A shoe company that traces its roots back to Johann Adam Birkenstock, a German shoemaker in 1774. In 1897, Johann's grandson, Konrad, developed the first contoured insole to be used by shoemakers in the production of custom-made footwear. In 1902, he invented the first flexible arch support and, by 1925, the Birkenstock Company was exporting its arch supports all over Europe. In 1964, Carl Birkenstock's son Karl designed the first Birkenstock sandal. Two years after, American Margot Fraser discovered the health benefits of the sandal while in Germany. Fraser brought the sandal back to California where she founded her company, the Birkenstock Footprint Sandals Inc. Today, there are more than 300 styles based on the original comfort icon concept.
See also Footwear designer.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.