Steppin' Birkenstock Shoes - Why Birkenstock?

History of Birkenstock Shoes

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 which have become widely distributed in Germany.
1925	Konrad Birkenstock, Jr. 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	Konrad's son, Karl Birkenstock, 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.
1971	Margot expands her business to a small San Rafael, CA warehouse. 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 US.
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.