Youthful, comfy, classic and yet on-trend. It’s hard to imagine that every time you wear Birkenstock shoes, you’re actually wearing a piece of history. Birkenstock has been making quality shoes and sandals since 1774.
Throughout history, Birkenstock has remained an innovative key player in various events. In the 1940s, it served as the footwear of choice among returning World War II veterans who liked the orthopaedic support it provided.
In 1963, the Madrid — that flexible footbed used in Birkenstock’s athletic sandals — entered the scene and became a resounding success. The toning effect of the newly introduced athletic sandals was not lost on athletes at the time, and they very quickly became crowd favourites, especially among gymnasts.
Ever unafraid to break tradition and trends, Birkenstock has always been a brand unabashedly true to its roots — which is probably why, in the late 1960s until the 1970s, Birkenstocks were widely associated with American liberalism, the hippies and the socio-cultural revolution of the time.
It was through German dressmaker Margot Fraser that Birkenstocks arrived in the United States. However, they were initially rejected by shoe stores for their singular appearance and ended up in health stores, positioned near granola bars.
But the natural foot shape and comfort Birkenstock was already known for outside the U.S.A. proved irresistible. The new footwear instantly became popular with young men, and its popularity surged among anyone who embraced the back-to-nature philosophy of the times.
By 1986, Birkenstock fans found their beloved sandals already being featured in Nordstrom. From then on, Birkenstock got introduced to high fashion and Kate Moss. Birkenstock was no longer limited to streetwear or casual fashion.
Gen Xers of the 1990s loved their ‘Birks’, which proved very popular among high schoolers and college students. Then Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted wearing Birkenstocks in Britain, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Birkenstock continues to innovate, offering a wide range of footwear and accessories, crossing geographical and socio-cultural barriers.
For the latest Birkenstock shoe and sandals collection, shop online at New Zealand’s Racers Edge. You can also personally drop by our Wanaka NZ store. Here, you’ll find Birkenstock, as well as other internationally renowned outdoor clothes, supplies, footwear and outdoor equipment.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions about our Birkenstock collection or other products featured in our NZ store.
