Bickenstock footwear

Birkenstock is a world-renowned German footwear brand legendary for its contoured cork and latex footbeds. Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock in Langen-Bergheim, Germany, the brand has focused on anatomical comfort and health-oriented footwear for over two centuries. The company revolutionized the industry in the 1960s with the introduction of the Madrid sandal, which gained global popularity for its unique ergonomic design.

Historically a family-owned business, the brand underwent a significant transformation in 2021 when a majority stake was acquired by L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by Bernard Arnault's Agache and LVMH. Despite this shift in ownership, Birkenstock continues to manufacture the vast majority of its products in Germany across several state-of-the-art production sites, maintaining its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and European sourcing. Today, the brand is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BIRK, with its headquarters remaining in Linz am Rhein, Germany.