The origins of the Birkenstock brand

It all started in Germany in 1897, when Konrad Birkenstock - grandson of Johann Adam - imagined the first model of Birkenstock, a shoe designed to be as comfortable as possible. The particularity of the shoe lies in the design of its sole, designed to wrap the foot and support it perfectly. The ancestor of the orthopedic shoe is born ...



Arizona sandals from Birkenstock. Credits: Birkenstock.

Birkenstock conquers Europe

In order to obtain funding for his brand, young Birkenstock travels to Germany and Austria to promote the merits of his flat shoes. When the war broke out in 1914, he decided to work for the Frankfurt hospital by creating models of shoes suitable for soldiers. More than ever, the Birkenstock brand focuses on comfort. It disrupts shoe-making technology and even opened a school in 1932 to train specialists.

Little by little, the reputation of Birkenstock shoes and their comfort extends beyond the borders and we find the German brand in more than 80 countries. Yet one still resists him: the United States. Fortunately, in 1966, the entrepreneur Margot Fraser is seduced by shoes with a surprising aesthetic and opens Birkenstock the doors of the American market.

Birkenstock, practical, but unattractive

While the comfort of Birkenstock and its orthopedic benefits are quickly recognized, the brand's reputation in terms of fashion remains unflattering. The shoes are certainly comfortable, but they are far from being aesthetic. They are associated with practical shoes and not very elegant, that we see worn with socks that go up and loose clothes.



Actress Vanessa Hudgens with Bikenstock. Credits: Abaca.

The Birkenstock make their place in the world of fashion

The revolution took place in 1997, when the Birkenstock appeared at the feet of the models of the Narciso Rodriguez and Paco Rabanne fashion shows. From then on, mentalities change and women free themselves: we throw painful stilettos and embrace comfort. Birkenstock jumps on the occasion to attract a new clientele.

In the 2000s, she hired Heidi Klum for her new collection. That's it, the "Birk" are hype and trendy. They become a must have and multiply on parades. The Birkenstock now comes in sandals, luxury shoes, patent or color. The fashion industry gives it a new lease on life and reinvents the orthopedic shoe.

Heidi Klum presents his collection for Birkinstock in 2003. Credits: Getty.