HISTORY & HERITAGE
At Birkenstock, tradition, and heritage are important hallmarks of a brand that dates back centuries. Birkenstock is deeply rooted in the fine art of crafting premium quality shoes that are good for you. Since 1774, Birkenstock has passed this commitment down from one generation to the next. The result is the absolute best in quality, comfort, and support.
In 1774 Johann Adam Birkenstock was listed as a ‘shoemaker’ in the church archives in Langen-Bergheim, Germany. In 1896, Johann's great-great-grandson Konrad Birkenstock developed the first contoured insole for use by shoemakers in the production of custom footwear.
Also in the same year 1896, Konrad opened two shoe stores in Frankfurt, Germany where he continues to make and sell his insoles.
In 1925 the company was expanded by buying a large factory in Friedberg, Hesse. After (1939–1945) the Birkenstock sandal became popular among returning soldiers because of orthopedic support.
When it was 1963, Karl Birkenstock released his first athletic sandal with a flexible footbed called Madrid. It soon becomes popular with gymnasts.
In 1966, Birkenstocks were introduced in the United States. Birkenstocks first became popular among young men, and later on among hippies in the 1970s. The shoe became popular with hippies and others who had a "back to nature" philosophy and who appreciated the natural foot shape and foot-friendly comfort of Birkenstocks.
With the growing popularity among high school and college students in the 1990s production expanded and modernized. In 2007 owners of BIRKENSTOCK Orthopädie GmbH & Co. KG took over their long-standing distribution partner BIRKENSTOCK Distribution USA, Inc.
2013 was one of the most significant turning points in the company’s history: BIRKENSTOCK became a corporation. The traditional company successfully made the transition from a loose network of 38 separate companies to a group with three business units: production, sales and services.
THE ORIGINAL FOOTBED
The original BIRKENSTOCK footbed is the heart of all our models. While today it is synonymous with exceptional comfort, the word “footbed” was first used by BIRKENSTOCK in the 1930s to describe anatomically shaped inner soles with special support elements.
A Legendary Design
At the heart of every Birkenstock design is the legendary footbed. The details are all in the design; each element of the footbed serves a purpose to encourage proper foot wellbeing and health. The result is signature style coupled with all-day comfort.
Deep Heel Cup
The deep heel cup cradles the heel and keeps your natural cushioning right under the heel bone.
Longitudinal Arch Support
The longitudinal arch support runs along the sides of the footbed, providing stability with each step.
Transverse Arch Support
The transverse arch support runs through the middle of the footbed, helping to ensure proper alignment and a solid stance.
Raised Toe Bar
The raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercises the legs, and stimulates circulation.
More Toe Room
A roomy toe box allows toes to move more naturally, promoting better balance and correct foot alignment.
The Structure
The Structure
01 | FIRST LAYER OF JUTE
The first layer of jute forms the foundation of our footbed. It stabilises the natural cork and latex core.
02 | CORK AND LATEX FOOTBED
The cork and latex footbed is the heart of all BIRKENSTOCK shoes. The shock-absorbing and highly flexible cork and latex core supports and relieves pressure on the feet. The natural materials insulate against the heat and cold and create a good foot climate.
03 | SECOND LAYER OF JUTE
The second layer of jute is placed around the sides of the footbed. This increases the flexibility of the footbed and makes it significantly more durable. This layer of thick, absorbent jute helps to regulate moisture.
04 | SUEDE LINING
The suede lining absorbs moisture. This natural property of the high-quality top layer helps to ensure a pleasant foot climate.
OUR CLASSIC MODELS WITH THE ORIGINAL FOOTBED
Arizona Big Buckle Nubuck Leather
R 2,999.00
Arizona Birko-Flor
R 1,699.00
Arizona EVA
R 999.00
Arizona Birko-Flor
R 1,699.00
THE SOFT FOOTBED
05 | FOAM INSERT
The soft footbed is padded with an anatomically shaped foam insert. This insert contains millions of tiny air bubbles that help provide an especially comfortable experience.
OUR CLASSIC MODELS WITH THE SOFT FOOTBED
NATURAL CORK – A SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIAL
The original BIRKENSTOCK footbed is the heart of all our models. While today it is synonymous with exceptional comfort, the word “footbed” was first used by BIRKENSTOCK in the 1930s to describe anatomically shaped inner soles with special support elements.
The cork is obtained from the bark layer of the cork oak. At least five centimeters of thick bark is stripped from the cork oak – a process that, depending on weather conditions, can only be repeated every seven to nine years. A single tree can provide 100 to 200 kilograms of cork during its life. To ensure that the cork is hygienically clean, the bark that has been removed is cooked thoroughly in tanks. It is then cut into strips that will be used to punch the bottle corks.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
BIRKENSTOCK uses high-quality types of leather, carefully selected textiles and synthetic/blended fabrics to produce sandals and shoes. All materials are produced responsibly and continuously monitored to ensure they are kind to skin. Leather is one of the most robust natural materials used in traditional shoe manufacturing. BIRKENSTOCK uses very high-quality, especially thick, unsplit leather.
SUEDE
At the heart of every Birkenstock design is the legendary footbed. The details are all in the design; each element of the footbed serves a purpose to encourage proper foot wellbeing and health. The result is signature style coupled with all day comfort.
NATURAL LEATHER
When producing shoes from untreated natural leather, we select particularly high-quality pieces of leather with a thickness of 2.8 to 3.2 millimeters.
OILED LEATHER
Our special form of oiled leather is obtained from tanneries. Depending on the desired effect, either an oily or waxy grease-containing surface coating is applied to the leather.
NUBUCK LEATHER
Nubuck leather is a top-grain leather that is naturally several millimeters thick. It has a softly brushed outer surface.
PATENT LEATHER
This specially finished smooth leather combines natural leather with a film coating, and is used in especially modern designs.
BIRKO-FLOR®
Birko-Flor® is a durable and easy to clean synthetic material, made to sit comfortably against the skin; and used exclusively by BIRKENSTOCK.
BIRKO-FLOR® NUBUCK
Birko-Flor® Nubuck is a synthetic material that manages to almost perfectly replicate the look and feel of authentic nubuck leather.
BIRKO-FLOR® PATENT
The moisture-repellent Birko-Flor® in a patent finish is brilliant and bold with a high-quality look. There are no limits when it comes to colors.
LINEN/CANVAS
Linen is one of the most robust textile types and is traditionally used for clothing that is subject to heavy wear.
MICROFIBRE
Microfibre fabric is a durable material which encourages the circulation of air and has excellent moisture-wicking properties.
WOOL FELT
Wool felt is among the oldest textiles in the world and has established itself as a material that is often used for the upper of slippers.
BIRKENSTOCK AND SUSTAINABILITY
The protection of our natural resources is one of the most pressing issues of our time. We are committed to environmentally friendly operations. For us, sustainability is not a marketing-driven fad, but rather an expression of our corporate ethos. Environmental protection has long been paramount at BIRKENSTOCK. We constantly work to improve production processes, products, packaging and logistics.
Thanks to their durability, our products are sustainable by nature. A high proportion of the natural materials that we use are from sustainable sources: cork, natural latex, jute, leather, wool felt, copper and brass are among our most important materials.
One of our most important raw materials is cork – a natural and sustainable product that boasts high elasticity, outstanding cushioning, and excellent heat and sound insulation. The cork layer is reproduced and can therefore be harvested again and again without harming the tree.
The cork is obtained from the bark layer of the cork oak. At least five centimeters of thick bark is stripped from the cork oak – a process that, depending on weather conditions, can only be repeated every seven to nine years. A single tree can provide 100 to 200 kilograms of cork during its life. To ensure that the cork is hygienically clean, the bark that has been removed is cooked thoroughly in tanks. It is then cut into strips that will be used to punch the bottle corks.
MAKE IT A COLOURFUL SUMMER
The comfortableness you know from BIRKENSTOCK combined with waterproof functionality so you can make this summer more colourful.
SHOP EVA