A LOVE OF DETAILUNMISTAKABLE SIGNS OF THE ORIGINAL
A BIRKENSTOCK product is instantly recognizable. Its distinctive and iconic design can be seen in the asymmetrical profile of the last, which is geared to the natural anatomical features of the foot, in the characteristic bone-pattern tread of the soles, and in the buckles and rivets embossed with the company's logo. These features also let you know that you are buying an original BIRKENSTOCK product.
BIRKENSTOCK BUCKLES
To ensure a good fit the straps can be adjusted individually using the buckle. The straps are held in place with a buckle, much like a belt. The buckle, which is embossed with the company's logo, is made of nickel-free metal. Each buckle is protected against corrosion and has been enameled several times. So it is especially durable.
To improve the stability of the buckle it is fastened to the upper material with great care. Each buckle is quadruple bracketed to the upper material. The brackets are shaped like pretzels and bent inward to ensure that you don't feel them against your foot.
01 Buckle
02 Middle bar of the buckle
03 Pretzel-shaped bracket
04 3 mm thick upper material
BIRKENSTOCK RIVETS
BIRKENSTOCK uses a wide array of rivets in the production of its sandals, clogs and closed shoes. They serve as both a decoration and fastener for applications and to bind various materials. As with the buckles, the rivets also have the company logo on them. Decorative rivets are a real eye-catcher.
BIRKENSTOCK SOLES
As a foundation is to a house, so is a sole to a shoe. The outer sole or outsole is the surface that comes into contact with the ground. So it's important for the sole to be slip- and scuff-resistant. The type of sole and the sole material are mainly based on how the shoe will be used. The quality of the cushioning, which is also an important characteristic of the sole, is mainly determined by the sole material, by the strength of the sole and by the sole construction. For example, interlayers can improve the cushioning. But comfort is mainly determined by the insole.
BIRKENSTOCK places particular emphasis on the high quality of the outsole. Depending on the model and how the shoe will be used, different types of soles are used.
THE CLASSIC SOLE WITH ITS CHARACTERISTIC BONE-PATTERN TREAD: THE EVA SANDAL SOLE
They are a distinctive symbol of BIRKENSTOCK sandals and clogs: EVA soles with the characteristic bone-pattern tread. The soles are punched from EVA plates and attached to the underside of the footbed by hand with the help of a solvent-free adhesive that is activated by heating it. The soles have very good cushioning properties and are extremely flexible. So they support the natural rolling motion of the foot. They're also nice and light. Yet they're highly scuff-resistant and durable. As a result, they don't wear down more on one side than the other. This prevents posture problems.
The soles serve a fashion purpose. For example, you can create an exciting contrast between the sole and the upper material by choosing different colors (known as color blocking). EVA soles are available in more than 30 different colors – in addition to classic white, brown and black, they're also available in trendy colors and the latest fashion – camouflage. The standard EVA sole for adult models has a thickness of 10 mm. Children's shoes are 7 mm thick.
OUR FIRST CHOICE FOR CLOSED SHOES: THE EVA MOLDED SOLE
This classic BIRKENSTOCK EVA molded sole is made of especially soft and light EVA material. The separate midsole stitched to the shaft provides an especially high level of flexibility. Visually, the sole is kept very simple. The tread pattern, which is visible from the side, gives it an understated look.
Design elements of BIRKENSTOCK classics were used in developing the sole. For example, the tread of the sole has hints of the classic BIRKENSTOCK bone pattern in the forefoot area. The somewhat lower tread thickness ensures a good grip and gives the shoe a stylish look.
THE LIGHTWEIGHT UNDER THE SOLE: THE EVA LIGHTWEIGHT SOLE
This particularly light and flexible sole is made from lightweight EVA. Despite its relatively light weight, EVA has very good abrasion resistance. The BIRKENSTOCK EVA lightweight sole features the brand's characteristic understated design. Lateral design lines have only been used very sparingly. The characteristic bone pattern has been partially incorporated into the tread. And the brand's characteristic tread pattern can also be found on the edge of the heel. A logo inlay made of high-quality rubber in BIRKENSTOCK blue has been incorporated into the heel area.
SIMPLE DESIGN CLASSIC: THE RETRO SNEAKER SOLE
The retro sneaker sole was inspired by classic college sneakers. The real rubber sole provides a high level of flexibility and scuff resistance. The high-quality material is also very slip resistant. The lateral design has consciously been kept simple. The BIRKENSTOCK logo has been incorporated into the heel area. Another logo has been incorporated as an inlay in the tread – contrasted in BIRKENSTOCK blue. The tread has the same bone pattern as BIRKENSTOCK sandal soles. A seam runs along the top edge, which has been used to sew the sole together with the upper. Highly flexible construction – which is common in sneakers – provides a casual look.
ENSURE A FEMININE LOOK: THE ROMANTIC DRESSY SOLE
The romantic dressy sole is particularly elegant. This flat women's shoe is made of high-quality real rubber. A flat block heel underscores the feminine shape and rounds out the simple overall look. The bone pattern familiar in classic BIRKENSTOCK sandals has been incorporated in the forefoot area of the tread. The logo inlay incorporated in the heel in BIRKENSTOCK blue creates a dramatic contrast in the sole.
THE LEISURE TIME SOLE WITH EXTRA GRIP: THE SAWTOOTH SOLE
A real highlight is the retro sneaker sole with a contrasting sawtooth tread. The asymmetrical tread design is not only a fashion accent – it also provides more flexibility. The sawtooth sole is made of high-quality real rubber. A logo inlay in original BIRKENSTOCK blue has been incorporated in the tread.
The simple design is the result of a restrained design language. The sole is sewn to the shaft along the edge. The unique seam in the edge of the sole is not only functional – contrast stitching also provides the flexibility to create dramatic bursts of color.
THE HEAVYWEIGHT WITH THE CLEAR PROFILE: THE WORK BOOT SOLE
The work boot sole really lives up to its name: The sturdy tread is made of a special scuff-resistant material (thermoplastic rubber). This material is similar to rubber, but it's much lighter. The design consciously eschews excess lines. The tread has an intricate design – details such as an elaborate bone pattern tread and a logo inlay in original BIRKENSTOCK blue round out the balanced design language. A contrast leather frame adds more quality and gives the work boot a rustic-elegant look. The look is rounded out by contrast frame stitching.
