The Unwavering Classic Sandals of 'Birkenstock', Loved by Steve Jobs

The global brand 'Birkenstock' is dedicated to promoting natural walking and safeguarding foot health. The roots of this traditional German brand trace back to shoemaking since 1774. In this article, we'll introduce some of the brand's renowned products that are considered must-haves.

Shoemaking tradition of the Birkenstock family with a history of 250 years

Johannes Birkenstock, the founder of the brand, was documented as a shoemaker in official records dating back to 1774, nearly 250 years ago. Over generations, the family pursued shoemaking until a significant breakthrough occurred in 1902 when Conrad Birkenstock, invented the first flexible insole, a revolutionary foot health aid. This flexible insole, known as the 'footbed,' marked the foundation of Birkenstock's modern offerings. Things eventually evolved until 1963 when Karl Birkenstock, Conrad's grandson, launched the brand's first sandal 'Madrid'.

The 'Footbed' that Revolutionized Footwear

Conrad Birkenstock was the first in the world to invent a flexible insole when the norm was rigid metal or wood. This allowed for a natural rolling motion from the heel to the toes inside the shoe, effectively replicating the human's natural stride. Initially, the flexible insole was made of a combination of card paper and leather materials. At some point, they attempted to integrate cork. However, without natural rubber as an adhesive, lightweight cork could not flex sufficiently and hence was not viable as a primary material. After numerous trials and errors, they finally perfected the 'footbed' using a blend of cork and natural rubber.

During World War I, Conrad Birkenstock served at the Friedrichshain Hospital in Frankfurt am Main. He intensively studied foot defects and their treatment. He concluded that the flexible insoles he invented were better suited for curing foot ailments compared to the standard metal insoles used in medical applications. This experience informed the health aspects of the 'footbed,' which have continued into the modern era. The 'footbed,' which has barely changed since its release, consists of four layers: natural cork, two breathable linen layers, and suede. This structure provides elasticity, resilience, and flexibility, thereby offering an extraordinary comfort.

The iconic Birkenstock classic 'Arizona'

In 1968, the first Birkenstock footwear featuring the footbed technology made its debut in the United States. Then in 1973, Karl Birkenstock, Conrad's grandson, crafted 'Arizona.' This sandal, featuring two broad bands covering the foot, allows users to adjust the fit freely and became a symbol of youth culture in the United States. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, reportedly wore these two-strap sandals regularly. Since then, for decades, the Arizona model has captivated audiences worldwide, irrespective of age or gender.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year: 'Zürich'

Another item that helps appreciate Birkenstock's history is 'Zürich,' the second model they manufactured in their range of footbed sandals. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, this iconic model is popular among both men and women, offering the sturdiness of shoes and the lightness of sandals. The soft suede leather upper, which perfectly fits the foot, is characteristic of this model. The Zürich model has become a truly iconic product for Birkenstock.