Birkenstock Arizona footwear

Birkenstock is a historic German brand renowned for its ergonomic footwear, particularly its cork-soled sandals. The brand dates back to 1774 when Johann Adam Birkenstock was registered as a shoemaker in Germany. For centuries, it remained a family-owned business, focusing on orthopedic comfort and anatomical arch support.

Manufacturing primarily takes place in Germany, where the company operates several production facilities. While the brand has global reach, it maintains strict control over its production quality by keeping the majority of its manufacturing within its home country. In 2021, a significant shift in ownership occurred when L Catterton and the family investment firm of Bernard Arnault (Agache) acquired a majority stake in the company, bringing it under the influence of the LVMH group’s ecosystem. It is now a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.