BIRKENSTOCK®

The shape of the shoe still needs to match the shape of the foot.

Before 1774, the small village of Bad Honnef, Germany, was known more for the Rhine River setting and quaint village homes than it was for quality footwear. But that all changed when Johann Birkenstock registered in the village’s church archives as a cobbler. From the get-go, Johann’s fine-fitting shoes of superior leathers and craftsmanship attracted admirers far and wide. But it wasn’t until 1897 that Konrad Birkenstock, Johann’s great grandson, came up with the really big idea. He proposed that “the shape of the shoe should match the shape of the foot.” How such a logical notion eluded humankind for so long is a mystery. But thanks to Konrad, the prototype for the world’s first contoured arch support was born.

Today, Birkenstock continues to be the leader in comfortable footwear. Our entire line of arch supports, footbeds and footwear are still made in Germany. In the same village of Bad Honnef. By the same Birkenstock family.

To learn more about Birkenstock®, please click here.