a blend of support and chic appeal.
Papillio vs Birkenstock Targeted Customer
- Birkenstock Target Customer: Generally appeals to individuals seeking reliable, long-lasting comfort and classic, unpretentious style. They value the brand’s heritage, proven foot health benefits, and durable construction. This includes people across all age groups who prioritize everyday comfort and a shoe that can be worn for years.
- Papillio Target Customer: Designed for those who appreciate the ergonomic benefits of Birkenstock’s footbed but desire a more contemporary, stylish, and trendy footwear option. Papillio often attracts fashion-conscious consumers, younger generations, and individuals looking for a comfortable sandal that also makes a bolder style statement and complements modern outfits.
Papillio vs Birkenstock Material
If there is something that never fails in convincing customers to give Birkenstocks a try, it would be the premium materials chosen to create a Birkenstock shoe.
They have cork and latex for a robust and steady footbed. The suede lined with cotton and jute adds a layer of softness and moisture control.
You can go on and on about the similar components of Birkenstock vs Papillio, and materials would be one of them.
Papillio inherited the famous footbed with multiple layers.
However, instead of using fine leather with minimum intervention, they put a lot of effort into designing the upper. They match well with various outfits and occasions.
Birkenstock vs Papillio Sizing
Both brands offer models in both regular/wide and narrow widths to accommodate various foot shapes.
Crucially, they both adhere to the same Birkenstock sizing chart and often provide half sizes for a more precise and comfortable fit.
This consistency ensures that if you know your Birkenstock size, you’ll likely find the same comfortable fit in Papillio styles. The deep heel cup, arch support, and toe bar remain standard across both for optimal foot alignment.
Papillio vs Birkenstock Price
Last but not least, the factor that usually determines the winner between two products.
If you are searching for a new pair of shoes that is inexpensive and stylish at the same time, Papillio has a lot of prints and patterns for you. The lowest price to own their footwear could be as humble as $30.
You will need at least $90 for Birkenstock, yet they have great value for you.
When it comes to cushion and support, they win over Papillio by a landslide. The durable materials they rely on also allow the shoes to stay with you for a long time.
Check more: Birkenstock Vs Chacos: Which Is Better?
Birkenstock Sandals Pros & Cons
There are many reasons why Birkenstock has survived in the merciless competition between shoe brands and made a name for itself:
- They have premium materials that confirm the comfort of your feet and endurance for long-term use.
- Their style is elegant and fashionable enough to go with your casual or semi-formal attire.
- Their products are available in half-sizes, hence people with narrow or wide feet can easily find a suitable adjustment.
It’s fair for you to be aware of what might be a drawback before placing your order:
- You need some time to break them in. They are not entirely comfortable out of the box, hence they can’t be your last-minute solution.
- The price is above average for people who are on the budget limit or simply not keen on expensive shoes.
Papillio Sandals Pros & Cons
Even as a child of Birkenstock, Papillio doesn’t let anyone overlook them with the amazing qualities they can offer:
- You can wear Papillio footwear all day long comfortably because they are very soft against your feet and weigh lightly as well.
- They also have multiple sizes and widths for customers’ choices.
- Their designs are youthful, refreshing, and trendy, so they might reach a larger group of buyers.
Nonetheless, with more attention paid to the design, they have some setbacks compared to Birkenstock:
- They sacrifice some features for a neat look and lose the intricate details that ensure optimal support for the feet.
- With more additions to the appearance, they might wear out faster than Birkenstock.
More FAQs about Papillio vs Birkenstock Sandals
1. Is the break-in period for Papillio footwear the same as for classic Birkenstock models?
The break-in period for Papillio footwear is generally very similar to that of classic Birkenstock models because both utilize the same anatomically contoured cork-latex footbed.
This core component requires time to soften and mold to the unique contours of your foot, typically taking anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks of consistent wear.
While Papillio’s fashion-forward uppers might feel slightly different initially, the fundamental process of the footbed adapting to your specific arch and foot shape remains consistent across both brands, leading to that signature personalized comfort.
2. Are Papillio sandals considered as durable as traditional Birkenstocks, given their focus on fashion?
While Papillio sandals share the same robust cork-latex footbed and premium construction principles as traditional Birkenstocks, their durability can sometimes vary slightly, primarily depending on the specific upper materials and outsole designs chosen for their more fashion-oriented styles.
Traditional Birkenstocks, with their simpler, more rugged uppers, are often championed for exceptional longevity and ability to withstand extensive daily wear.
Papillio’s creative uppers, while high-quality, might be designed with aesthetics in mind that could (in some specific models) slightly alter their wear characteristics compared to the most utilitarian Birkenstock designs. However, the core footbed durability remains consistent, ensuring a long lifespan with proper care.
3. Can Papillio footwear be re-soled or repaired like classic Birkenstocks?
Yes, in most cases, Papillio footwear can be re-soled and repaired by authorized Birkenstock repair centers or skilled cobblers, just like classic Birkenstocks.
Since Papillio utilizes the same durable cork-latex footbed construction, the process for replacing outsoles or repairing components is largely identical.
This commitment to repairability underscores the Birkenstock Group’s focus on sustainability and extending the lifespan of their footwear, regardless of whether it’s a traditional Birkenstock or a fashion-forward Papillio design. It’s always best to consult with a certified Birkenstock repair specialist to ensure proper care and maintenance.
Final Verdict: Are Papillio The Same As Birkenstock?
The Papillio vs Birkenstock difference we are looking for is existing and non-existing at the same time.
As part of the Birkenstock family, Papillion shares many things in common with the main brand such as the health-focused footbed and the top-tier materials. Papillion cut down the price a bit as well.
Although Birkenstock charges you more, the durability and the optimized support from their footwear are still something you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
Apperance-wise, it depends on you: Birkenstock is classic and Papillio is more on the trend.