While founded in Germany in 1774, it was In 1896 that the Birkenstock founder's great-great grandson invented the first contoured "Fussbet", or footbed, setting the company on the pathway to success that had them selling shoes all around Europe by the mid 1920's. Finally, the iconic sandals known worldwide today took their form in the 1960's. First associated with the hippies of the 1970's, the brand has since been embraced by the fashion world, collaborating with the likes of Dior, Rick Owens, Celine, and more.