Birkenstocks – you either love them, or you haven’t tried them yet. The brand is a phenomenon, and with good reason. While the design principles have remained the same since the first pair was made in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock, today’s shoe is a different proposition altogether. Once upon a time it was all about the anatomy of the foot and the engineering of the perfect shoe. Today, it’s also about style. Adhering to its lifelong principles of excellent comfort, high functionality and extraordinary quality, the contemporary Birkenstock is as easy on the eye as it is on the feet. Whether you’re a Hollywood star travelling from trailer to set or need something sturdy yet stylish to propel you from show to show during fashion week, you will never regret investing in a pair of Birkenstocks. Fact. While the original shoe was fashioned from leather and the distinctive cork footbed, the latest collections come in vegan styles too.