Rick Owens is a master of subtle overstatement. For his BIRKENSTOCK Limited Collection, the acclaimed designer chose a playful approach, confronting the canon of minimalist design with luxury materials. Take the Madrid; this style has received an elegant makeover, with a unique surface texture. The BIRKENSTOCK Madrid is the oldest member of the family of models, making it a veritable classic. Launched as a “gymnastics sandal" half a century ago, this simple single-strap model has gone on to become a firm fashion favorite, which Owens chose to extend and transform.
Anatomically contoured cork/latex footbed
Upper: wool felt
Lining: suede
Insole features an embossed “Rick Owens" detail
Details: adjustable metal buckle in matte finish to match shoe color
For this shoe, a combination of materials was used. You can find more information on our main materials in our Material Guide.
Insole: Nappa leather
Nappa leather is a high-quality and very supple smooth leather. Nappa leather is very easy to shape, so it is a very good material for lining the footbed.
Footbed material: Cork
Cork is a sustainable material extracted from the bark layer of the cork oak. This natural product is insulating and offers very good cushioning.
Outsole: EVA
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a high-quality, very light, elastic material with extremely good cushioning. As a result, it smooths out slight irregularities in the floor and ensures that every step is softly cushioned.
The Original Birkenstock Footbed
A legendary design
The heart of all models is the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed. 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. This supports health and promotes wellbeing.
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.
Heel mould
Activates the calf muscles, stabilises the back of the foot and improves gait and coordination.
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.
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.
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.
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.