Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK) SE & Co. KG, trading as Birkenstock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BIRK, is a German footwear manufacturer renowned for its signature contoured footbed design. The company traces its origins to a shoemaking workshop founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock in Langen-Bergheim, Germany. Over the centuries, Birkenstock has established a reputation for comfort, quality craftsmanship and orthopedic support, making its sandals and shoes a staple in both casual and medical footwear markets worldwide.
The company’s core product line centers on its iconic sandals, featuring anatomically shaped cork-latex footbeds covered in suede, leather or synthetic materials. Birkenstock has expanded its offerings to include closed-toe shoes, clogs, boots and slippers, all built on the same footbed technology. In addition, Birkenstock produces a range of complementary accessories—such as insoles, socks and foot care products—to enhance wearer comfort and foot health. Manufacturing remains rooted in Europe, with production facilities in Germany, Portugal and Spain, ensuring consistent quality control and adherence to the company’s long-standing artisanal traditions.
Birkenstock’s products are distributed globally through a diversified network that includes direct-to-consumer channels, e-commerce platforms and partnerships with specialty footwear retailers and department stores. The brand has cultivated a strong presence in key markets across Europe, North America and Asia, and continues to broaden its reach through strategic retail openings and digital expansion. Birkenstock’s wholesale relationships with fashion and lifestyle retailers help the company maintain visibility and deliver its signature ergonomic footwear to a wide audience of consumers seeking both style and functionality.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Oliver Reichert, Birkenstock has balanced growth with sustainability initiatives, focusing on environmentally friendly materials and production methods. The company has engaged in high-profile collaborations with fashion designers and luxury houses, elevating its sandals from comfort staples to sought-after style statements. As a public company, Birkenstock remains committed to preserving its heritage of quality craftsmanship while pursuing innovation and market expansion in the global footwear industry.
