Few footwear brands capture the essence of comfort and style quite like Birkenstock. Renowned for its distinctive design and unparalleled support, Birkenstock has transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of casual style and wellness. With a legacy that dates back to 1774, the brand has consistently blended functionality with a commitment to craftsmanship.
As Birkenstock celebrates 250 years of shoemaking tradition, the brand is launching a series of noteworthy initiatives that reflect its storied history and cultural significance. This milestone not only pays homage to its origins as a humble shoemaker’s workshop but also highlights the enduring legacy that has influenced fashion and subcultures worldwide. Capturing this heritage is The Book Of Birkenstock, along with an innovative digital encyclopaedia, the curated project Old Mills Never Die, and the travelling photo exhibition Walk This Way which further showcase Birkenstock’s impact on fashion and society, solidifying its status as a vital player in contemporary culture.
India Event
Birkenstock’s celebratory event of 250 years in India underscored the brand’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Attendees were treated to a rich display of archival images, essential tools, and materials, alongside the latest offerings, including select pieces from the premium Birkenstock 1774 collection. A highlight of the event was the Walk This Way exhibition by H. Leutwyler, which journeyed from Germany to illustrate Birkenstock’s heritage and achievements over the past two and a half centuries.
A unique highlight of the event was the display of original Arizona sandals owned by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, making their debut in India and exemplifying the brand’s timelessness. The Birkenstock Hourglass Exhibition further explored the brand’s historical narrative, showcasing early footwear models, archival tools, and the shoe lasts that led to the creation of the Birkenstock footbed, as well as designs, literature, and documents from the brand’s origins, alongside notable collaborations with luxury partners. The unveiling of the new Fall-Winter ’24 collection added to the excitement, featuring innovative product drops and fresh updates in colours, buckles, and materials that seamlessly blend comfort with sophistication. This collection is now available online and in stores across India. The event concluded with a Sand Art show, which captured key moments from Birkenstock’s 250 years of shoemaking legacy.
Visual Celebrations
The Book Of Birkenstock is an expansive volume offering an in-depth visual exploration of Birkenstock’s vast archive, showcasing its rich heritage in extraordinary detail. Readers will discover a collection of previously unseen materials, including early advertisements, handwritten notes, original photographs, and marketing content from both private collections and public archives. Serving as a comprehensive record of the brand’s influence on footwear, fashion, and culture, this publication is available at select bookstores in India.
In addition to the book, Birkenstock is launching a pioneering digital brand encyclopaedia, designed to provide an innovative, mobile-friendly experience for consumers. This microsite complements the book by making its extensive content available online, allowing for broader access. The immersive platform will feature curated narratives, visual archives, and over 600 archival images, showcasing editorial highlights, celebrity sightings, film appearances, and various advertising materials, making it an essential hub for brand enthusiasts. It is set to launch in India later this year.
To celebrate further, the photo exhibition Walk This Way by Henry Leutwyler will tour globally until year-end. Featuring a unique artistic perspective on Birkenstock, it will visit over 25 cities, including Tokyo, Paris, and New York, bringing Leutwyler’s vision to a global audience.
