Birkenstock: the evolution of a universal purpose and zeitgeist brand

Abstract

"For the first time, this remarkable company history has been comprehensively documented in a corporate history book. Beginning with the establishment of a shoemaking dynasty and telling the story through to modern times, it's a tale of groundbreaking innovations and one family's dedication to foot health. The title documents the work of key family members, such as Konrad and Carl Birkenstock, whose efforts permanently changed society's understanding of footwear. It also explains the story behind the iconic Madrid model, brought to market by Karl Birkenstock in 1963, which was the company's first step toward becoming a global brand--the shoe strikes a balance between health and fashion, allowing its wearers to walk as nature intended. Crafted by 15 leading international historians and based on a research and writing process that was over seven years in the making, this book chronicles the family, brand, and corporate history of BIRKENSTOCK. It also examines the unusual combination of foot health and entrepreneurial passion from a wide variety of perspectives. The scientific research corrects a brand image that was previously characterized by clicȟs and gives the brand history, which was predominantly based on oral accounts, a solid foundation, while placing it in a broader historical and industrial context." -- from publisher's website.