Birkenstock

Birkenstock is a German footwear company with a history dating back to 1774. It is known for its anatomically shaped footbed, which promotes comfort and foot health. The company has developed a strong global presence, with its products available in around 90 countries. It operates its own production facilities in Germany and has international offices in the United States, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Birkenstock is one of the top five global footwear brands and one of the most recognised German brands. The company employs approximately 3,000 people, making it the largest employer in the German footwear industry. Since 2013, over 1,100 jobs have been created, with most being in Germany.

The company has a strong focus on sustainability and uses natural materials like cork, latex, jute, and wool felt. It was one of the first footwear brands to use water-based adhesives to reduce environmental impact. The footbed, made from cork and latex, is designed to provide proper support and comfort. A soft footbed variant has an additional foam insert for improved wearability.

Birkenstock has introduced various innovations over the years. In 1963, it launched the Madrid model, the first fitness sandal. The company transitioned into a corporation in 2013, moving from a family-run business to a group with three business units: production, sales, and services. It also expanded into licensing for new business segments like healthy living and workspaces.

The company’s market capitalisation is estimated at USD 10.37 billion. Its sub-brand, Papillio, offers trendy and feminine designs. Birkenstock operates under a strict Code of Conduct, ensuring compliance with ethical, social, and environmental standards. It continues to focus on high-quality, functional footwear while expanding its global reach.

The Birkenstock legacy began in 1774 when Johann Adam Birkenstock was registered as a “subject and cobbler” in Langen-Bergheim, Germany. The family’s dedication to shoemaking spanned generations, with a focus on creating footwear that supported natural foot structure.

In 1896, master cobbler Konrad Birkenstock developed flexible footbed insoles, laying the foundation for the brand’s future innovations. By 1902, he introduced the first contoured arch support, revolutionising comfort in footwear. The 1960s marked Birkenstock’s introduction to the U.S. market, where Margot Fraser discovered the sandals during a trip to Germany and began importing them. Initially popular among health enthusiasts, the sandals gained a following among the hippie movement for their comfort and natural aesthetic.

In the early 2000s, Birkenstock collaborated with supermodel Heidi Klum, blending functionality with fashion. This partnership paved the way for future collaborations with high-fashion designers. A significant moment occurred in 2012 when Phoebe Philo, then creative director of Céline, featured fur-lined Birkenstock-inspired sandals on the runway. Dubbed “Furkenstocks,” this fusion of luxury and comfort garnered widespread attention.

In 2019, Birkenstock collaborated with Italian luxury fashion house Valentino, unveiling a reimagined version of its iconic sandals at Paris Fashion Week. This partnership marked a significant moment for the German footwear brand, as it ventured into the high-fashion landscape while retaining its commitment to comfort and craftsmanship. The collaboration featured Birkenstock’s signature Arizona sandals, redesigned with Valentino’s distinctive aesthetic, including bold color palettes and premium materials such as high-quality leather. Notably, some designs incorporated Valentino’s signature VLTN logo, adding a touch of exclusivity and luxury to the traditionally casual silhouette.

Dior x Birkenstock in 2022 merged luxury with orthopaedic comfort redefining high-end footwear. By integrating Birkenstock’s contoured cork footbed—designed to support natural foot alignment—with Dior’s craftsmanship and premium materials, the collection appeals to a wide demographic of consumers who refuse to compromise on aesthetics or well-being, making high-end, ergonomic sandals a staple in contemporary fashion. The meticulous detailing, from Dior’s signature monogram embossing to premium suede and leather finishes, ensures that each pair combines timeless style with everyday functionality.

In February 2021, Birkenstock announced its decision to sell a majority stake to L Catterton, a private equity firm supported by LVMH. The deal valued the company at reportedly €4 billion, marking a significant shift in its ownership structure. This move was driven by Birkenstock’s ambition to expand its global reach while staying true to its rich heritage of comfort and quality craftsmanship. With L Catterton’s expertise in scaling premium consumer brands, Birkenstock aimed to strengthen its market presence in key international regions, particularly in Asia and North America. 

The acquisition positioned Birkenstock for long-term growth, leveraging L Catterton’s strategic resources and LVMH’s luxury retail network. Despite the ownership change, the company assured customers that it would continue to uphold its values, focusing on sustainable production and high-quality materials.

The success of Birkenstock is rooted in its commitment to the art of making orthopedically inspired shoes. Over the centuries, it has built up a wealth of unparalleled experience that it has passed down from one generation to the next, with each generation cultivating and further expanding this knowledge.

Birkenstock’s mission is to manufacture products that make the lives of its customers better. At the heart of these products is the unique, anatomically shaped footbed, a revolutionary concept that has paved the way for a completely new market. The company believes that everyone should have access to this footbed, which serves as a core idea and reference point for all its endeavours.

The brand is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, ensuring that each product is crafted with precision and care. This commitment extends to the selection of premium materials and adherence to sustainable practices. Customer satisfaction is paramount, and Birkenstock aims to exceed expectations by delivering footwear that offers unparalleled comfort, durability, and timeless design.

Johann Adam Birkenstock’s vision for the brand was rooted in craftsmanship, foot health, and innovation. As a master cobbler in 18th-century Germany, he believed that footwear should support the natural anatomy of the foot rather than conforming to rigid, uncomfortable designs. His approach to shoemaking prioritised comfort and functionality, setting the foundation for what would later become a globally recognised orthopedic footwear brand. His early work laid the groundwork for the development of contoured footbeds, a revolutionary concept that transformed the industry by promoting better posture and reducing strain on the feet.

Birkenstock’s vision extended beyond simply making comfortable shoes; he sought to create footwear that would improve the overall well-being of its wearers. His emphasis on arch support and natural movement became the guiding principles of the brand’s design philosophy. This commitment to foot health led to the development of flexible insoles that adapted to the wearer’s foot shape, a feature that set Birkenstock apart from traditional footwear brands. Over generations, his descendants carried forward this vision, continuously refining and improving the company’s products while staying true to its orthopedic roots.

Sustainability and longevity were also key aspects of Johann Adam Birkenstock’s vision. He believed in using high-quality materials that would ensure durability and reliability. This principle remains at the heart of the brand today, with Birkenstock employing renewable resources like cork, natural latex, and leather in its manufacturing processes. His vision of producing footwear that combines orthopaedic benefits with durability and sustainability has made Birkenstock a trusted name in both the health and fashion industries, with a lasting legacy that continues to shape modern footwear design.

Birkenstock has earned global recognition for its commitment to quality, comfort, and sustainability, making it one of the most respected names in orthopedic footwear. Over the centuries, the brand has built a loyal customer base, from health-conscious individuals to high-fashion enthusiasts. Its innovative footbed design has been widely acknowledged for promoting foot health and natural movement, leading to endorsements from podiatrists and orthopedic specialists worldwide. Beyond its functional benefits, Birkenstock has also made an impact on popular culture, frequently spotted on celebrities, designers, and influencers, further reinforcing its status as a timeless and versatile brand.

In addition to its widespread popularity, Birkenstock has received numerous awards and accolades for its sustainable practices and ethical production methods. In 2018, the brand was honoured with PETA’s Libby Award for being the “Most Animal-Friendly Shoe Company,” reflecting its dedication to cruelty-free and vegan product lines. Birkenstock’s collaborations with luxury fashion houses like Dior, Valentino, and Rick Owens have also been celebrated in the fashion industry, with its designs being featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue and GQ. The brand’s ability to balance orthopaedic excellence with contemporary style has solidified its reputation as an industry leader, bridging the gap between comfort and high fashion.

Birkenstock is renowned for its diverse range of orthopedic footwear, including sandals, clogs, shoes, and boots, all designed with the brand’s signature contoured cork-latex footbed. This footbed, which molds to the wearer’s feet over time, provides superior arch support, pressure distribution, and comfort. The brand caters to a wide audience with various materials, including leather, suede, and eco-friendly vegan options. Over the years, Birkenstock has expanded its collection to include not just classic styles like the Arizona and Boston but also limited-edition releases that incorporate modern aesthetics while staying true to its orthopedic roots. In addition to footwear, the brand offers accessories such as socks, belts, and insoles, reinforcing its commitment to comfort and quality craftsmanship.

Birkenstock has collaborated with some of the most prestigious fashion houses and designers, further elevating its status from a health-focused brand to a high-fashion icon. In 2012, Phoebe Philo of Céline introduced fur-lined Birkenstock-inspired sandals, sparking renewed interest in the brand within luxury fashion circles. Other notable collaborations include partnerships with Valentino, Dior, and Rick Owens, each reinterpreting classic Birkenstock designs with premium materials and avant-garde aesthetics. These collaborations have not only cemented Birkenstock’s presence in the fashion industry but have also introduced the brand to a new generation of consumers who appreciate the fusion of comfort and style. Through these partnerships, Birkenstock continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of craftsmanship, functionality, and sustainability.