The BIRKENSTOCK UTTI LACE combines tradition with innovation: This modern reinterpretation of the moccasin celebrates the brand’s origins in the closed-toe shoe segment. Crafted from high-quality suede, the UTTI LACE features the legendary DEEP BLUE FOOTBED. The redesigned silhouette is designed for a personalized fit and a natural walking motion and is now available in new colorways. Combining timeless design with orthopedic expertise, the UTTI LACE is another milestone in BIRKENSTOCK’s ongoing mission to develop shoes that enable everyone to walk as they naturally intended.
When most people think of BIRKENSTOCK, the first thing that comes to mind is iconic sandals and clogs like the ARIZONA, MADRID, or BOSTON – models that have been culturally relevant for decades. Originally, however, the shoemaking family’s ambicons focused on closed shoes. To stay true to these roots, BIRKENSTOCK is continuously expanding its collection of closed shoes. What all these models have in common is a commitment to healthy feet based on a footbed that promotes natural walking.
AS NATURAL AS WALKING BAREFOOT
In keeping with its brand purpose, BIRKENSTOCK continuously develops new, closed-toe shoe models with legendary footbed comfort. Each style speaks a timeless design language inspired by brutalist architecture, combining premium materials with consummate craftsmanship. A prime example of this is the UTTI LACE. This gender-neutral BIRKENSTOCK model was first introduced in 2024 as an evolution of the UTTI slip-on model and has the potential to become an icon. Its soft, artfully crafted silhouette is inspired by the moccasin—a shoe deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Native Americans. Moccasins are designed to fit comfortably and can also be worn barefoot. BIRKENSTOCK has reinterpreted this archetype for today—made from exclusive, velvety-soft suede, featuring signature hand-stitched details and a discreet lacing system without metal eyelets.
The UTTI LACE hugs the foot like a second skin, offering an unparalleled wearing experience. The choice of upper material reflects BIRKENSTOCK’s commitment to high-quality, durable natural materials that develop a unique patina over time. The lightweight cork and rubber outsole allows for greater elasticity and surefootedness.
The heart of the UTTI LACE is the multi-layered BIRKENSTOCK DEEP BLUE FOOTBED. It is based on the same orthopedic principles as the original cork-latex footbed and is „Made in Germany.“ The microfiber insole absorbs moisture and regulates temperature. The woven jute layer strengthens and stabilizes the footbed for all-day support. The anatomically shaped cork-EVA core stabilizer promotes a natural walking motion and distributes pressure evenly across the entire length of the foot.
FOOT HEALTH BASED ON FUNCTION
The Birkenstock family’s shoemaking tradition dates back to 1774. In 1897, Konrad Birkenstock revolutionized the craft with the invention of an anatomically shaped wooden shoe last and the development of orthopedic insoles tailored to the wearer’s individual needs. His son, Carl Birkenstock, refined these foot health concepts and developed the so-called „Ideal Shoe“ in 1936. With individually shaped lasts for every shoe size, the design was intended to perfectly embody the principle of natural walking.
Although Carl Birkenstock’s vision was widely recognized, and his idea of an anatomically shaped shoe modeled on nature first attracted the interest of medical specialists, the „Ideal Shoe“ never made it into mass production. Ultimately, it was Karl Birkenstock who developed the first open shoe with an integrated footbed in 1963 and had it produced on an industrial scale. The legendary single-strap sandal—later renamed the MADRID—deliberately deviated from the tradition of closed shoes and thus marked a turning point in the history of the shoemaking family. With the distinctive design of the first sandal model, Karl Birkenstock set the course for the brand’s cultural and social relevance, which continues to this day.
Karl Birkenstock’s true passion was the anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed, developed to preserve the foot’s natural position and balance and simulate walking on soft, yielding surfaces such as moss, sand, or clay. In fact, the human foot is anything but flat: its organic structure consists of 28 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and 114 ligaments. The original BIRKENSTOCK footbed is modeled after this masterpiece of biomechanics, providing positive and natural support for feet that today primarily move over firm, unyielding surfaces.
From a family-owned shoemaking business, BIRKENSTOCK has evolved into a global leader in iconic footwear. Above all, it is the brand’s unwavering commitment to healthy feet that drives innovation and progress in footwear design.
AN EMOTIONAL STORY: THE UTTI LACE FALL/WINTER 2025 CAMPAIGN
The UTTI LACE is a unisex model that can be worn year-round and combined in a variety of ways. It encourages intuitive movement, celebrates natural materials, and embodies a sense of limitless freedom. This authentic attitude is brought to life with a special Fall/Winter 2025 campaign. Through wide, open spaces, the atmospheric interplay of light and shadow, and dynamic cityscapes, this narrative creates a casual, optimistic mood in images. Contrasting textures such as concrete and tiles or glass and steel create a tactile backdrop, while the camera captures surprising perspectives to capture the vibrancy and energy of the protagonists.
