THE CARL BIRKENSTOCK SYSTEM
1947-1948
The book "Podiatry – The Carl Birkenstock System" is published with a print run of 14,000 copies. Over 112 pages and with 55 illustrations, Carl Birkenstock expounds his theories about the “natural gait” – the footprint system – and healthy footwear. At the time, it is the highest-selling podiatry textbook.
AN ICON IS BORN
1963
Carl Birkenstock launches the Madrid model, the first fitness sandal with a deep and flexible footbed, thereby laying the foundation for today’s comfort footwear market.