Why Are Birkenstocks So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

Prized for comfort and their relaxed, outdoor style, Birkenstocks are bought in their millions the world over. But why are Birkenstocks so expensive? 

Birkenstocks are hand-made by skilled artisans and come from the company that invented the soft footbed. They are made from sustainable natural materials including suede, cork, latex, and jute. This makes Birkenstocks expensive footwear to buy, but you get very high quality for the money.

10 Reasons Why Birkenstocks are So Expensive

1. Birkenstocks Are Made By Hand

Birkenstocks are hand-made and thus cost far more to produce than footwear from factories. They are entirely unlike the mass-produced goods found all over the world today. 

Birkenstock sandals are made in Germany, and their closed-toe footwear is produced in Portugal by skilled artisans.

This hand craftsmanship is time-consuming: 100 movements are required to produce each pair of closed-toe Birkenstocks. 774. 

2. Birkenstocks Are Sought After

Like many matters concerning cost, it’s all about supply and demand.

People want to wear Birkenstocks, and thus it follows that they sell well. Even at a price that some of us regard as expensive. 

If you could command a high price for an item that justified such a price tag, wouldn’t you want to make good money from selling such a product?

3. Birkenstocks Are Made From Natural Materials

The footbed of every Birkenstock shoe or sandal is made from natural materials. Suede, natural latex, jute, and natural cork are used to produce the unique, supportive sole. 

Birkenstock says that these materials are the best for the job and are also from renewable sources. So buying Birkenstocks helps you to do your bit for sustainability. 

The layers are joined together in a specific way to create a footbed that offers the ultimate comfort. This careful process preserves the unique qualities of each material. Only top-quality latex, jute, cork, and suede are used. 

For vegans and others who don’t want to wear animal products, Birkenstock has invested heavily in high-performance, top-quality synthetics.

4. Birkenstock Invented the Soft Footbed

If you have sensitive feet, then the soft footbed by Birkenstock is worth paying good money for. Each item of footwear with this soft footbed has a blue stamp so that you can recognize it immediately. 

The sole of the soft footbed includes a foam insert, which is made using natural rubber as the main component. Tiny air bubbles are present in this and in their millions.

This makes Birkenstock soft-footbed shoes even more comfortable than a standard pair. 

5. Birkenstock is Not a Throwaway Brand

In contrast to many fashion items sold in today’s market, Birkenstocks are made to last. The focus is on quality and performance rather than price. 

Buy a pair of Birkenstocks, and they should offer supreme comfort. They are also made to last way beyond the average pair of cheap sandals or shoes. 

6. Birkenstock Has Been in Business Since 1774

Experience counts. Birkenstock as a company has been around since 1774. Which says a lot about the success of their business model.

Over two-and-a-half centuries of experience surely counts for a lot, in anyone’s book. 

7. Birkenstock is a Top 5 Global Footwear Brand

The Birkenstock Group website proudly proclaims that Birkenstock is one of the top 5 footwear brands globally.

Doesn’t that tell you something about how popular their footwear is? 

8. Birkenstock Wants to Make Lives Better

At the heart of all Birkenstock does is the brand philosophy. Yes of course, they seek success, but they wish to achieve this by genuinely improving the lives of those who buy their products. 

Birkenstock also says they invented the footbed. The way we see it, they re-invented the footbed. And around this basis, the entire brand has been built. 

9. Birkenstock Offers Lots of Choice

There are many Birkenstock models to choose from. Meaning there’s something to suit every single customer. 

This wide range comes at a cost, as compared to mass-producing mountains of the same item. But again this puts each individual customer at the heart of everything Birkenstock does. 

10. Birkenstocks Sell Out

Even at relatively high prices, stocks of Birkenstocks often sell out.

This made the fashion news, for example, after the Birkenstock Boston was seen on the feet of major celebrities, including Kristen Stewart, Kanye, and Kendall Jenner. 

Yes, you can buy cheaper alternatives. But will the old adage ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ come back to bite you in this case?

Why Are Birkenstocks So Expensive | FAQs

Is Birkenstock High Quality?

Birkenstocks are made with top-quality materials, including natural jute, suede, cork, and latex. They are made to last, offering superior comfort and support with every step. 

Birkenstocks are so sought-after that they sometimes sell out. This is down to the quality and longevity of the footwear. 

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Birkenstocks?

The unique Birkenstock footbed is ergonomically designed to offer the ultimate in support, stability, and comfort. This reduces pressure on specific areas of the foot, which in turn can lead to less pain in other areas of the body. 

Foot problems such as bunions, calluses, and ingrown toenails are less likely to develop when wearing Birkenstocks. Joint, muscle, and back strain can also be reduced. 

Why are Birkenstocks so Popular?

Even A-list celebrities have been seen rocking their Birkenstocks – and this is one reason why certain models can sell out. 

Birkenstocks are popular with A-listers and members of the public alike because they are hand-made from high-quality materials. Birkenstocks are built to last – and are also available in a wide range of styles. 

The number one reason why Birkenstocks are so popular, though, is down to the incredible support, comfort, and stability they offer. 

So Birkenstocks Are Expensive, But Are They Worth It?

For our money, Birkenstocks are worth the high price tag. They are created with comfort, durability, and support in mind. Each wearer can feel the benefit of this with every single step. 

Birkenstocks are so popular that they can sell out. The brand is so successful that it’s one of the top 5 footwear brands in the world. It has also been in business since 1774. 

The unique Birkenstock footbed, high-quality natural materials, and careful craftsmanship mean that Birkenstocks are made to last. This, more than anything, makes them well worth the considerable cost. 

Related: Why are Golden Goose Shoes So Expensive?