The History Of Birkenstocks: How It's Made And The Story Behind Our Favorite Styles

Here's where you can learn more about your beloved pairs!

Carla Buyo

<p>Think of the name <strong>Birkenstock</strong> and chances are a flurry of styles will come to mind. Perhaps it is the breezy practicality of the Arizona sandal, the contemporary appeal of the Boston clogs and the Kyoto sandals or the storied history of the simple Madrid flats. </p><div><br/></div><p>German shoemaker <strong>Johann Adam Birkenstock</strong> laid the foundation for the brand in 1774 and ever since, Birkenstock has always been synonymous with its trailblazing contributions in orthopaedics. Each pair is designed with footbeds made out of cork, suede, and jute, all of which would mould to the wearer’s feet and gait over time.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f8530338-b1a8-42cb-97b2-cd08ccd55edc_snapinsta.app_387789323_18007076390007347_8467937032883253154_n_1080.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Inside the Birkenstock Hourglass Exhibition</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/1f420bec-3cda-4f50-914c-5ce3b0bb8d60_snapinsta.app_387056346_18007076351007347_6134603613916393395_n_1080.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The materials used in making Birkenstocks</span></span></span></div><p>Its creations first stood out for their ‘unfashionable’ appearance among the slim and genteel footwear silhouettes of its era. As time went on, Birkenstocks’ designs were lauded for their comfort and unconventional style. Today, its presence on the runway and its elusive luxury collaborations with Dior, Manolo Blahnik, and more, makes the brand even more covetable. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/db5fde42-67be-465c-9b2d-3e3c727861ee_snapinsta.app_387805173_18007076399007347_1642588642442803837_n_1080.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Birkenstock Big Buckles</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/242ff20c-e7ed-4e89-a345-a618e41a64e6_snapinsta.app_387063661_18007076408007347_4393971336909908982_n_1080.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Foot size moulds at the Birkenstock Hourglass Exhibition</span></span></span></div><p>To learn more about how your Birkenstocks were made, visit the <strong>Birkenstock Hourglass Exhibition</strong> at The Gallery in Greenbelt 5 from October 9 to 15. The exhibit touches on the brand&#x27;s manufacturing, history, and medical significance. </p><div><br/></div><p>Explore new styles, discover ways to find your true size, and take home a pair or two!</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/fashion/get-the-look/ready-to-wear-womenswear-suits-philippines/35670" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Where To Get The Perfect RTW Womenswear Suits Right Now</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/fashion/runway/new-york-fashion-week-s-s-2024-highlights/36268" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Best Looks From New York Fashion Week S/S 2024</a></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/fashion/metrostylewatch/tory-burch-t-monogram-pop-up-at-greenbelt-5/36426" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tory Burch Opens T Monogram Pop-Up at Greenbelt 5</a></div>