Shoes from Footprints embody the 225-year history of Birkenstock, a company rich in tradition, as well as the newest technological developments. Our feet are subjected to too much strain nowadays. It has become a hard fact of everyday life that they have to walk and stand on cement and asphalt. It feels good in contrast to walk barefoot on soft grass or sand. The Birkenstock footbed was developed in order to provide you with this luxury on a everyday basis: it is anatomically shaped and based on the natural footprint people make. Shoes from Footprints with the original Birkenstock footbed put your feet back on natural turf.
The high-quality leather is stamped in accordance with the finishing and how it is to be used. The trick is to use the valuable material in an optimum way. The individual leather uppers and leather padding parts (up to 20 different parts per pair) are sewn together with dancing in mind. Caps and padding have already been applied beforehand.
The crucial stages in the production, such as sewing on the uppers to the sole are usually performed by hand on most models. This work is very time-consuming, requiring the utmost in skill, but it also guarantees the quality standard we need.
In the case of models whose water-repellent function is at the forefront (such as e.g. trekking models), the PU sole is fused together with the leather uppers using a "direct foaming" process. The shoe is shaped on its lasts by heat-setting: heat and moisture stabilize the leather uppers in order to preserve the form for a long time.
The anatomically shaped cork-latex-footbed is based on the natural footprint people make and guarantees an optimum environment for the feet by carefully selected materials. The footbed in all Footprints shoes can be replaced or removed to air it out or wash it (at 30° C). After wearing them for a long time, it is possible to order a substitute pair.
All brands in the Birkenstock family include: Alpro, Birkenstock, Birki's, Footprints, Papillio, and Tatami. Each brand provides customers with a unique set of attributes such as fabrics, patterns, colors, style, and fit. All Birkenstock brands are built upon the same heritage. While most styles are crafted from a cork-latex mixture, all Birkenstock brand sandals, clogs and shoes are designed for walking comfort.
Footprints's Prevention Series is designed to help avert foot injuries by protecting your feet from friction and abrasion. The design and construction helps prevent simple problems from becoming more serious.