The Early Years:

In 1774, in a small German village, Johann Adam Birkenstock is registered as "subject and shoemaker" in the church archives. By 1897 Johann's grandson, Konrad Birkenstock, develops a concept that would literally change the shape of footwear. Although the soles of our feet are curved, shoes had always been flat inside. Konrad theorized that if the shape of the shoes reflected the shape of the feet, greater comfort would be possible. Soon he designed the first shoe with a contoured insole to be used by shoemakers in the production of custom footwear. In 1902 further advancement is made when Konrad Birkenstock develops the first flexible arch support, to be inserted in the factory-made shoes that have become widely distributed in Germany. By 1925 Birkenstock products are being exported throughout Europe.

In 1964 Carl Birkenstock's son, Karl, takes his grandfather's contoured arch support concept one step further -- as a shoe. The Birkenstock sandal is born. In 1966 While on vacation in Germany, Margot Fraser seeks relief from uncomfortable shoes and the tiring effects of walking all day on hard pavement. At a spa, someone suggests that she try Birkenstocks. Margot enjoys immediate comfort with her first pair of Birkenstocks. Moreover, she finds that the chronic foot pain she had endured for years simply vanished within months after she returned home to California. Convinced of its health benefits, she begins importing Birkenstock footwear in America. That was the beginning of Birkenstock Footprint Sandals, Inc. in California. By 1973 the Birkenstock Arizona is introduced, and has since become synonymous with the Birkenstock brand.

Today, Birkenstock Footprint Sandals, Inc., has over 400 different styles of sandals and shoes. Birkenstock's philosophy is to provide comfortable and healthy footwear. It would make sense to think that a softer and more "cushiony" shoe would be more comfortable. But in fact, the Birkenstock concept of comfort is based on firm, orthopedically correct support. As with a quality mattress, feet require solid support and correct positioning in order to give us maximum comfort and health. The Birkenstock footbed features proper arch support, deep heel cup, and adequate room in the toe area - all to help distribute weight evenly over the entire foot. The result is improved posture and balance for greater comfort when walking.

The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork/latex and is shaped to create a healthy walking environment for your feet. Additionally, the cork/latex blend is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth. Therefore, over time, the footbed yields to the characteristics of an individual foot just as the foot yields to the healthy shape of our contoured footbed. Many long-term Birkenstock wearers find that the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they become.