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.