FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

Sneaking into Birkenstock's German factory. We will find out the secret behind the comfort of the shoes.
How To Make BIRKENSTOCK.

Sneaking into Birkenstock's German factory. We will find out the secret behind the comfort of the shoes.

I have worn many pairs of Birkenstock (BIRKENSTOCK) sandals. Why do I keep coming back to them? It is because of the gentle feeling and security when you put them in, and the more you wear them, the more they become familiar to your feet. There are many comfortable sandals out there, but none offer a natural fitting like Birkenstock's. Once you put them on, you will become addicted to them. To find out what makes these sandals so addictive once worn, we headed to Germany and infiltrated a Birkenstock production factory. We will follow the production process of the sandals, and get closer to the mystery of the sandals.

  • Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Assembly

The footbed and upper are combined to finally complete the Birkenstock.

The footbed and upper, which have passed through the hands of many people, are finally combined. The uppers completed at the Bernstadt factory are taken to the Görlitz factory, where the footbeds are made, and the outsole is set and the final assembly process takes place.

Birkenstock's sandals rounding the assembly line. After circling the assembly line, the sandals are finally completed.

The assembly line, which goes around in a circle, is staffed by dedicated personnel for each section. Footbeds are set, uppers are inserted between the outsoles, and crimped. The Birkenstock sandals are flowing one after another, awaiting completion.

(1) The start line of the circular assembly line. First, the footbed is set in the installed mold.

(2) Uppercuts to the flowing footbed.
The ground surface of the upper is thinned and shaved so that it adheres more closely to the ground, and care is taken to prevent shifting.

(3) Finally, press the ant soles on top of each other to complete the process. Set the toes, heels, and sides snugly so that they do not shift.

(4) Sandals that have circled the assembly line.
The sandals are inspected in every corner to ensure that the soles are not sticking out and the uppers are not misaligned, and then the sandals are completed.

Birkenstock sandals are gentle and comfortable, with the warmth of human hands.

Freshly made and finished sandals. This is the brand's most popular model, the "Arizona".

I was surprised by the number of steps involved and the many hands that go into the making of a pair of Birkenstock sandals. Through the interview, I felt that the warm atmosphere and gentle comfort exuded by Birkenstock's sandals come from such a process. In this day and age of high-tech materials and functions, Birkenstock's sandals have a warmth by hand that is irreplaceable, even though they are extremely analog. And I think that is the secret that attracts so many people to Birkenstock sandals.

The secret of Birkenstock's comfortable footwear lies in the four-layer footbed.

A glimpse into the production process also revealed the secret behind the comfort of Birkenstock's iconic footbeds. Who would have thought that the footbed would be made up of four layers? The cork and latex provide a comfortable elasticity, and the more you wear them, the more they learn your foot habits and adapt to your feet. I didn't design them, nature created them," said the sandal's creator, Carl Birkenstock, when reflecting on the footbed. Using only materials that come from nature, the insole focuses on natural comfort. His words may be the best way to describe the appeal of the footbed in a few words. If you haven't experienced this comfort yet, please do so. You will be addicted to it.

Huynum recommends three Birkenstocks for this summer.

From among the many Birkenstock lineups, the editorial department of Huinum picks up three pairs that we are interested in. From everyday use to resort scenes such as camping and leisure, Birkenstock shoes are so comfortable that you will find yourself wearing them everywhere you go. How about a pair for this summer?

Arizona Big Buckle (Col: Blue) ¥22,000+TAX

The "Arizona Big Buckle" adds a large buckle to Birkenstock's classic "Arizona" model. The Arizona Big Buckle adds a nice accent to your feet. The leather insoles give the shoes a luxurious finish.

Boston SFB (Col: Night) ¥16,000+TAX

The "Boston," synonymous with toe-covered clog sandals, is a versatile model that can be worn in any season. It can be worn barefoot or coordinated with socks. The soft suede gives the sandal a natural look.

London (Col: Taupe) ¥21,000+TAX

Based on the "Boston" introduced earlier, the "London" has a covered heel. It is a kind of shoe that is an extension of sandals. The insole is of course a footbed, so it is comfortable to wear.

INFORMATION

Birkenstock Japan

Phone: 0476-50-2626
www.birkenstock.com/jp