Birkenstock has a long history starting in 1774. In 1896 Master cobbler Konrad Birkenstock begin manufacturing and selling flexible footbed insoles. In 1902 He developed the first contoured arch support we now call the “blue footbed”. In 1964 - Karl Birkenstock launches the Madrid model, the first fitness sandal with a deep and flexible footbed. Im 1966 Birkenstock came to the USA and celebrated 50 years in the U.S. in 2016. Birkenstock continues to grow and offer amazing arch support.