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Birkenstock begins the celebration of 250 years of shoemaking tradition through the brand's pillars of quality, functionality, heritage and community.
The iconic footwear brand renowned for its function, craftsmanship, and timeless design, proudly marks its 250th year of shoemaking tradition, marking a historic milestone in its illustrious history. With the roots of the brand dating back to 1774 in Germany, Birkenstock has been synonymous with quality footwear for a quarter of a millennium, earning a global reputation for its signature contoured footbed and commitment to holistic foot health and wellbeing.
Since its inception, Birkenstock has remained true to its founding principles, combining tradition with innovation to create footwear that promotes foot health, and has now undoubtedly achieved icon status in both fashion and orthopaedic realms. Without compromise, each Birkenstock shoe is still meticulously crafted in Germany using premium materials and time-honoured techniques, ensuring unmatched function and durability.
Birkenstock is considered to be one of the oldest footwear brands in the world. Here's a brief timeline of the iconic brand:
Johann Adam Birkenstock, a German shoemaker, starts the family tradition of crafting footwear, laying the foundation for the brand.
120 years later, Konrad Birkenstock (Johann’s descendant) developed the first contoured insole. This was designed to offer support and comfort, which becomes the core innovation of the brand.
Birkenstock establishes a factory in Friedberg, Germany, to produce their famous arch-supporting footbeds, gaining popularity among orthopaedic specialists.
Karl Birkenstock, Konrad’s grandson, develops the first Birkenstock sandal with the signature contoured footbed, introducing the iconic "Madrid" model.
The brand experiences a boom in the U.S. as Birkenstock sandals become synonymous with the hippie and counterculture movement, appreciated for their comfort and eco-friendly ethos.
Birkenstock expands its product line, becoming a mainstream fashion staple while retaining its loyal customer base focused on comfort and sustainability. Due to popularity the Birkenstock range quickly grew from just their Madrid styles to a variation of the iconic range we see today.
The brand sees renewed popularity, merging fashion and function, collaborating with high-end designers like Rick Owens and Valentino, and even appearing on luxury runways!
Birkenstock store in Newmarket
Today, Birkenstock is recognised globally for its comfort-driven design, sustainability, and fashion versatility. With every foot moulded by a Birkenstock sandal or shoe, New Zealand customers have stepped into the great legacy as well. Join us as we celebrate 250 years of Birkenstock by heading into their Newmarket store on Teed Street or by viewing their iconic range online.
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Tags: footwear
