Birkenstock Holding plc is a German shoe manufacturer known for its sandals and other shoes notable for contoured cork footbeds (soles) made with layers of suede and jute, which conform to the shape of their wearers' feet.
Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock and headquartered in Neustadt (Wied), Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the company's original purpose was to create shoes that support and contour the foot, compared to the flat soles of many shoes during that time.
In 1896 the Fussbett (footbed) was designed, and by 1925, Birkenstocks were sold all over Europe.
In 1966, Margot Fraser first brought Birkenstocks to America. In the United States, they were sold in health stores, thus becoming associated with hippies in the 1970s.
The year 1902 saw the development of the first flexible arch-support for insertion into factory-made shoes, and in 1964, Karl Birkenstock developed these inserts into a shoe - thus producing the original prototype of the Birkenstock sandal.
In 1925 Konrad Birkenstock expanded the company by buying a large factory in Friedberg, Hesse. After World War II (1939-1945), the Birkenstock sandal was popular among returning soldiers because of the orthopedic support. Starting in 1963 and continuing into 1964 Karl Birkenstock released his first athletic sandal with a flexible footbed called Madrid.
The shoe was constructed so that the wearer would have to grip their toes to keep the sandals on; this resulted in toning the calf muscle, which became quite useful to athletes, especially among gymnasts.
In 1966, Margot Fraser, a German dressmaker who resided in Santa Cruz, California, decided to travel back to Germany to visit a spa in Bavaria, where she was recommended Madrids to help with a foot ailment caused by tight shoes.
Due to Fraser's relief from her foot condition and her enthusiasm for the sandals, Birkenstocks were introduced in the United States-though some hurdles stood in the way of their eventual acceptance by American buyers.
Many shoe stores rejected the sandals due to their appearance, leading Fraser to health stores near the granola section. The 1970s brought a spike in sales. In the United States, Birkenstocks were first popular among young men and later on among flower children, a group traditionally associated with American liberalism.
The shoe became popular with hippies and others who had a "back to nature" philosophy and appreciated the natural foot shape and foot-friendly comfort of Birkenstocks. In 1973, Birkenstock's most popular sandal, Arizona, was introduced.
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.
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 Nagoya is reinterpreted from our signature slip-on clog, the Boston. The buckles are replaced with a contemporary hook and loop closure system for optimum fit. Minimalist and clean, wear this bold design anywhere. This version with its grained upper boasts a striking yet natural design. The upper is made from high-quality, soft nubuck leather with a tumbled appearance.
* Anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed
* Upper: nubuck leather
* Footbed lining: suede
* Sole: EVA
* Details: individually adjustable buckle
* “Made in Germany”