Founded in a small village in Germany in 1774, Birkenstock became pioneers when they developed the first iteration of their flexible footbed soles in the late 19th century. Exports began in the 1970s and it soon became a global brand. Standing for comfort, functionality and quality, the sandals are a design staple and recent collaborations with brands including Proenza Schouler and Stüssy have kept the brand relevant to a fashion audience.