Birkenstock Quality

One of the most important materials we use is cork. Cork, which forms the base of the iconic Birkenstock footbed, is a natural and sustainable product with remarkable properties. High elasticity, outstanding cushioning, and excellent heat and sound insulation are a few of the incredible advantages of natural cork.

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees in layers, which can be done without harming or felling the tree. After harvesting, the cork layer regenerates, allowing for repeated trimming every seven to nine years. This sustainable harvesting process ensures that cork remains a renewable resource for generations to come.

Natural latex is another key component of our footwear, serving as a primary binding agent in the production of our footbeds. Like cork, natural latex is a renewable resource, produced from the milk of mature rubber trees. Our natural latex offers superior properties such as high elasticity and breathability, making it an ideal choice for high-quality footwear.

Jute, a renewable textile fibre, provides additional stabilisation to the cork and latex core of our footbeds. Harvested from annual plants grown in humid tropical regions, jute is processed and spun into fibres. By incorporating jute into our footbeds, we enhance their durability and stability while reducing our reliance on non-renewable materials.

The hallmark of Birkenstock footwear is our iconic footbed expertly designed and crafted from high-quality, natural materials. With its anatomically shaped contours, deep heel cup and ample arch support, the Birkenstock footbed promotes natural orthopaedic alignment and helps with common foot problems. The footbed, found in all Birkenstock shoes, stands for our unwavering commitment to quality, comfort and style. 

At the heart of the Birkenstock footbed lie layers of jute, a robust and durable plant-based material, complemented by two grades of granulated cork, all bound together with natural latex milk. These organic elements are then lined with our premium natural leather, resulting in a unique material blend that defines the Birkenstock wearing experience.

The process of moulding and baking the footbed is a critical step in ensuring its integrity and performance. Before baking, we pour the cork and latex mixture into moulds layered with jute. Our skilled artisans meticulously inspect each mould by hand, ensuring that any irregularities are addressed to maintain the integrity of the final product.

The true magic unfolds during the baking process when the cork-latex blend transforms into a single fused footbed. After baking, the footbeds are left to dry for 24 hours, allowing them to fully set and cure. During this time, skilled artisans inspect each footbed for any defects or imperfections. Any problems are addressed through trimming, sanding, and scrubbing.

Once their quality is assured, Birkenstock footbeds undergo sealing and coating procedures to safeguard them against moisture and prolong their lifespan. This attention to quality and detail ensures that every Birkenstock footbed gives you long-lasting comfort and support. 

The buckles on Birkenstock footwear are not just decorative—they serve a functional purpose too. Designed to provide a custom fit, our buckles are adjustable and secure, ensuring that your shoes stay comfortably in place all day long. From classic metal buckles to stylish leather and synthetic accents, Birkenstock offers a range of options to suit your style.

Karl Birkenstock, renowned for his tireless innovation, left a longstanding mark on our buckle heritage. His pursuit of practical, efficient solutions shaped the ethos of simplicity at the heart of every Birkenstock buckle. Inspired by the three-pointed star of Mercedes, Karl envisioned a functional yet uniquely designed buckle, manufactured with elegant simplicity.

Every Birkenstock buckle has a visible superstructure, a pin, and a clip, fastened to the footwear's leather. With a staggering output of up to 1.8 million units daily, our buckle production process begins with rolls of steel, carefully sliced and pressed into shape. The buckles then undergo a deburring process in a wooden drum before they're scrubbed and cleaned with ceramic stones to ensure an immaculate, smooth finish. 

This level of craftsmanship embodies the spirit of Birkenstock, where innovation meets efficiency on a grand scale. From raw material to the finished product, Birkenstock buckles reflect a commitment to quality and excellence - a legacy that continues to drive us forward today.

Behind every pair of Birkenstock shoes is a team of skilled artisans dedicated to upholding the brand's legacy of craftsmanship and quality. Each step of the manufacturing process, from cutting and stitching to shaping and moulding the footbed, is carried out with precision and meticulous care. The result is beautiful, highly functional footwear. 

Every pair of Birkenstocks passes through approximately fifty pairs of human hands. From stretching to sculpting, smoothing to setting - each specialised phase contributes to the final outcome.  At the heart of the process lies the footbed - from this foundation, the upper materials are meticulously attached, fastenings secured and outsoles fixed. 

The human touch is the essence of our production process. Over the years, we've honed our methods, materials, and models, while preserving our core principle: a blend of handcraft and bespoke machinery, much of it pioneered by the original Birkenstock family. This synergy is the magic behind our famously comfortable, stylish and high-quality shoes.

Birkenstock's commitment to quality craftsmanship, premium, sustainable materials, and innovative production processes and design sets it apart as a leader in the footwear industry. With a focus on comfort, durability and style, Birkenstock continues to redefine the standards of quality in footwear, providing conscious consumers with stylish and comfortable shoes to stand the test of time.