Birkenstock is a German shoemaker best known for sandals with a contoured cork footbed. The footbed is made of layers of suede and jute, and gradually adjusts to the shape of the wearer's foot. The family's line of shoemakers is traced back to 1774, when Johannes Birkenstock was recorded as a shoemaker in the village of Langen-Bergheim. The aim was simple: shoes that support and follow the curve of the foot, unlike the flat soles that were common at the time. The footbed, or Fussbett, design appeared in 1896, and by 1925 its products were sold across Europe. The sandals reached the United States in 1966, and in the 1970s they became tied to a relaxed, "back to nature" lifestyle image.
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The Birkenstock name in healthy footwear began with Konrad Birkenstock (1873-1950). He opened an orthopedic shoe workshop in Frankfurt am Main in 1896 and founded Konrad Birkenstock GmbH a year later. He developed a contoured insole for custom shoemakers to use, and in 1902 he created a flexible insole, different from the rigid metal insoles that were common at the time. In 1925 he succeeded in registering the "Fussbett" trademark. Throughout the 1920s, Birkenstock insoles were supplied to a number of European countries, including Austria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
The next big step came from his grandson, Karl Birkenstock. In 1962 he created a standardized anatomical insole that was fitted permanently, which made it possible to mass-produce healthy footwear. The first model, the Original Birkenstock Footbed Sandal, was launched in 1963 and has been known as the Madrid since 1979. At first the market response was poor. Shoe stores were reluctant to sell this gender-neutral sandal because it ran against the Italian stiletto trend, so early sales came through direct marketing in the medical field.
The turning point came in America. In 1966, Margot Fraser, a German seamstress living in Santa Cruz, California, wore the Madrid to ease her foot complaints and later brought it over there. Many shoe stores turned it down because of its look, so she sold it through health food stores. In the 1970s the sandals became popular among hippies. The range of models grew: Zürich, Roma, Arizona (1973), Boston (1976), and Gizeh (1983). From the 1980s the fashion world also began wearing them, and in the early 1990s Kate Moss helped bring them back into the spotlight.
- Madrid: the first sandal with a flexible footbed, launched in 1963 and called the Madrid since 1979.
- Arizona: introduced in 1973 and described as the most popular Birkenstock sandal.
- Boston: the first cork clog from Birkenstock, released in 1976.
- Gizeh: part of the thong sandal line that began in 1983.
- Zürich: a closed sandal developed by Karl Birkenstock after the first launch in 1963.
What we check before listing
We look at the condition of the footbed first. Toe and heel impressions are normal on a used sandal, but very deep hollows, cracked cork, or peeling suede layers point to heavy use. Check the outsole at the heel and the front tip to see whether it has worn thin or tilted. Check the straps, buckles, and stitching: whether they are still tight, not loose, and not rusty. Also look at the stamp or label on the footbed and the underside of the sole, and whether it is clear, neat, and consistent with the model in question. A musty smell or dark stains on the footbed are things we note down.
Caring for it
Cork and suede do not like being soaked in water. Clean with a damp cloth that has been wrung out, then air them in a shaded place, away from direct sunlight or heaters. Gently brush the suede in the direction of the grain to remove dust. Store them in a dry, well-ventilated place so the footbed does not get damp and moldy.
FAQ
Are used Birkenstock sandals still comfortable to wear?
They can be, as long as the footbed is still intact. The footbed adjusts to the wearer's foot, so a used sandal carries the footprint of the previous owner. Some people need time to adjust, and a sandal whose footbed is already very hollowed out is not a good buy.
What is the difference between the Madrid, Arizona, Boston, and Gizeh?
The Madrid is the first sandal, launched in 1963. The Arizona came in 1973 and became the brand's most popular sandal. The Boston is the first cork clog, from 1976, while the Gizeh is part of the thong sandal line that appeared in 1983.
How do you judge the condition of a used footbed?
Look at how deep the toe and heel impressions are, any cracks in the cork, and the condition of the suede layer. Light impressions are still normal. Brittle cork or a layer that is coming loose means it has had a long life of use.
Is your authenticity check a guarantee?
No. We check the things we usually pay attention to, such as the label, stamp, materials, stitching, and hardware. That is a guide based on our experience, not an absolute guarantee.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).