The Rise and History of Birkenstock, the German Shoe Brand

Jun 03, 2023

Birkenstock, the shoe brand known for its comfortable cork-sole sandals, could go public as early as September.

Private equity firm L Catterton, which owns Birkenstock, announced that it plans to file an initial public offering that could value the German footwear company at more than $8 billion, Bloomberg first reported.

This would be one more feat in Birkenstock's nearly 250-year history, which began with a family-run business that manufactured insoles. Decades later, the company's orthopedic shoes became a viral fashion trend. Most recently, Birkenstock landed a big-screen moment in the "Barbie" movie.

Here's how the shoe went from "ugly" hippie sandal to coveted fashion statement.

Source: Birkenstock

Source: The Cut

Source: Forbes

Source: Wall Street Journal

Source: The Guardian

Source: The Cut

Source: Insider, Lyst

Source: Bloomberg

Source: Fashion Network

Source: Insider

Source: Footwear News, Bloomberg

Source: Bloomberg