Equity Insights
Birkenstock - More than a sandal
Birkenstock's evolution is a rare example of how authentic functionality can become high fashion. Founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock, a cobbler committed to foot health, the brand has remained rooted in orthopaedic expertise for more than a century. The breakthrough for the product came in 1896, when Konrad Birkenstock developed the contoured "Fussbett" footbed, an innovation designed to mirror the foot's natural shape and support its anatomical needs. For decades, Birkenstock's reputation was built on podiatric function, comfort, and durability, serving a loyal but largely niche audience far removed from the fashion mainstream.
01 October 2025
