News Detail Press

06.02.2025

BIRKENSTOCK introduces the Grainau: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Functionality

Paris, January 2025 – BIRKENSTOCK presents the Grainau – a state-of-the-art boot that blends heritage with innovation. This release celebrates BIRKENSTOCK's rich legacy in manufacturing closed shoes, a craft that traces back to the foundation of the family business. Building on the pioneering efforts of Konrad and Carl Birkenstock, the brand today showcases a diverse array of closed footwear. The Grainau, developed with the expertise of a master craftsman, showcases the evolution of the iconic BIRKENSTOCK footbed, setting new standards for boot design and functionality.

This unique project showcases BIRKENSTOCK’s history in shoe manufacturing alongside Munich-based artisanal shoemaker Schuh Bertl’s mastery of refurbishment and bespoke craftsmanship. With Schuh Bertl contributing to Grainau’s design and fabrication, the proven BIRKENSTOCK experience—walking as nature intended—has been reimagined through the lens of artisanal, custom-made footwear.

Crafted from robust, semi-vegetable tanned leather sourced from Italy, these boots transcend functionality, symbolizing a commitment to resilient quality and heritage. Employing the traditional Norwegian welted construction, or “Zwienahttechnik” — a method perfected over two centuries ago for mountain farmers and woodworkers—they are designed to endure the rigors of time. Available in two heights, ankle and below-the-knee, these boots offer versatility for a range of lifestyles. Historically, shorter boots provided flexibility for daily tasks, while taller versions delivered enhanced protection in rugged terrain. With a leather and rubber midsole for stability, this design excels equally in everyday wear and outdoor pursuits.

BIRKENSTOCK completes the Grainau model with its advanced and renowned Deepblue footbed technology, offering an exceptional level of support and refinement. Paired with the distinguished Vibram sole, known for its superior traction and durability, the Grainau allows wearers to navigate various terrains with confidence.

Starting February 6th, 2025, the Grainau will be available at 1774.com and selected BIRKENSTOCK stores.

Press contact

Jochen Gutzy
Chief Communications Officer

Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG
Burg Ockenfels
53545 Linz

Postal address:
Sedanstraße 4
D-50668 Köln

E-mail:mediabirkenstockcom

About BIRKENSTOCK

BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose - maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless «super brand» with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature (“Naturgewolltes Gehen”).

With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories.

Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and India.

Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels,
Linz am Rhein, Germany

You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com