Best Birkenstock Shopping Spots In Cologne, Germany

Birkenstock is a well-known German brand that can be easily purchased in Germany. The brand has expanded its presence in its home market by converting its previous pop-up store in Cologne city centre into a permanent 80-square-metre store. This permanent shop in Ehrenstraße pays homage to the brand's history and is characterised by elements tied to the brand's design values, function, quality and tradition. The shop's design focuses on natural materials such as cork and leather, two basic components of the original Birkenstock footbed. If you're looking to buy Birkenstocks in Cologne, Germany, you can visit the store in Ehrenstraße or check out the stores listed on SHOPenauer's website.

Birkenstock's Cologne store

Birkenstocks in Cologne, Germany

Birkenstock, the famous German footwear brand, has a permanent store in the heart of Cologne, Germany. The store is located in Ehrenstraße, a bustling shopping street in the city centre. The Birkenstock store in Cologne offers an immersive brand experience, showcasing the brand's commitment to function, quality, and tradition.

Store Design:

The store design reflects the brand's aesthetic and values. Natural materials like cork and leather, key components of the original Birkenstock footbed, are prominently featured throughout the store. The warm colour palette echoes the shades of the iconic Birkenstock sandals, while aluminium accents pay homage to the production process. The store is characterised by rounded edges, and the shop window's elements reflect the shape of the anatomically moulded footbed.

Interactive Shopping:

One of the walls displays macro Birkenstock images and agile retail elements, functioning like an advent calendar. Customers can interact with the display, opening individual doors to discover and explore products. This interactive feature adds a unique dimension to the shopping experience.

Brand History and Presence:

Birkenstock has a long history in Germany, with its origins in shoemaking dating back to 1774. The brand considers itself the inventor of the footbed, revolutionising the concept of natural walking. With its 250-year anniversary in 2024, Birkenstock expanded its presence in Germany by converting its pop-up store in Cologne into a permanent fixture. This store is part of Birkenstock's broader expansion strategy in Europe, including the opening of its first own store in Paris earlier that year.

Cologne's Shopping Scene:

Cologne offers a diverse shopping experience, from bustling streets to hidden corners. Ehrenstraße, where the Birkenstock store is located, is one of the well-known shopping streets, along with Hohestraße and Schildergasse. For those seeking indoor shopping centres, Cologne also offers options like the Rhein Center in the Weiden district and the Kalk Arkaden in the Kalk district.

Birkenstock's history

The history of Birkenstock dates back to 1774 when Johann Adam Birkenstock was registered as a "vassal and shoemaker" in a small German village. The company's original purpose was to create shoes with contoured soles that supported and conformed to the shape of the wearer's feet, as opposed to the flat-soled shoes that were common at the time. In 1896, Johann's grandson, Konrad Birkenstock, designed the first shoe with a contoured insole, which could be used by shoemakers to create custom footwear. Konrad also developed the first flexible arch support in 1902, which could be inserted into factory-made shoes.

In the early 20th century, Birkenstocks were sold across Europe, and in 1925, arch supports were exported to Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In 1932, the company expanded its reach even further by offering training seminars and lectures in most European countries, supported by leading medical specialists.

In 1963, Konrad's great-grandson, Karl Birkenstock, released the first Birkenstock sandal, the "Original Birkenstock Footbed Sandal", later renamed the "Madrid". This sandal was designed for athletes, particularly gymnasts, as the wearer would have to grip their toes to keep the sandals on, thereby toning the calf muscle. However, the market launch of this sandal was unsuccessful, as it went against the shoe fashion trends of the time.

In 1966, Margot Fraser, a German-American dressmaker, introduced Birkenstocks to the United States. Margot had experienced chronic foot pain for years, and after finding relief with Birkenstocks during a trip to Germany, she became convinced of their health benefits. She began importing Birkenstock footwear to the US, where they were initially sold in health stores and became associated with hippies in the 1970s.

In 1973, Birkenstock introduced the Arizona sandal, which became synonymous with the brand and further propelled its popularity. By the 1980s, Birkenstock had become a household name in Germany and the United States, with sandals gaining popularity in the care professions, the alternative and peace movement, and "middle-class" households.

Other stores in Cologne

If you're looking for Birkenstocks, you can find them at Schildergasse 95 50667 or Zeppelinstraße 2 50667. These stores are located in the heart of Cologne, making them easily accessible for locals and tourists alike.

In addition to the Birkenstock stores, Cologne offers a plethora of shopping options to explore. Here are some notable mentions:

• Hohestraße, Schildergasse, and Ehrenstraße are the famous shopping streets in Cologne, offering a wide range of options. From well-known brands to unique boutiques, these streets are a shopper's paradise.
• Rhein Center in the Weiden district is a shopping centre that houses a variety of shops and boutiques. Whether you're looking for clothing, accessories, electronics, or household items, Rhein Center has something for everyone.
• Kalk Arkaden in the Kalk district is another excellent choice for those seeking variety. This shopping centre caters to a range of tastes, making it easy to find what you're looking for or discover something new.
• Cologne Christmas Markets are a must-visit during the holiday season. Here, you can find sweet treats like roasted almonds and cookies, as well as handmade crafts and Christmas decorations. The markets offer a festive atmosphere and a chance to immerse yourself in local traditions.
• Local roasteries are perfect for coffee enthusiasts. Cologne is home to exceptional coffee roasters who take pride in their artisanal roasting techniques and high-quality beans. Bring home a bag of freshly roasted coffee as a delicious souvenir.
• Kölner Bienwerk is the place to go for honey lovers. This small urban beekeeping operation has been producing pure and untreated blossom honey since 2010, offering a sweet taste of Cologne's local flora.
• Senfmühle Cologne takes you on a journey through the history of mustard. With origins dating back to the 18th century, this historical mustard mill offers a range of mustard flavours, from mild to spicy.
• Café im Bauturm is your stop for delicious homemade jams. From classic fruit combinations to unique blends, their handcrafted jams capture the essence of Cologne's culinary scene and make for delightful souvenirs.

Online Birkenstock shops

While there are physical Birkenstock stores in Cologne, Germany, you can also shop for Birkenstocks online. The Birkenstock website has an online shop where you can set up a customer account to gain early access to products and promotions, member-exclusive products, and a birthday surprise. The website also features a wide range of Birkenstock products, including sandals, shoes, and clogs, with detailed descriptions of each product.

There are also other online shops that carry the Birkenstock brand, such as Bergfreunde.eu, which offers benefits such as a welcome discount, exclusive access to discount offers, a faster ordering process, and free delivery within Germany for orders over €69.

Both websites offer a variety of Birkenstock footwear options for women, men, and kids, with different styles, colours, and materials to choose from. The websites also provide secure payment options and clear shipping and returns policies.

By exploring these online shops, you can conveniently browse and purchase Birkenstock products from the comfort of your home, taking advantage of the exclusive benefits and wide selection offered by each retailer.

Birkenstock's German stores

Birkenstocks German Stores

Birkenstock is a well-known German brand that can be easily purchased in Germany. The brand has a rich history that dates back to 1774, when the Birkenstock family began their tradition of shoemaking. In 1896, Konrad Birkenstock, a cobbler with two shops in Frankfurt, started producing and selling flexible insoles for the first time. The company has since expanded into a global brand with around 6,200 employees worldwide.

In December 2024, Birkenstock celebrated its 250th anniversary and opened a permanent store in Cologne, Germany. This store, located in Ehrenstraße, covers 80 square meters and showcases a redesign that pays homage to the brand's history. The shop's design emphasizes natural materials such as cork and leather, reflecting the original Birkenstock footbed's components. The warm colour shades and aluminium accents further enhance the retail space, creating an inviting atmosphere for customers.

In addition to the Ehrenstraße store, Birkenstock products can also be found at the following locations in Cologne:

• Schildergasse 95 50667
• Zeppelinstraße 2 50667

Birkenstock is committed to crafting stylish and comfortable footwear that supports the curves and contours of the foot. With their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, design, and sustainability, Birkenstock has established itself as a trusted brand for consumers worldwide, regardless of geographical location, gender, age, or income.

Frequently asked questions