How This 244-Year-Old Company Made ‘Ugly’ Shoes Popular And Stylish

This summer, Inc. is digging into the back stories of some of the most iconic products that rule the warmer-weather months to find out how the brands built a following–and stayed on top for decades. First up: Birkenstocks, the “ugly” sandal with die-hard fans everywhere. You know them when you see them: the gender-neutral sandals feature thick straps, big buckles, and a chunky foot bed that’s easy on the arches. Hippies loved them. Your dad probably loves them–and even dares to wear them with socks. What you probably don’t know is that the cork foot beds that make Birkenstocks so iconic and comfortable date back to 1774. Read more at Inc.