Birkenstock shoes

Birkenstock is a historic German footwear brand that traces its roots back to 1774, when Johann Adam Birkenstock was registered as a master cobbler. The modern version of the brand's iconic anatomically shaped footbed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Konrad Birkenstock. The company achieved global success in the 1960s and 70s as its sandals became synonymous with comfort and quality craftsmanship.

Most Birkenstock products are manufactured in Germany, where the brand operates several specialized production facilities. While the brand remained family-owned for nearly 250 years, it underwent a significant transition in 2021 when a majority stake was acquired by L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by the luxury conglomerate LVMH. Despite this shift in ownership, the brand maintains its headquarters and primary manufacturing base in Germany, continuing to emphasize its heritage of German engineering in the footwear industry.