BIRKENSTOCK unveils definitive book mapping 250 years of shoemaking tradition
By Fashion Editorial Staff
The white cover of The Book of BIRKENSTOCK bears a subtle debossed script, introducing 250 years of shoemaking expertise within its pages. This 688-page chronicle, created with Munich's Bureau Borsche and co-published by Steidl Publishers from Göttingen, Germany, documents the transformation of a modest workshop into a global presence in footwear design.
Beneath the minimal exterior lies an extensive visual archive spanning black-and-white and color imagery. Previously unseen photographs reveal decisive moments in the brand's development: early technical drawings, first advertisements, and original marketing materials emerged from both private estates and public archives. Workshop notes and preliminary sketches provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective of the company's history.
The book's scope extends beyond industrial history. Trend-defining fashion editorials from Japan, France, and the United States explore the brand's global impact, while candid snapshots capture devoted wearers around the world. Groundbreaking designer collaborations are documented alongside snapshots of BIRKENSTOCK's visual identity, illustrating how the brand has maintained relevance while preserving its core principles.
The book's physical form embodies deliberate choices. Steidl, considered one of the best in his craft, brings exceptional clarity to the archival materials through printing techniques. The Otabind softcover format allows full examination of each spread, reflecting BIRKENSTOCK's own emphasis on utility enhancing aesthetics.
Through this collection, the volume illustrates how adherence to foundational design principles enabled evolution without abandonment of core values. The extensive documentation of manufacturing processes, campaigns, and cultural impact demonstrates the brand's influence across multiple spheres of design and culture.
The Book of BIRKENSTOCK arrives at a moment when the brand's influence extends beyond footwear. From its origins in orthopedic design to its adoption by counterculture movements and eventual embrace by fashion authorities, BIRKENSTOCK's journey reflects broader cultural shifts in how we view comfort, sustainability, and style. This volume documents this transformation and demonstrates how dedication to craft and anatomical design transformed a family-run workshop into a cultural phenomenon. More than a retrospective, it presents a compelling case that authenticity and innovation thrive when rooted in purpose.
The Book of BIRKENSTOCK is available through select retailers worldwide.
