Form follows function with Birkenstock
Birkenstock is well known for comfort and timeless style, where cool functionality unapologetically reigns supreme. Our ‘form follows function’ ethos across men's, women's and children’s shoes, throughout the seasons, elvates foot health and wellbeing. At Birkenstock, every design element serves this bigger purpose, ensuring that you experience unrivalled comfort and support - at work, at home, at school and in nature.
For centuries, we’ve been crafting original footwear from high-quality, durable and natural materials - leading the way in innovative functionality without compromising on style. If you’ve ever owned a pair of Birkies, you’ll know firsthand that they’re your go-to shoe for Aotearoa New Zealand’s urban, bush and beach terrains.
All Birkenstock shoes are designed to provide optimal support and orthopaedic benefits with features like our iconic footbed, shock-absorbing soles, and breathable high-quality materials. Our focus on functionality means you can go about your daily activities easily, ensuring that your feet are sorted every step of the way.
The Origins of Comfort
Our belief that form should follow function evolved from a design philosophy that prioritised utility and comfort above and beyond the changeable, often superficial, trends of fashion. It’s a concept deeply embedded in other creative industries, from architecture to product design.
Birkenstock was the first footwear brand to make comfort and wellbeing the cornerstone value behind their designs. This marked a big shift in thinking - the evolution of functionality began with the realisation that shoes should not only make you look good but also feel good.
While fashion trends often dictate footwear designs, letting functionality lead ensures that each design element is rooted in its utility and purpose, which at its simplest, is about protecting and looking after your feet.
Centuries on, Birkenstock's original, enduring footwear designs are still iconically comfortable, practical and stylish - recognised, loved and worn every day throughout the world.
A Short History of Function Over Form
The history of ‘function over form’ is deeply rooted in the changing nature of design and human needs. In ancient times, the earliest forms of footwear were purely functional, designed to protect our feet from rough terrain and extreme weather. These early shoes were very basic but served their purpose. As civilization moved forward footwear evolved, and while decorative elements became more common, the focus remained on functionality.
The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of design. Mass production allowed for the creation of shoes on a larger scale, leading to more standardised styles. But as production methods advanced, there was a gradual shift towards prioritising form over function. This shift, fueled by consumerism, cheap materials, and evolving fashion trends, led to a departure from the core principles of practicality and comfort in footwear design.
In the mid-20th century, amidst growing concerns over foot health and comfort, the ‘function over form’ ethos experienced a revival, particularly in working-class European cities. This period saw the rise of Birkenstock, and a new emphasis on comfort, wellbeing and functional design.
A Short History of Function Over Form
The history of ‘function over form’ is deeply rooted in the changing nature of design and human needs. In ancient times, the earliest forms of footwear were purely functional, designed to protect our feet from rough terrain and extreme weather. These early shoes were very basic but served their purpose. As civilization moved forward footwear evolved, and while decorative elements became more common, the focus remained on functionality.
The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of design. Mass production allowed for the creation of shoes on a larger scale, leading to more standardised styles. But as production methods advanced, there was a gradual shift towards prioritising form over function. This shift, fueled by consumerism, cheap materials, and evolving fashion trends, led to a departure from the core principles of practicality and comfort in footwear design.
In the mid-20th century, amidst growing concerns over foot health and comfort, the ‘function over form’ ethos experienced a revival, particularly in working-class European cities. This period saw the rise of Birkenstock, and a new emphasis on comfort, wellbeing and functional design.
A Contemporary Blend of Comfort and Style
Today, Birkenstock remains the original comfort shoe and an icon of contemporary style and design. The journey from humble beginnings to global recognition represents a remarkable evolution in the world of high-quality, functional footwear and fashion.
The story of Birkenstock began in 1774, with Johann Adam Birkenstock, a cobbler in the German village of Langen-Bergheim. His early focus was on handcrafting, strong, supportive footwear for working-class Europeans. In 1896 Johann's grandson, Konrad Birkenstock, developed the first contoured insole, revolutionising the concept of arch support. This innovation laid the foundation for our iconic footbed, which remains the backbone of Birkenstock functionality and orthopaedic support to this day, across all collections, and all designs.
The modern evolution of Birkenstock is marked by a seamless blend of comfort and style. Unlike brands that prioritise form, Birkenstock stays true to its roots, ensuring that every design element serves a functional purpose. This dedication to function has made Birkenstock a household name renowned for everyday wearability and style.
Our comfortable range of men's, women's and children's shoes are made from stylish, durable and natural materials. From classic open-toe sandals to closed-toe clogs, trainers and winter boots, Birkenstock has something for everyone, every environment and every season.
A Contemporary Blend of Comfort and Style
Today, Birkenstock remains the original comfort shoe and an icon of contemporary style and design. The journey from humble beginnings to global recognition represents a remarkable evolution in the world of high-quality, functional footwear and fashion.
The story of Birkenstock began in 1774, with Johann Adam Birkenstock, a cobbler in the German village of Langen-Bergheim. His early focus was on handcrafting, strong, supportive footwear for working-class Europeans. In 1896 Johann's grandson, Konrad Birkenstock, developed the first contoured insole, revolutionising the concept of arch support. This innovation laid the foundation for our iconic footbed, which remains the backbone of Birkenstock functionality and orthopaedic support to this day, across all collections, and all designs.
The modern evolution of Birkenstock is marked by a seamless blend of comfort and style. Unlike brands that prioritise form, Birkenstock stays true to its roots, ensuring that every design element serves a functional purpose. This dedication to function has made Birkenstock a household name renowned for everyday wearability and style.
Our comfortable range of men's, women's and children's shoes are made from stylish, durable and natural materials. From classic open-toe sandals to closed-toe clogs, trainers and winter boots, Birkenstock has something for everyone, every environment and every season.
Footwear for Diverse Terrain
Birkenstock footwear is not only comfortable and stylish but also versatile - great for a range of environments. From professional urban workspaces to the beach and bush, even schools, Birkenstocks are designed for modern New Zealand living and diverse terrain.
In cities and workspaces, where you need to look and feel good, Birkenstock offers a range of iconic work shoe options. Our enduring open and closed-toe slip-on styles are super easy and comfortable choices for professional men and women throughout the seasons - great for commuting, a day in the office or working from home. Our latest Boston and Arizona styles include cosy Shearling lining with a selection of original finishes, materials and colours - from classic black leather to the softest natural suedes and more.
If you work in the hospitality and healthcare industries, the Birkenstock Professional range provides a highly specialised, supportive bed for hard-working feet. This largely Polyurethane and leather collection of professional footwear is where our function over-form philosophy is at its most pure and undiluted - with shoes designed for maximum comfort and orthopaedic support.
Beyond the modern office and commercial workspaces, Birkenstock footwear is equally at home in more relaxed outdoor environments. Birkies are your go-to weekend shoe for mooching around in the garden, long walks on the beach, a weekend away, or trips out on the boat. Our new water-friendly styles, in a range of beautiful bold colours, constructed from soft-fitting EVA are functional and stylish favourites for the whole family.
Birkenstock's versatility extends to the school ground as well. With a wide range of styles and colours available for children and teenagers, Birkenstock ensures that your kids' feet are well-cared for at school, at daycare and during active play.
Walking as Nature Intended
The world keeps changing but Birkenstock stays true to its core principles, ensuring that you can ‘walk the way nature intended.’ Our feet are amazing, the epicentre of our stability and mobility. In the average human foot, you’ll find 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles and 114 ligaments. But despite the natural resilience and complexity of our feet, today many adults suffer from foot problems and foot discomfort.
Our feet evolved for wilderness, with our ancestors navigating forests, mountains, and rivers barefoot. Unlike modern lifestyles, our feet haven't changed much over time. Modern lifestyles offer mostly hard surfaces that don’t support or train our feet properly. This lack of support can lead to common problems such as fallen arches or flat feet.
The first flexible, malleable insole, developed by Konrad Birkenstock at the beginning of the 19th century has now evolved into the famous Birkenstock footbed. Modelled on a human footprint in the sand, the footbed mirrors the anatomical shapes and curvatures of the human foot perfectly. Crafted from a unique mix of cork and latex, it achieves the ideal balance of strength, support, and flexibility.
Distributing weight evenly over your feet, the footbed underpins the foot anatomy in motion, stabilising it and encouraging natural rolling. Over a century after it was first developed, the Birkenstock footbed continues to enable natural walking in a radically different world.
The Birkenstock Footbed
The Birkenstock footbed, found in every collection and every style of shoe we release, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to comfort and orthopaedic excellence. This iconic feature is the heart and soul of every Birkenstock shoe. Its anatomical elements are the result of generations of knowledge passed down through the Birkenstock family, and today we continue to innovate this core functionality with precision and expertise.
Unlike conventional footwear, the Birkenstock footbed is anatomically shaped to mimic the contours of your foot, providing superior arch support, heel cushioning, and toe grip. Made from durable and natural materials, the footbed not only offers you immediate comfort but also adapts to your foot over time, creating a personalised fit.
One of the standout features of the Birkenstock footbed is its superior arch support, which promotes proper alignment and posture. The deep heel cup and toe grip offer you added stability, reducing the risk of strain and fatigue. This adaptability ensures that each step is cushioned and supported, promoting natural and healthy foot alignment. Whether you're strolling through city streets, outside in the elements, or on your feet at work, the Birkenstock footbed exists to support and look after your feet.
Birkenstocks at Work
With Birkenstock, professionals across industries can enjoy all-day comfort without compromising on style. From creative studios to hospitality and healthcare environments, Birkenstock footwear ensures that you can focus on your work without the distraction of foot pain or discomfort.
The durable materials and quality construction of Birkenstock shoes ensure longevity, making them a worthwhile investment. With features like slip-resistant soles and adjustable straps, Birkenstocks will support you to stay on your feet. Say goodbye to tired and achy feet – with Birkenstock, you can stay comfortable and focused, no matter how long the workday may be.
In today's fast-paced world, professionals demand footwear that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. Birkenstock shoes have emerged as the preferred choice for professionals, thanks to their unrivalled combination of comfort and durability. Whether you're a healthcare worker, chef, graphic designer or teacher, Birkenstock shoes provide the support and reliability you need to excel and feel comfortable at work.
Birkenstocks for Kids
Parents understand the importance of high-quality footwear for their children. Children's feet undergo significant development as they grow. Babies are born with perfect feet, but only 30% of adults maintain this. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children's feet develop correctly.
Designed with growing feet in mind, our kid's footwear offers the unique Birkenstock blend of comfort, orthopaedic support and durability. The anatomically shaped footbed promotes healthy foot development, providing essential arch support and cushioning for young, developing feet.
Children's feet deform easily because their bones are softer and more malleable, this puts them especially at risk from ill-fitting footwear. About 12% of kindergarten-aged children have faulty foot posture, often because their feet grow so fast that their shoes become too small, forcing them to 'pull in' their toes. Giving children oversized shoes also leads to cramped foot posture, as they have to use 'muscle power' to hold onto the loose shoe.
Orthopedists recommend that children walk barefoot as often as possible to allow their feet to develop naturally. In situations requiring footwear, shoes should be wide enough, especially in the toe area, to allow for an optimal rolling motion. The Birkenstock footbed, which allows kids to ‘walk as nature intended’ is the ideal solution for young, growing feet - in the playground, at school and when they’re running around outside.
Birkenstocks and Outdoor Living
When it comes to enjoying Aotearoa New Zealand’s stunning natural environment, Birkenstock shoes are versatile, practical and stylish. If you’re looking for a pair of shoes for beach strolls, setting up camp in the wilderness, BBQing with friends, cruising on a boat, or a light bush walk - Birkies are the perfect companion for the great outdoors.
Birkenstocks are built to last and can handle a wide range of conditions, including rocky beach terrain, soft sand and bush. This versatile durability makes them great for camping and boating, quintessential Kiwi activities. The Birkenstock footbed provides optimal cushioning and stability, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable even after long hours of walking or standing.
With a wide range of styles and designs available, there's a Birkenstock shoe to suit every outdoor occasion. Our latest, popular water-friendly Arizona sandals in a big range of bold and classic colours are made from high-quality EVA, a soft rubber-like material that’s quick-drying and easy to clean, so you can walk on wet stone beaches or wade through shallow muddy streams without worrying about ruining your shoes.
Birkenstock is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our footwear utilises eco-friendly materials and production processes, ensuring that we leave a minimal footprint on the planet. With unmatched comfort, durability, versatility, and eco-conscious design, Birkenstocks offer everything you need to get amongst nature while keeping your feet happy and supported.
An Iconic Legacy of Functionality and Style
Our enduring and unwavering dedication to functionality has made Birkenstock a household name. In a world where comfort often takes a backseat to fashion, Birkenstock stands out for its steadfast commitment to stylish functionality.
From the comfort of our iconic Birkenstock footbed to a host of orthopaedic benefits, our footwear prioritises foot health and your wellbeing. With a legacy spanning over 250 years, Birkenstock continues to innovate and inspire, ensuring that you can ‘walk the way nature intended’, wherever you are.