The company creates custom orthopedic footwear for wounded soldiers, establishing its reputation for therapeutic relief.
The "long story" of Birkenstock spans over 250 years, evolving from a local German shoemaking lineage into a multi-billion dollar global fashion icon. The brand's identity is anchored in its specialized "footbed," originally designed as a corrective orthopedic tool. birkenstockoffers
Konrad Birkenstock develops the first anatomically shaped shoe last and a flexible arch support for factory-made shoes. The company creates custom orthopedic footwear for wounded
Margot Fraser, an American tourist, discovers the shoes in Germany and begins importing them to the US, where they first gain traction in health food stores. The company went public on the NYSE in 2023
In 2021, LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton acquired a majority stake. The company went public on the NYSE in 2023. The "Birkenstory" Appeal
The first Birkenstock sandal, the Madrid model, is launched, marking the brand's shift from insoles to full footwear.