Are you more of a Starling or a Heron? All of our styles come in a variety of fabrics and colors, but there are subtle differences that set them apart. See how our classic silhouettes stack up in terms of look and fit—and decide which one suits you best.
The Starling
The Look:
An elevated interpretation of the classic smoking slipper, The Starling is the stylish flat that you’ll live in all day, every day. Offered in a variety of materials, colors, and textures—including velvet, suede, and calf hair—this casual style with a rounded toe and classic, loafer-style upper fits true to size and looks great with jeans, trousers, lounge pants, and joggers.
The Fit:
The Starling is known for having a universal fit that works well on all feet. It should feel snug but not uncomfortable—no pinching in the heel or biting on the toes. The shoe is designed to mold to your feet and give you that custom-fit feeling. It’s better to buy the size that feels a little snug rather than a little loose because it will open up after a few hours or the first day of wear.
The Heron
The Look:
Inspired by the shoes worn for generations by Venetian gondoliers, The Heron is our twist on the classic smoking slipper, skillfully crafted in a variety of rich fabrics and colors that never go out of style. Currently offered in timeless colors of velvet and suede, this sophisticated silhouette—with a pointed almond toe and v-shaped upper that have a leg-elongating effect—looks great with skirts and dresses.
The Fit:
The Heron, which also fits true to size, is slightly narrower than The Starling and is especially great for people with a narrower heel or anyone with a narrower foot in general. It’s a great alternative if The Starling feels a little too roomy. Like The Starling, The Heron should feel snug but not uncomfortable—no pinching in the heel or biting on the toes. The shoe is designed to mold to your feet and give you that custom-fit feeling. It’s better to buy the size that feels a little snug rather than a little loose because it will open up after a few hours or the first day of wear.
The Phoebe
The Look:
The Phoebe is the same shape as our Starling silhouette, translated into a slide. It’s finely crafted in rich fabrics with elevated details and is perfect for lounging at home. The insoles feature either our signature quilted lining or our plush faux fur and work just as well as slippers when you’re home as they do as comfortable slides when you’re out and about.
The Fit:
Our original slide silhouette is comfortable and easy to wear. It features the same 7 layers of cushioning and indoor-outdoor rubber sole as our flats. It fits true to size, but because it’s a slide, it’s also a good option if you’re in between shoe sizes. Plus, it’s a great gifting option when you don’t know someone’s exact size since the slide design allows for some wiggle room in terms of fit. Generally, going a half size up or down should work.
The Blackbird
The Look:
A perennial fan favorite, The Blackbird flat is one of our original silhouettes. It’s currently offered in upscale fabrics—including suede, calf hair, and a washable knit—and features our signature quilted lining and cloud-like cushioning. The pointed almond toe and narrower upper easily dress up a pair of jeans or pants, making The Blackbird a go-to shoe for work.
The Fit:
The Blackbird fits true to size, but with the pointed toe and narrower upper (as opposed to The Starling), it works especially well for narrower feet. It’s great if you want the snug fit of The Starling and The Heron but are looking for a little less coverage on the top part of the foot. The narrower upper is also great for people with a high arch.
The Swan
The Look:
This silhouette is a sleek and feminine pointed-toe slide that transitions perfectly from day to night. It’s currently offered in upscale fabrics—including tumbled leather, suede, and calf hair—and features our signature quilted lining and 7 layers of cushioning. The Swan adds effortless chic to any outfit and looks especially great with skirts and dresses. Plus, the pointed toe has a leg-elongating effect.
The Fit:
The Swan features the same 7 layers of cushioning and indoor-outdoor rubber sole as our flats and our Phoebe slides. Unlike The Phoebe, The Swan is a slightly narrower fit because of the pointed toe. Generally, it fits true to size, but because of the pointed toe, you may have to go up half a size so that this slide stays on your foot.
The Swift
The Look:
Our first-ever sneaker silhouette is a casual and comfortable slip-on style that’s made for life on the go. It’s currently offered in upscale fabrics—including leather, suede, and calf hair—and features a lightweight, removable insole that adapts our 7-layer cushioning for the same cloud-like comfort you know and love. The Swift is a great year-round, do-it-all shoe that pairs perfectly with jeans, joggers, and even dresses. Plus, the mini wedge built into the insole has a flattering, leg-elongating effect.
The Fit:
The Swift was designed to be worn either with or without socks, and the fit will vary slightly depending on how you plan to wear them. With socks, they generally fit true to size. Without socks, they can run a bit roomy and you may want to try a half size down from your regular size. The lightweight, removable insole features a mini wedge that feels like you’re getting a little extra boost. Our slip-on sneakers have the same indoor-outdoor rubber sole as all of our shoes for maximum versatility.
The Robin
The Look:
Our newest silhouette is a sophisticated interpretation of a sporty sandal perfect for the Summer season or any warm-weather getaway. The Robin is currently offered in a variety of fabrics—including suede, calf hair, leather, and vegan leather. The crossover design makes these sandals great for all kinds of casual looks—from shorts, jeans, or linen pants to summer dresses and skirts.
The Fit:
For these sandals, we’ve adapted our signature 7-layer comfort into an anatomically shaped, dual-density molded footbed providing shock absorption and arch support designed for all-day wear. The Robin features the same indoor-outdoor rubber sole as all of our shoes for maximum versatility. You’ll notice a sturdier fit than other Birdies shoes, and while these sandals generally fit true to size, there may be some gaps around the straps on especially narrow feet. If you have a narrow foot and are looking for a secure fit, you may want to try a half size down.
The Songbird
The Look:
Our best-selling standout slides are embellished with decorative details for the ultimate feeling of luxury. They’re currently offered in premium fabrics—including satin, linen, and velvet—and feature our signature quilted lining and cloud-like comfort. The Songbird will instantly glam up loungewear when you’re at home, and they’re also great with a Summer sundress or with a pair of distressed jeans and a T-shirt.
The Fit:
The Songbird features the same 7 layers of cushioning and indoor-outdoor rubber sole as our other flats and slides. It fits true to size, but because it’s a slide, it’s also a good option if you’re in between shoe sizes. Plus, it’s a great gifting option when you don’t know someone’s exact size since the slide design allows for some wiggle room in terms of fit. Generally, going a half size up or down should work.
Check out this great video featuring our in-house expert Megan, in which she walks through the differences between two of our classics: The Starling and The Heron.
We hope that you found this post helpful in identifying all the differences between our collection of flats and slides. If you have additional questions about how Birdies fit, check out our FAQs or reach out to us at help@birdies.com.