One of the most talked about shoes in casual conversation but usually mentioned somewhat derogatorily in the same breath as tree-hugging environmentalists, granola-eating hippies, and tie-dyed liberals, Birkenstock has come a long way from their original German incarnation to one of the great iconic brands of today. Birkenstock shoes are perhaps most renowned for their contoured footbeds, which conform anatomically to the contours of the human's foot, as well as for their flexible arch support, which provides proper underside support to the foot while restoring the foot to its natural position.

Konrad Birkenstock, who came from a long-line of German shoemakers, was credited as the designer who invented contoured footbeds and flexible arch support as inserts to be used in custom and factory-made shoes respectively, in and around the late 19th century. The first Birkenstock sandals that had their own built-in anatomical footbeds and arch support, however, only came about in 1964, the brainchild of Karl Birkenstock, son of Konrad.

The German brand was brought over to the USA by American Margot Fraser, who discovered Birkenstock sandals while holidaying in Germany. Margot, suffering from chronic foot pain, got to experience first-hand the incredible comfort of Birkenstock, and was so pleased with the German made shoe that she set up a company back home and became the sole distributor of the German made footwear. This was in the late 1960's through early 1970's, when the first Birkenstock sandals were introduced to the American public.

Because of their orthopedic properties such as contoured foot beds that offer flexible arch support, Birkenstocks quickly became a favored walking shoe for traveling, as well as a proven orthopedic shoe for those suffering from various foot ailments.

Popular Categories:
Aside from sandals and clogs, other popular categories include Birkenstock boots, flip flops, thongs, suede shoes and mary janes.

Since their first appearance in American retail shops more than 30 years ago, although Birkenstocks may have changed little in terms of styles and variations, the footwear company has remained true to their belief that first and foremost, shoes should be designed for the feet, and secondly, they should be engineered to last. While some may always find Birkenstocks to be a little on the unattractive side, there is no denying that apart from offering long-wearing comfort, Birkenstock shoes are built to last (for several years if worn properly and given proper shoe care). Furthermore, the recyclable cork footbeds are easily and repeatedly replaceable, which further prolongs the life of the footwear. And since their prevailing style is already timeless classic, Birkenstocks sandals also have the uncanny distinction of never going out of style. All of which help make the label an eco-friendly brand of footwear that would have been happily endorsed by any tree-hugging environmentalists, granola-eating hippies, and tie-dyed liberals.

Related Footwear Brands:
Birki's, Betula, Tatami, Papillio, and Footprints.

Love them or hate them, Birkenstock clogs and sandals have remained as relevant and popular 30 or 40 years ago as they are now today. With their highly distinctive and easily recognizable styles, Birkenstock shoes have easily become an icon that represents healthy living and environmental friendliness, amongst other less palatable connotations as mentioned earlier.

Birkenstock sandals are best worn in the summer or in warmer climes, with or without socks, although when worn with socks, some may balk at the old Birkenstock-wearing hippie inference. Birkenstock clogs, on the other hand, can be worn all year round. The brand's casual styling makes for an ideal match with a pair of denim jeans. While many people wear them as house slippers in Europe, here in the US, Birkenstock shoes are as ubiquitous as say, a pair of Nike shoes, and can be seen worn by just about anyone, anywhere.


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