Although most people associate Birkenstock shoes with the 1960s hippie movement, the truth is that the company was founded more than a century ago, in 1897. The founder, Conrad Birkenstock, was actually the grandson of another famous cobbler, Johann Birkenstock. The company focused on developing contoured, extra comfortable insoles with a nod towards traditional Bavarian style. Birkenstock shoes offer natural padding and a so-called neutral heel to encourage posture and comfort.

In 1966, a woman named Margot Frasier started her own stateside company called Birkenstock Footprint Sandals Inc. These shoes were quickly adopted by the flower children of the '60s and '70s, since they required very little maintenance and looked very dissimilar from conventional conservative shoes of the time.

Today, doctors, nurses, and other people who spend a lot of time on their feet also enjoy Birkenstocks. Since these shoes are easy to slip in and out of, they have also gained a following in Japan, where it is customary to take off your shoes every time you enter a person's home. Unlike athletic shoes, which employ gels and cushions to deliver padding, Birkenstocks use a basic cork / latex blend.

Birkenstocks are also incredibly durable. Whereas traditional sneakers and leather shoes break down over time, Birkenstocks simply become more and more wearable as they learn how to conform to your feet better. Moreover, since Birkenstocks don't contain a lot of 'moving parts,' there are fewer places for dirt to collect.