The Birkenstock brand has been around since 1774. It’s ironic that the German shoe manufacturer which made its name in the US in the 1960s is actually older than the US itself. Discovered by an American tourist while on holiday, the comfortable sandal was imported to the US and made its new home in California. It’s the identity we most associate with the brand today. The flower power movement took the sandal in as one of its own and it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in every generation since. Through the Seattle grunge years and again today, it’s a shoe that symbolises youth, liberalism and activism. Birkenstock sandals are practical, comfortable and promote good foot health. It helps that they are fashionable too. No matter what your look, there’s a style of sandal for you. The Madrid Mules are the simplest shoe, just one strap for a total hippy look. The Sydney is exactly that - hugely popular in Australia, the two-strap design makes going from city to beach easy and stylish. The Rio sandal offers an ankle strap and the most support; it’s promoted by the brand as the best choice for developing bodies and is especially popular with the US high school crowd. The patent leather toe thong shoes are sophisticated while still not compromising on comfort and health, ideal for an afternoon of shopping in London. It’s fair to say that a pair of Birkenstock sandals belongs in every shoe collection.