Shoe Boutique in Columbia, SC

Birkenstock Shoes at Good for the Sole

Comfort you can see and feel, from footbed to finish.

Our Saluda Avenue boutique carries Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and closed-toe styles for Columbia shoppers all year long.

Why Birkenstock Fits Our Casual Comfort Focus

Good for the Sole was built around one idea: shoes should feel as good as they look. Birkenstock shoes fit that mission perfectly, with a cork and latex footbed that molds to your foot over time instead of fighting against it. We built our casual comfort focus with Columbia women in mind, though our specialty menswear corner keeps the guys covered too.

As a locally owned shoe store, we hand pick the Birkenstock styles that work for real days in Columbia, from walking the Vista to running errands around Five Points to a Saturday morning at Soda City Market on Main Street. You will find both classic sandals and sturdier closed-back options suited for cooler months, plus the occasional pair that bridges both seasons.

We carry Birkenstock alongside our other comfort shoes so you can compare fit and feel in person before you buy. Our team will help you find the right width and footbed firmness, something no online order can do for you. If your feet have changed over the years, or one is slightly larger than the other, we will take the time to get you into a pair that actually works. We will also show you how the footbed is designed to soften with wear, so you know what to expect in the first few weeks.

What Makes Birkenstock Comfort Shoes Different

Birkenstock shoes are known for a handful of features that set them apart from typical casual shoes. These details are why so many women's comfort shoes and men's comfort shoes shoppers keep coming back to the brand year after year, season after season. Once customers feel the difference for themselves, they often come back asking what other comfort shoes we recommend to go with their new pair.

  • Contoured cork and latex footbed that supports your natural arch
  • Deep heel cup that helps distribute weight evenly
  • Adjustable straps for a custom, secure fit
  • Durable soles built to handle daily wear, not just occasional outings
  • Styles that transition from errands to dinner without missing a beat
  • A fit that breaks in instead of breaking down

Many customers start with Birkenstock and end up building a small rotation of comfort shoes for different parts of their week. We are happy to help you pair your new pair with our comfortable winter boots, consignment handbags, or a set of Teleties for when you need your hair out of your face on a busy day. Since a portion of every sale supports local charity partners, your new Birkenstocks do a little good beyond your own closet.

Find Your Fit In Store

Birkenstock Styles We Carry in Columbia

Every foot is different, which is why we stock a range of Birkenstock shoes rather than just one or two popular styles. From the women who shop with us weekly to first time visitors passing through downtown Columbia, we want every customer walking out in a pair that actually fits. Here are a few of the categories our customers ask about most.

  • Everyday Sandals

    Our classic Birkenstock sandal styles are a go-to for comfortable everyday shoes in Columbia's warm months. They pair easily with sundresses, jeans, or shorts for a simple, put together look. Slide them on for a walk through Finlay Park or a weekend at the farmers market, and the contoured footbed keeps up with you the whole day.

  • Closed-Toe and Clog Styles

    For cooler weather or all-day standing, our closed-toe Birkenstock styles offer the same footbed support with extra coverage. They are a favorite among women's casual shoes shoppers who need comfort from morning to evening. Pair them with thick socks on a chilly Columbia morning and you get the structure of a boot with the flexibility of a sandal.

  • Men's Birkenstock Styles

    Our specialty menswear selection includes Birkenstock options built for men's fashion shoes shoppers who want comfort without giving up a clean, casual look. Whether he is dressing up for dinner on Main Street or keeping it simple on a Saturday errand run, there is a Birkenstock style that works.

  • Ruth Dibble

    Ruth Dibble

    3 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Good for the Sole had such an excellent shoe selection. Their women’s section included casual sneakers, dressier shoes, and boots for fall. They’ve even added a men’s shoe section. I was impressed with the prices and the helpful owners and employees. Thank you GftS!

  • Katie Evatt

    Katie Evatt

    6 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    One of my favorite stores. Great selection and friendly service.

  • Alston James

    Alston James

    11 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great store and friendly service!

  • Julia Cole

    Julia Cole

    13 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    So amazing! The service was great!!!!!!

  • Debi West

    Debi West

    14 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Awesome selection and great service!!

  • Ashley Skipper

    Ashley Skipper

    15 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wonderful store with great service!

  • Elizabeth Dixon

    Elizabeth Dixon

    17 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    What a great experience! I’ve been in the store many times before and they are under new ownership and they allow me to even come in on their day off and get me some shoes for my trip to Italy! They are very patient and kind!

  • Hilary Garrett

    Hilary Garrett

    21 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazing store! Great customer service

  • Sarah Burnett

    Sarah Burnett

    23 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wonderful customer service!

  • Beth Star

    Beth Star

    25 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great new owners!!!! Meeting them and getting a new pair of sneakers was great. It’s always nice to support small business

  • Lisa Frazier

    Lisa Frazier

    25 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great selection of stylish & comfy shoes with great service! Great visit with 3 pairs of shoes!

  • Matt Brown

    Matt Brown

    25 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great shop— the owner and Frasier were a joy to meet! Great selections and prices were set well for the area.

  • Paige C

    Paige C

    25 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Such a great store!! The owner is so nice and they have such a good selection of Back 70 sneakers.

  • Sheila Davis

    Sheila Davis

    26 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great shoes! Great service!

  • Jasna Walton

    Jasna Walton

    26 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazing store with a friendly and warm feel! The store owners are involved and the pup is a cute addition to the store. Oh one more thing, the Back70 shoes are amazing!!!!!

  • Elizabeth Moncrieff

    Elizabeth Moncrieff

    26 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great staff and selection and Frazier

  • Tim Enright

    Tim Enright

    26 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazing family owned business with father , daughter and doggie welcome you with passion to make customers satisfied from beginning to end of the sale. Will be back for sure.

  • Beth T

    Beth T

    27 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Excellent customer service! And selection.

  • Kathy Mattox

    Kathy Mattox

    27 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great gem in 5 points. Great selection and staff very knowledgeable and helpful!

  • Gracyn Goodrich

    Gracyn Goodrich

    27 days ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    the owners were so kind and helpful!!

  • Alexey Petrov

    Alexey Petrov

    a month ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great store!

  • Emily Carrea

    Emily Carrea

    a month ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    had a great experience super friendly and cute dog!

  • Becky Hunter

    Becky Hunter

    a month ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Love the shoes, and the pup is an extra incentive to go in.

  • Kia Coleman

    Kia Coleman

    3 months ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Such a cute shop with nice variety and good pricing. Customer service was so nice, Marty was so friendly and helpful. Hank the dog was such a nice touch as well! Highly recommend.

  • Auretha Callison

    Auretha Callison

    7 months ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I've been a personal stylist for over 22 years and this gentleman and his company provide the Superior Service and quality, quiet luxury brands that that used to exist 10 years ago at Nordstrom. I'm switching my clients over!!

  • Lucas Hollingsworth

    Lucas Hollingsworth

    9 months ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great shoe store with exceptional management and customer service!

  • Lena Hopkins

    Lena Hopkins

    a year ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Stopped in while on a short trip and will definitely be back. I do believe the owner is whom helped us and made our experience so great. Very helpful and so nice. I loved his energy and the store pup “Hank” was just icing on the cake. Highly recommend you stop in while in Columbia

  • Katelyn Derogatis

    Katelyn Derogatis

    a year ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Had a lovely experience today. Kelley was delightful, knowledgeable, and helpful in a way that didn’t feel pushy. Great prices on high quality shoes. We will definitely be back to purchase more!!

  • Edit Phan

    Edit Phan

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The best shoe shop in the area! Amazing quality shoes and hands down the best customer service 🙌

  • Phil Mayhew

    Phil Mayhew

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Nice shop with a great selection of shoes, locally made products, handmade leather bags, and local art (that changes every month)! The owners (and pup, Hank) are incredibly friendly!

  • Richard Horah

    Richard Horah

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Very helpful and friendly. Good selection of shoes.

  • Z Goose

    Z Goose

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    If you are looking for an amazing pair of shoes, check this spot out! Many hard to find brands and a great selection. Highly recommend. They have a shop dog named Hank. Super cute and the shop owner is the sweetest. Highly recommend.

  • Jennifer Enlow

    Jennifer Enlow

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Just happened upon this shoe store while in the area. Great selection of shoes and very personable service! Will certainly be returning soon!

  • Stacey Overstreet

    Stacey Overstreet

    2 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    A beautifully curated selection of shoes with the best customer service. Many hard to find brands and all of them are top quality. Highly recommend

  • Josef Berliner

    Josef Berliner

    3 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Excellent selection, great atmosphere.....highly recommended!

  • Roy Canty

    Roy Canty

    3 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Can’t say enough about this place. I’ve shopped there for years. Stopped by ‘right before closing’ to find shoes for an event. Found shoes that were cute but most of all comfortable. #SUPPORTLOCAL

  • Loretta Hester

    Loretta Hester

    4 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Thank you so much for helping my elderly mother and aunt locate shoes with class and style! She called me stating she wore a pair out - i.e. took off her sneakers (brooks)! We will all be back soon for more! If you are looking for quality and awesome service look no further than Good for the Sole Soles & Accessories!

  • Bishop Hare

    Bishop Hare

    4 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I was pleasantly surprised to find a pair of Birkenstock Arizona sandals in my size—15M (46) and they are awesome! The owner helped me out, gave me some tips to help with breaking them in, and some maintenance tips to help them last as long as possible. Thanks so much!

  • Cee Webb

    Cee Webb

    4 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great customer service! Found my size, finally! Located in 5 Points

  • Toni Gripper

    Toni Gripper

    5 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wandered into the neighborhood and happened upon the shoe store. The owner was warm, welcoming and helpful. He even sweetened to pot by giving me an additional markdown on a sale item. I’ll definitely return.

  • Victoria C

    Victoria C

    5 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    First time visiting! I stopped in while I was waiting for my order from The Gourmet Shop next door. Nice retail store of shoes. The owner said they've been around 15 years! He said they moved to this location about 4 years ago. You also get to meet the Schnauzer who comes to work with him every day. I can't remember his name, right now, but it was Hank or Frank. I also saw a selection of men's shoes too so don't hesitate to stop by!

  • Stirling Holbrook

    Stirling Holbrook

    5 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I can’t say enough good things about this store! I love the range of shoe styles and the incredible customer service. I live in Charleston but spend time visiting family in Columbia, and I never make it downtown without walking out with at least 2 new pairs of shoes! Kelly is such a wonderful person to do business with. I highly recommend.

  • Libby Smith

    Libby Smith

    6 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Beautiful shoes! Fantastic customer service and superior pricing!

  • Elisabeth Youngblood

    Elisabeth Youngblood

    6 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    This store is a cut above ! The selection is unique & Kelly is so knowledgeable & not pushy. I’ve purchased stylish , comfortable shoes to be able to walk in Europe.

  • Angela Yong

    Angela Yong

    6 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Best shoe store in South Carolina! Not only is the owner knowledgeable about his inventory, he knows fashion. I highly recommend!

  • Messie's Closet

    Messie's Closet

    6 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Beautiful curation of stylish yet comfortable shoes! A hidden gem of Columbia!

  • Debbie Mcdaniel

    Debbie Mcdaniel

    6 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I probably have over a dozen pairs of shoes from GFTS in my closet-from sandals to boots that I wear daily. Comfort + style + good customer service keep me going back.

  • Brian Wilson

    Brian Wilson

    7 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The owner, Kelly, and the dog, Hank are great people. Great prices and perfect service, I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great pair of shoes

  • Bradford Allen

    Bradford Allen

    7 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Really nice owner. Great shoe selection. Will definitely reccomend to others and will shop there again

  • Lula Robinson

    Lula Robinson

    7 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great shoe for your health and styles are also great. Prices are the best in regards to nearby competive brands.

  • Autumn Brown

    Autumn Brown

    7 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wonderful place to shop. Higher end pricing but HIGH quality shoes that are worth the price. Kelly is a wonderful shop owner that is knowledgeable, helpful, and not pushy. The prices are not marked up compared to retailer websites. Currently saving up to get another pair of his wonderful shoes that were out of a college students current price range. Don’t forget to say hey to Hank, his well trained shop dog, he is a sweetie.

  • Lisa Matthews

    Lisa Matthews

    8 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are competitive.

  • Amy B

    Amy B

    8 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Excellent, good quality shoes with fabulous customer service! The shoes are well made and pricey, but the quality ensures you'll be wearing them for years! Customer service is helpful and not pushy. Thanks for the experience!

  • Judy Lederfind

    Judy Lederfind

    8 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great service and shoes!

  • Joseph Azar

    Joseph Azar

    8 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Good place with good people and merchandise.

  • John Mcgill

    John Mcgill

    8 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    great shoes , great service. These people know footwear ! Also have a cool dog and great shops near by. Check out my new danskos! Follow up- shoes have been great! They just got me another pair that are slip on danskos , love them! They have a new men's boot line coming, can't wait to check em out!

  • Itech Connections

    Itech Connections

    10 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Best Customer service in the neighborhood. Come and check them out.

  • Kevin Walker

    Kevin Walker

    10 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The best combo of customer service and Sperrys in Columbia.

  • Michael B

    Michael B

    13 years ago

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Decent shop. Looked online trying to find better prices... Couldn't find em cheaper so I bought them here. Thanks

Visit the boutique

Try On Birkenstock Shoes at 728 Saluda Ave

The best way to know if a Birkenstock fits your foot is to try it on, and our Columbia team is ready to help you find the right size and style. We carry sizes and widths you will not find boxed up online, so come feel the difference for yourself before you decide. Stop by our shoe boutique this week, and remember that every purchase supports our ongoing commitment to giving back through local charity partnerships.

Tues to Fri
10am to 6pm
Saturday
9am to 4pm
Sunday
10am to 3pm
Monday
Closed