Birkenstock…
A symbol of practical beauty, or just an ugly shoe you wouldn't dream of slipping on? Few footwear items split opinion like this classic German brand's iconic sandals.
Behind the love-it-or-hate-it reputation is a business that's weathered the tides of fashion for nearly 250 years. And behind its design lies a compelling narrative of commitment to craft, sustainability, and business innovation.
In this latest episode, Alen, Franz, and Tom are tearing down this enduring example of substance over style to understand how a human-centered shoe design became emblematic of a company's entire ethos.
In this Business Design Teardown, we'll unravel:
- How the thoughtful details behind Birkenstock's iconic design reveal much about its foundational beliefs and mission.
- Birkenstock's evolution from a modest German shoemaker to a global footwear leader and how it retained its values throughout this journey.
- Why smart collaborations and high-fashion takeovers have been central to its recent wave of popularity.
- How vertical integration has allowed Birkenstock to remain highly profitable while committing to high-quality manufacturing and sustainable practices.