“Diesel is Denim.” That was the mantra blaring out from speakers during the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Milan. And as its SS25 collection arrives in stores, it’s a sentiment that rings true. 

The Italian fashion house is even wrapping Birkenstocks in the indigo-dyed stuff. Well, kinda. 

The Diesel D-Woodstock Slip-On isn’t officially a pair of Birkenstocks. However, the similarities between the cork-midsoled mule and Birkenstock’s signature Boston model are clear to see. 

Other than the fact Diesel’s pair doesn’t include a strap running across the top, the biggest difference with the D-Woodstock Slip-On is that it’s built from Diesel’s signature top-grade denim. 

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Founded as a jeans brand, Diesel knows its denim and these shoes utilize the heavy-washed fabric traditionally seen on Diesel’s high-end jeans. 

Diesel joins a long list of luxury Birkenstock imitators, which also features names such as Balenciaga and Chanel. Taking notes from the classic shape of Birkenstock’s longstanding footwear models has become relatively common, and the German heritage brand is trying to put a stop to it. 

In a court case earlier this month, Birkenstock argued that its sandals should be  “copyright-protected works of applied art" to prevent copy-cats from being created. However, the case was dismissed. 

I can only imagine what Birkenstock's lawyers would make of these Diesel mules.