BIRKENSTOCK

In 1774, Johann Adam Birkenstock began his career as a shoemaker and unwittingly created what is now a cult brand. The Birkenstock company specialized in the production of innovative and comfortable footbed insoles, an idea first put forward by Konrad Birkenstock in 1874. His son Carl took the idea further by lecturing and writing a reference book on foot orthopedics and its relation to footwear, which quickly became the best-selling book in the field.

The company's success was further solidified as Carl Birkenstock developed new production methods and improved materials to increase the comfort of the products. Thanks to this legacy of innovation, Birkenstock is a brand that puts quality and comfort for every foot first. At the heart of every Birkenstock shoe is the footbed, a term first used by the brand itself in the 1930s. The Birkenstock footbed is an anatomically shaped insole designed to support the foot with every step. The design is modeled after the foot's natural footprint in the sand, and helps feet get through many hours in shoes with as little stress as possible. This is a great benefit for health and well-being.

But how did Birkenstock become "cool" and a staple of fashionable women and men? In 2012, Phoebe Philo, then head designer of the luxury label Celine, presented the "Furkenstock" - a shoe modeled after the Birkenstock and lined with fur on the inside. Since then, at the latest, there has been a hype about Birkenstock. The Arizona sandal in particular is a coveted model that fashion houses such as Dior, Valentino and Jil Sander have already reissued in cooperation with Birkenstock. Today, Hollywood stars, style icons and influencers swear by the shoes. Birkenstock sandals and loafers in particular are among the must-haves of the summer.

Among the most famous models of Birkenstock for women, men and children are the Arizona sandals. The classic convinces with its good and snug fit and a casual, natural design with two buckles. The soft footbed provides an extra portion of wearing comfort. Every season Birkenstock launches new designs of the Arizona sandal - made of suede, vegan leather, as a bathing shoe as well as in different colors from natural shades like black or taupe to current trend colors. For the fall/winter seasons, the sandal models with lambskin lining are also among Birkenstock's must-haves. They combine the cork footbed with extra warmth and a timelessly modern design.

The Madrid sandal is the first model that Birkenstock designed. To this day, it has cult status and is part of the evergreens. The sandal has a strap and, like all shoes of the brand, has the comfortable footbed made of soft cork. The non-slip outsole corresponds in color with the strap, which no longer necessarily has to be made of natural leather, but always shines in new looks, colors and materials.

Whether Milano, Boston & Co - the sandals and shoes from Birkenstock are always suitable for leisure. Especially in the warm months they are worn up and down by fashion professionals and are characterized by their casual style, timeless look and unmatched comfort. Whether worn with a chino and shirt, a dress or shorts and T-shirts, Birkenstock shoes for men, women and kids are true all-rounders and complement any style with a touch of nonchalance.

Discover the cult Birkenstock shoes online and in the LODENFREY store.