Is Birkenstock Made in Germany?
Yes. Birkenstock sandals are made in Germany, where the company has manufactured since 1774. Every Birkenstock footbed — the cork-and-latex sole that defines the product — is produced in Germany. More than 95% of all Birkenstock products are assembled at the company’s own German factories. The brand has never moved sandal production to China.
One exception: Birkenstock’s closed shoes — clogs, boots, and similar styles — are made in Portugal, not Germany (and not China). If you are buying sandals, you are buying a German-made product. If you are buying closed footwear from Birkenstock, check the label.
Also see: Clothing Not Made in China and Boots Not Made in China – verified brands across clothing, boots, and shoes.
What Is Made in Germany
All Birkenstock sandals and the iconic footbed are produced at four German factories: Görlitz, Bernstadt, and Markersdorf in Saxony, and Pasewalk in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Pasewalk plant opened in 2023 after a €100 million investment to expand production capacity. The Görlitz facility is the largest — it produces approximately 30,000 pairs of sandals per day. Every sandal goes through 17 production steps, many of them by hand.
The footbed is Birkenstock’s most protected manufacturing operation. Cork granules, latex, jute, and suede are layered and molded in Germany under tightly controlled conditions. Birkenstock states that all footbeds are exclusively produced in Germany and will remain so. Raw materials are sourced primarily from Europe — over 90% by the company’s own disclosure.
What Is Made in Portugal
Birkenstock’s closed-toe styles — the Boston clog, the Zurich, the Alpro line, and similar models — are assembled in Portugal. Birkenstock has sourced closed shoe production from Portugal for decades, citing the country’s tradition of handcrafted footwear. The footbeds in these products are still made in Germany and shipped to Portugal for final assembly. Nothing in the Birkenstock lineup is made in China.
Ownership Context
In 2021, L Catterton — a private equity firm backed by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH family — acquired a majority stake in Birkenstock, valuing the company at approximately €4 billion. The Birkenstock family retained a minority stake and remained responsible for production oversight in Germany. In 2023, Birkenstock went public on the New York Stock Exchange. The ownership change has not affected manufacturing location — the company has continued to invest in German production capacity since the acquisition.
Foreign private equity ownership of a legacy manufacturing brand sometimes precedes production moves offshore. That has not happened here. Birkenstock has invested €100 million in a new German factory since the L Catterton acquisition and publicly states that all footbeds will remain manufactured in Germany.
How to Check a Specific Product
The country of origin is on the product label inside the shoe. Sandals will read “Made in Germany.” Closed styles will read “Made in Portugal.” Both are EU-made products — neither is made in China. On Birkenstock’s own website, manufacturing information is listed under “About Us” and on individual product pages for some styles.
Recommended Model
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal — made in Germany. The Arizona is Birkenstock’s most recognized model — two-strap, adjustable buckles, cork-latex footbed, available in leather and synthetic versions. It is the product most people picture when they think of Birkenstock and the clearest example of German-made construction in the lineup. Available in a wide range of sizes and widths including narrow and wide fits. Around $118.
We verify country-of-origin claims using manufacturer disclosures, product labels, and import records. If something has changed, let us know. Last verified April 2026.
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