Birkenstock
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Birkenstock
shoes and sandals are a favorite at Finest footwear. We
have the best
selection of Birkenstock shoes, sandals, clogs to
choose from. Check to see if some are on sale or simply at every day
discounts. As usual, you'll pay No Sales Tax if you live outside CA
and MO. And on all orders over $35, you'll get FREE SHIPPING!
Click through to Shoes.com
to find the Birkenstock Shoes or sandals, that suit you best
Today's Featured Birkenstocks...
Women's
Men's
History of
Birkenstock
1774
In a small German village, Johann Adam Birkenstock is registered as
"subject and shoemaker" in the church archives.
1897
 Johann's grandson,
Konrad Birkenstock, develops a concept that would literally change the
shape of footwear. Although the soles of our feet are curved, shoes had
always been flat inside. Konrad theorized that if the shape of the
shoes reflected the shape of the feet, greater comfort would be
possible. Soon he designed the first shoe with a contoured insole to be
used by shoemakers in the production of custom footwear.
1902
Konrad Birkenstock develops the first flexible arch support, to be
inserted in the factory-made shoes that have become widely distributed
in Germany.
1925
Carl Birkenstock joins the company. Birkenstock arch supports are now
being exported to Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium,
Czechoslovakia, Holland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
1932
Birkenstock training seminars and lectures become well known in most
European countries. Leading medical specialists support the seminars
and the Birkenstock system.
1964
Carl Birkenstock's son, Karl, takes his grandfather's contoured arch
support concept one step further -- as a shoe. The Birkenstock sandal
is born.
1966
 While on vacation in
Germany, Margot Fraser seeks relief from uncomfortable shoes and the
tiring effects of walking all day on hard pavement. At a spa, someone
suggests that she try Birkenstocks.
Margot enjoys immediate comfort with her first pair of Birkenstocks.
Moreover, she finds that the chronic foot pain she had endured for
years simply vanished within months after she returned home to
California. Convinced of its health benefits, she begins importing
Birkenstock footwear in America. That was the beginning of Birkenstock
Footprint Sandals, Inc. in California.
1971
Margot expands her business to a small San Rafael, CA warehouse.
1973
The Arizona, the style that has become synonymous with the Birkenstock
brand, is introduced. Birkenstock's popularity explodes during the
1970s.
1985
By the beginning of the 80s, Birkenstock is a household word throughout
the country. The continually expanding Birkenstock line now features
over 40 style/color combinations.
1996
Birkenstock USA celebrates its 30th anniversary. Birkenstock offers
almost 300 style/color combinations, and the footwear is distributed to
millions of people throughout the United States.
1997
Margot Fraser and Birkenstock USA receive several prestigious awards of
recognition from the footwear industry. Awards included the Ernst and
Young 1997 Retail Entrepreneur of the Year in Northern California (one
of ten top businesses to receive this award); the Novato Chamber of
Commerce 1997 Large Business of the Year; and induction into the
Footwear News Hall of Fame in honor of extraordinary business
practices, outstanding contributions to the Marin County community, and
for dramatically influencing what Americans wear on their feet.
2000
Birkenstock introduces a new line of hiking boots in the Footprints
line. Ideal for light hiking and long treks, the Rockford and Calgary
become popular gear for outdoor adventurers.
2001
Footprints women’s shoes and a new line of Footprints men’s dress shoes
are introduced. The Aberdeen slip-on, Wellington loafer, and Kensington
lace-up offer sophisticated options for men’s footwear. The women’s
collection features several looks that go easily from the office to the
weekend in style.
2002
Birkenstock celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Boston clog!
2003
Known as a comfort icon the past three decades, Birkenstock's famous
Arizona two-strap sandal, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in
2003. It's unique shape pioneered the idea of form following function.
Today, the Arizona is a steadfast old friend and a hip, on-trend style
for the fashionable set.
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