Birkenstock Footwear

Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock in Langen-Bergheim, Germany, Birkenstock is a historic footwear brand celebrated for its anatomical cork-latex footbed. For over two centuries, the company remained a family-owned dynasty, evolving from a local cobbler's trade into a global pioneer of ergonomic 'health footwear.' The brand gained international fame in the 1960s and 70s, particularly in the United States, after being introduced by Margot Fraser.

Today, Birkenstock maintains a high degree of vertical integration. The brand's signature footbeds are manufactured exclusively in Germany, with final assembly taking place at its own production sites across German states like Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. While the vast majority of production is concentrated in Germany, some supplemental component manufacturing and assembly occur in other European Union countries, notably Portugal.

In 2021, the brand underwent a major transition when L Catterton and Financière Agache—investment firms backed by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH group—acquired a majority stake. Birkenstock Holding plc went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023. As of 2026, L Catterton remains the controlling shareholder, ensuring the brand's position as a global luxury and lifestyle powerhouse while preserving its German heritage.