Style Guide Birkenstock: From fashion to function and back again

The history of Birkenstock

Birkenstock are a long standing institution in footwear (pardon the pun), remaining a mere two and a half centuries in business to be exact. It is no wonder they have become one of the most globally recognised German brands today. The sixth generation family owned business employs over 5000 people mostly within Germany, making it Germany's largest employer within the footwear industry. This impressive statistic makes Birkenstock stand out from the crowd amongst similar sandal brands.

Where are Birkenstocks made?

Birkenstock sandals are made in Görlitz, Eastern Germany. A massive operation, this factory turns out over 80,000 sandals a day and unlike many big name brands who outsource manufacturing elsewhere, their entire production begins and ends in Germany. In 2021, in a deal that is said to be worth $5 billion, the Parisian super-conglomerate LVMH announced they were the successful bid in the majority stake of this privately owned brand. This partnership has the ability to catapult the brand to an international stage like nothing before and branch into areas of luxury fashion that previously were closed off.

What are Birkenstocks all about?

Birkenstock are committed to the art of making orthopaedic inspired footbeds and commend themselves with the title of the inventor of the footbed. By using anatomically shaped footbeds, they mimic the natural curvature of our soles and the way our feet move. Their footbed technology is and always will be at the core of what they do. As such, for millions of wearers around the world, Birkenstock represents the epitome of comfort. You might be wondering is it worth buying Birkenstocks when there are so many other sandals in the market, many of which are cheaper. So why buy Birkenstock?

Durability

The average lifespan of a Birkenstock is said to be 10-12 years which is incredible in the world of fast fashion and cheap consumables. Their timeless design guarantees their resistance to short-lived trends and their use of top quality, sustainable raw materials ensures a longevity that is hard to match.

Comfort

Birkenstock sandals are built with a supportive footbed that makes your feet feel great - something many other sandals cannot promise so confidently. Foot positioning is the key to preventing problems before they arise. The original Birkenstock footbed has a shock-absorbing effect, stimulating your foot to move. This improves blood circulation and keeps the muscles active, both in your feet and legs. Walking on anatomically designed soles relieves your feet, joints,

and back by avoiding pressure on the soles. It's made of natural cork, jute, high-quality natural latex, and supple soft suede—all of which combine to provide supreme comfort and optimal foot position. In addition to being pliable, the cork blend of the footbed reacts to the body's natural warmth. This yields a perfect outline of your foot as though you were standing in sand. Many long-term Birkenstock wearers find that the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they become.

Birkenstock Style

Birkenstocks are about form and function but that doesn’t mean that they don’t look great and with the brand branching out into over 300 styles, you’ll be sure to find one that is just right for you. The Arizona is Birkenstock's original and most popular style, identified by two thick straps for the uppers. This iconic sandal was originally made of leather but can now be found in a variety of colours and materials. This model is offered in the Original Footbed and Soft Footbed versions.

Who wears Birkenstocks?

Once thought of as a bit of a ‘hippie’ brand in line with their laid back style and comfort; the Birkenstock sandal has now seen a resurgence in popularity and the reason might surprise you. Since the pandemic we have seen a rise in the importance of comfort, a collective desire for the understated after two years of being at home. Buying trends have seemingly ebbed away from the glitz and glamour of evening wear, and are now focused towards the casual including leisurewear, home furnishings and comfortable pieces that promote wellbeing; something that Birkenstocks stand for through and through. Birkenstocks are for everyone. They can be worn with just about anything, too. Whether ironically worn or not, they can be found gracing magazine pages and paparazzi shots of celebrities in everything from chinos, straight jeans, co-ords and milkmaid dresses. Pretty much everyone in Hollywood owns a pair of the Birkenstock Arizona sandals. At this point, they're almost as famous as the feet wearing them. The Birkenstock sandal is also one of the few sandal models that your podiatrist would recommend to you. The curved footbed forces the foot into the correct posture, therefore helping a host of foot issues including fatigue. This makes them a supreme choice for healthcare worker who are on their feet all day. Birkenstock released their own Medical and Nursing line, offering a range of clog style shoes designed to protect the joints and muscles of the wearers legs, ankles, and feet. This showcases the brands true commitment to their footbed and the power it holds. Birkenstocks are also recommended to sufferers of plantar fasciitis due to the raised arched which provides crucial support and alleviates some of the heel pain experienced. Birkenstocks help to hold the foot into the proper position which in turn helps prevent collapsing arches.

Socks with Birkenstocks: The Big Question

Once reserved for the European tourist look, the sock and sandal combo is now officially acceptable (GQ magazine says so). In fact, they can make the experience much comfier with extra cushion and warmth, while still reaping the benefit of the Birkenstock footbed. So if you're bold enough to brave the look, we say go for it.

How should Birkenstocks fit?

Birkenstock sandals are designed to support the foot with a firm, supportive footbed. They are not designed to be soft and spongy and therefore may feel at first somewhat unusual, especially for the first week or two of wear. They are designed to fit the natural shape of the foot, encouraging your weight to be distributed evenly and give you better comfort when walking. Over time the footbed will mould to your feet, becoming more and more comfortable. However, it is worth bearing this in mind when trying on your first pair for size. To ensure the correct fit, you should stand up on the sandals with the straps undone, making sure your toes are not overlapping or rubbing, then fasten up the straps to fit your foot accordingly. When you first receive your new sandals, you should take some time in them by walking around indoors, allowing the cork blend footbed to warm and mould a little. Birkenstocks should be broken in gradually due to the nature of the firm footbed. In terms of fit, your foot should fit completely inside the footbed with an extra quarter inch left for motion when walking. The width should fit closely to prevent your foot slipping from side to side. Do Birkenstocks run true to size? Generally speaking, Birkenstock sandals fit true to size. It is worth noting that they are measured in EU size and so care should be taken when selecting your correct UK size. There are two footbed widths and these can be identified by the sole symbol displayed on the footbed. The filled in sole indicates a narrow width and an open sole refers to regular fit.

Caring for your Birkenstocks

How to clean Birkenstocks

The nubuck leather on Birkenstocks can be easily cleaned by simply wiping with a cloth to remove any dirt or grime and suede can be brushed with a bristle brush. Making sure to keep your footbed clean is the best way to extend the lifespan of your sandals, this can be done with some water and leather shampoo, scrubbed into the sole with a small brush. Using a wet cloth, wipe clean to remove the lather. You should never submerge or soak your sandals as then they become waterlogged and break down the natural materials. You can use protective products on your Birkenstocks too - waterproofing spray can be used on nubuck and suede (try and avoid the footbed) or some leather cream/wax on natural leather. Once cleaned and prepped with your desired product, allow your sandals to dry slowly and naturally away from direct heat.

A Birkenstock's biggest threat

Lastly, a word from the wise. If your dog has a certain penchant for chewing sandals, the Birkenstock is unfortunately going to be the holy grail chew toy. Here are our top tips for preventing accidental dog damage to your new sandals.

• Store your Birkenstocks above dog jumping height, either on shelves, in boot boxes or in a hall cupboard.
• Offer up an alternative for your furry friend to chew on such as his favourite toy or a chew-safe bone.
• Citrus scents are a big turn off for dogs, a simple spray of a fresh lemon odor or peppermint oil may be just the right enough deterrent for him/her to leave your sandals be.
• Destruction can sometimes be sign of a boredom so ensure your dog is getting plenty exercise and stimulation throughout the day.