OFTEN COPIED, NEVER EQUALED: THE ORIGINAL BIRKENSTOCK FOOTBED
The heart of all models is the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed. While it is now a synonym for extraordinary comfort, the word "footbed" was first used by BIRKENSTOCK in the 1930s for anatomically shaped insoles that have special support characteristics. Unlike other orthopedic corrective and support inserts at the time, which were designed to support and treat deformed feet, the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed was conceived in order to promote the maintenance of healthy feet.
The construction, which has been thought out to the smallest detail and makes it feel like you're standing in sand, helps your feet feel as comfortable as possible for hours on end. The original BIRKENSTOCK footbed is a shock absorption system and an exercise machine at the same time. With its anatomical moldings, it supports and relieves pressure on your feet when you walk. This provides relief for your feet, joints and back. It gives your feet firm support and supports the natural tissue. At the same time, it exercises your leg muscles. This supports health and promotes wellbeing.
This is made possible by the flexible cork and latex core, which is the basis and reference point for all other model developments at BIRKENSTOCK – right down to the present. Right down to today, only natural materials from sustainable sources of raw materials are used in the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed: light natural cork, select jute, high-quality natural latex and velvety soft suede as the lining. The result? Incomparable comfort and an optimum foot climate.
1 Footbed edge:
The footbed is drawn up especially high at the front. As a result, the high footbed edge protects the toes during the rolling motion of the foot.
2 Toe grip:
There are raised indentations at the front of the footbed near the toes. Thanks to the toe grip the toes remain loose and spread out in their natural position. The indentations also support the natural rolling motion of the toes.
3 Suede lining:
The flexible suede lining, which is gentle on the skin, nestles up softly against your foot and adjusts to its contour. The open-pored and thus very breathable surface helps ensure a comfortable foot climate, even during strenuous physical activity. Moisture is controlled in part by the underlying layer of jute.
4 Transverse arch support:
The support that runs through the middle of the footbed stabilizes the metatarsal bone. In this way, the transverse arch support helps ensure that the foot has a naturally straight and solid stance.
5 Interior and exterior longitudinal arch supports:
The arch supports that run alongside the sides of the footbed surround the tarsal bones inside and out. This gives the foot the stability it needs when it takes a step.
6 Deep heel cup:
The very deep molding in the heel area supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone firmly in its natural position. This provides the foot with nearly as much support when it is in a sandal as when it is in a closed shoe.
7 Cork and latex footbed:
The cork and latex footbed is the heart of all BIRKENSTOCK shoes. The four integrated layers of the footbed are the secret behind the extraordinary comfort. The shock-absorbing and highly flexible cork and latex core supports and relieves pressure on feet. The natural material is heat- and cold-insulating and provides a good foot climate.
THE BLUE FOOTBED
BIRKENSTOCK COMFORT IN OTHER SHOES
DIFFERENT INTERNATIONAL SIZE SYSTEMS
With the blue footbed® you can enjoy BIRKENSTOCK comfort in shoes made by other manufacturers. The thin insert distributes your body weight evenly, relieving pressure on your back and joints. It is suitable for both rustic work and sport shoes as well as casual shoes.
The blue footbed® is kept shorter at the front and flat around the sides. The heel cup is slightly narrower. This gives your foot sufficient stability. The high outer support in the heel area provides extra firm support. As with the standard footbed, the arches and moldings in the inner area emulate the shape of the foot. This relieves pressure and stabilizes the natural tissue, supporting the foot when it rolls.
The three-quarter length helps ensure a good fit. The length of the forefoot and the shape of the toecap are generally not important. The shoe size may differ from the footbed size. The blue footbed® has an easy-to-clean silk lining. The upper material is comfortable and helps ensure a good foot climate. The inserts themselves are made of flexible cork and latex core and are very sturdy and therefore durable.
The blue footbed® is available in two versions: "footbed tradition" to help offset the increased impact of shoes with a heel, and "footbed sport" to support feet in flexible models with a low or no heel.
Very thin and flexible sides create a high level of comfort and adapt to the shape of the shoe .
The heel cup hugs the natural shape of the foot, supporting the heel and providing good shock absorption.
The arch under the balls of the feet, the transversal arch support and the lateral support provide relief for the feet and help them revert to their natural shape. zurück.
Precision-molded cups support the longitudinal arch and guide the entire foot.
On a hard, level surface the foot tends to rest mainly on the heel and balls of the feet. This means that there is a lot of stress on a relatively small area. The blue footbed® provides the foot with a larger contact surface. The impact is distributed more evenly and is thus lower.
Natural footstep on a soft surface: The foot rests on the entire surface. The arch at midfoot is supported.
Foot on a hard, level surface: The foot only rests in the front and back. The midfoot arch us not supported – and it sinks.
Foot with blue footbed®: The foot, which had been falling, is returned to its natural arch. The foot rests on most of the surface. Pressure is relieved on the forefoot.
