News Detail Press

29.08.2024

CELEBRATING THE ARCHIVE

BIRKENSTOCK HONORS THE LEGENDARY CLOSED SANDAL ZÜRICH AND CELEBRATES SIX DECADES OF ICONIC DESIGN WITH A LIMITED ANNIVERSARY EDITION.

BIRKENSTOCK pays homage to its heritage and shines a spotlight on the ZÜRICH. The second sandal with a built-in footbed, that Karl Birkenstock ever designed. The iconic model embodies a clean, gender-neutral design, inspired by Brutalist architecture - a timeless classic, whose design has stood the test of time and is a clear testament to function, quality and tradition.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, BIRKENSTOCK introduces a limited-edition anniversary collection featuring four archival styles. The ZÜRICH’s distinctive unisex design, known for its adaptability and versatility features the visible, original BIRKENSTOCK footbed, which allows for walking as nature intended. Inspired by walking on natural ground, it provides natural support, ensures even weight distribution, supports the arch of the foot and prevents unnatural pressure points from the heel to the toe. The footbed remains the cornerstone of every BIRKENSTOCK product to today.

In 2024, as BIRKENSTOCK marks 250 years of shoemaking tradition, the brand had already introduced three new iterations of its ZÜRICH sandal, building its rich archive: The ZÜRICH TECH explores new territory in utility wear and the ZÜRICH EMBOSSED and ZÜRICH SUEDE are winning hearts with their soft, subtle leather, reflecting the brand's core values of quality and function. From its humble beginnings as the 'Closed Model’ shoe, as the sandal was first named, to its current status as a fashion and streetwear staple, the ZÜRICH continues to evolve while honoring its rich history.

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

HAPPY FEET SINCE 1964

THE ZÜRICH, FROM THE SIXTIES TO 2024

In the fall of 1964, Karl Birkenstock first introduced the "Closed Model," which he later renamed ZÜRICH. His new sandal featured a wide upper, exposed natural materials and dual buckles, offering a secure fit for both indoor and outdoor wear, and the unparalleled footbed experience. The sandal embodied Karl Birkenstock’s clear design language, with an exposed anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed, its functionality plain to see. Its twin buckle straps provided a firm hold while allowing for air circulation around the toes and ankles. The ZÜRICH was groundbreaking not only for its functional and foot health benefits, but also for its universal appeal. Karl had designed a sandal that could be embraced by any gender or age group.

THE ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The limited anniversary edition seamlessly blends past and present, featuring premium leather uppers, archive-inspired buckles and soles, that are replicas of the original design from 1964, and a soft suede upper without embossing to retain its classic appeal. The anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed bears the traditional BIRKENSTOCK stamp, a testament to its heritage.

The ZÜRICH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION will be available in four selected archive- inspired colorways and showcases the original heritage sole, distinct from the BIRKENSTOCK bone pattern sole we know today. This special collection celebrates the ZÜRICH's enduring legacy, combining classic appeal with the timeless functionality and support that BIRKENSTOCK is renowned for.

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, we believe how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, we operate a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produce all our footbeds in Germany. In addition, we assemble over 95% of our products in Germany and we source over 90% of our materials and components from Europe. We process our inputs to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry by operating state-of-the-art scientific laboratories for materials testing.

BIRKENSTOCK runs operational sites in Germany, in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bavaria, Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. 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, 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