Birkenstock

The remarkable history of a shoemaking dynasty, which dates back to 1774

Although it was not until the 1970s that the brand began to attract international attention, the German history of Birkenstock's shoemaking tradition is much older, dating back to 1774. For the first time, this remarkable company history has been comprehensively documented. Beginning with the establishment of a shoemaking dynasty and telling the story through to modern times, it’s a tale of groundbreaking innovations and one family’s dedication to foot health. 

Documenting the work of key family members, such as Konrad and Carl Birkenstock, whose efforts permanently changed society’s understanding of footwear. It also explains the story behind the iconic Madrid model, brought to market by Karl Birkenstock in 1963, which was the company’s first step toward becoming a global brand—the shoe strikes a balance between health and fashion, allowing its wearers to walk as nature intended.

Details: 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches. 464 Pages. Hardcover

About The Author

ANDREA H. SCHNEIDER-BRAUNBERGER received her doctorate from the Goethe University Frankfurt a. Main in 1996 and has been managing director of the Gesellschaft für Unternehmensgeschichte since then. She was president of the European Business History Association (EBHA), is a member of the Board of Governors of the Long Run Initiative (LRI), and is on the boards of various journals. Her research focuses on family businesses and banks in the first half of the 20th century. Her most recent publication is “Miele im Nationalsozialismus” (2023).