Known for its high-quality footwear that has stood the test of time, Birkenstock’s popularity and significance in the footwear industry make it one of the most prominent footwear labels in the world, and it all started back in 1774 in Germany. Owning a pair of Birkenstocks is vital for any footwear rotation, and the brand’s iconic silhouettes, such as the Arizona, Madrid, Boston, and other designs, date back to a rich history. Keep reading to learn more about the early history of Birkenstock, the development of its iconic footbed and different silhouettes, and how the footwear brand’s resurgence in the 21st century is here to stay.

Early Beggings of Birkenstock

What we now know as a footwear industry staple started in 1774 with the founding members of the Birkenstock family in the small German village of Langen-Bergheim with Johann Adam Birkenstock, who was a cobbler (otherwise known as a shoemaker, according to the town’s church archives). The act of ‘cobbling’ continued throughout the family business, and it grew prominent over 100 years later, in 1896, with Johann’s grandson, Konrad Birkenstock. He would develop an innovative, flexible cork footbed insole, which would change the shape of footwear as the world knew it. Shortly after this invention, he created the first contoured arch support. This would later be developed into the ‘blue footbed,’ which became the Birkenstock Sandals’ primary trademark. It was sold throughout Europe for the remainder of the early 20th century, and it continued to be reinvented by other Birkenstock family members as technology in footwear began to advance. Once 1932 rolled around, Carl Birkenstock launched the Birkenstock training courses and the ‘Carl Birkenstock System,’ endorsed by leading physicians and podiatry experts. 

The Birth of the Birkenstock Footbed

To this day, Birkenstock footwear prides itself on being recommended by podiatrists for various reasons, partially due to its iconic cork footbed. Birkenstock sandals’ comfort and optimal foot support are thanks to its contoured cork and latex footbed. This signature footbed is seen across all Birkenstock sandal offerings, and they provide excellent arch support and cushioning and promote proper foot alignment. What’s notable about this footbed is that the Birkenstock footbed molds to the shape of the foot over time. So as the feet adapt to the Birkenstock footbed, the sandals become increasingly more comfortable with continued wear.

Johann Adam Birkenstock recognized the need for anatomically-shaped footbeds that allowed for proper support and comfort of the feet, and the brand’s signature cork footbed would eventually be developed and refined with each passing Birkenstock generation.

The Evolution of Birkenstock’s Designs

This legendary footbed evolved into a single-strap design in the 1960s, nicknamed the ‘gymnastics sandal.’ Shortly after, these shoes made their way to America on the feet of a tourist named Margot Fraser. She had been looking for a shoe that soothed her feet when she arrived in Germany from San Francisco. She brought back a pair of sandals, and when she realized the success the shoes could have in the United States, she quickly bought the import rights to sell the shoes here. Karl Birkenstock, the head of Birkenstock at the time, sold the rights to her because he trusted that she would do good with this opportunity. Local shoe stores weren’t interested, but Margot Fraser wasn’t ready to give up. So she started selling the sandals in health food stores. This began the legacy of the Birkenstock brand in the U.S. Today, the U.S. headquarters of Birkenstock is in Novato, California.

Introduction to the Arizona Sandal

The original Birkenstock design was simply a footbed until the 1960s, and when the first single-strap design arrived with its blend of foam and cork footbed, it transformed into what we now know as the Madrid sandal in the Birkenstock line. Later on, the brand’s classic two-strap sandals were introduced in the ‘70s. We now know this iconic silhouette as the Birkenstock Arizona Sandal. The Arizona model has adjustable upper straps and the same cork footbed that the company is revered for. It remains one of the leading designs in Birkenstock’s sandal repertoire. The Arizona featured the contoured flexible footbed that provided anatomical arch support, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box to its wearer. The timeless design gained massive popularity during the ‘70s when the counterculture and hippie culture movements embraced Birkenstock shoes as part of a symbol of comfort and nonconformity. Over the years, the design has remained an iconic part of the brand’s legacy.

But although the Birkenstock Arizona was incredibly popular, the public demanded some type of Birkenstock sandal that could be worn year-round. Thus, the Birkenstock Boston Clog was born in 1979. This interesting slip-on clog sandal was a natural evolution of the brand’s popular sandals, like the Arizona and the Madrid. The Bostons were able to provide toe protection for when the weather turned cooler. The Birkenstock Boston still has the same benefits of the brand’s signature silhouettes, like its toe room and arch support. 

Fashion and Celebrity Endorsements

Although Birkenstock’s legacy dates back to the 1700s, in recent years, Birkenstock has transitioned from a counterculture staple thanks to the hippie movement to becoming a signature fashion statement among everyday individuals and celebrities. Over time, as fashion trends such as more casual aesthetics have been introduced (like wearing socks with sandals, which the public often does with Birkenstocks), this opened the opportunity for brands like Birkenstock to become a staple. Celebrities began to endorse the designs, along with fashion bloggers and social media influencers. Models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber have even been spotted wearing a pair of Birkenstocks as part of their everyday wear.

In addition, Birkenstock has also done collaborations with notable designers and brands like Rick Owens, Valentino, Proenza Schouler, Fear of God, and more. These further brought Birkenstock into the fashion limelight, helping place them into a position of desirable and fashionable while still taking on a comfortable component. With that, as the years have passed, the Birkenstock brand hasn’t stopped introducing new colors, materials, and variations of its classic styles. They continue to expand their product range, such as introducing more EVA materials at the outsole, Birko-Flor as a synthetic material option that caters to those looking for a vegan-friendly footwear design. Additionally, newer silhouettes like the Tokyo Super Grip have made their way onto the Birkenstock footwear roster. These additions allowed Birkenstocks to be incorporated into a broader range of fashion tastes and outfit choices.

The Birkenstock Resurgence + Conclusion

Since the early beginnings of Birkenstock, the footwear brand has lived countless lives and has served many purposes to the public. With its roots still intact regarding providing comfortable footwear, Birkenstock has also become a staple in footwear rotations due to its versatility and ability to blend within any collection seamlessly. Birkenstock has committed to sustainability by using natural materials and eco-friendly products, all while serving as the perfect canvas for celebrities to wear and for brands to collaborate with them. In recent years, Birkenstock has gained even more popularity. Their nostalgic aesthetic aligns perfectly with current fashion trends, making the shoes a go-to choice for countless worldwide.

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