Birkenstock brands epitomize basic footwear at its very best. German-based shoe distributor Birkenstock Orthopädie GmbH & Co. KG has been serving the public’s podiatric needs since 1774. For over two centuries, all high-quality product offerings have echoed founder Johann Adam Birkenstock’s personal philosophy: “No smoke; no mirrors; no gizmos – just great footwear”.

Johann’s grandson Konrad expounded upon his ancestor’s brilliance by devising a revolutionary footwear concept in 1897. Konrad’s overriding objective was designing shoes with shapes that conform to the human foot’s natural curvature. His ambitious obsession spawned the then-novel theory that shoes made for close mimicry of the human foot’s internal anatomy offer the most comfort. In 1902, Konrad’s hypothesis concretized into the world’s first mass-produced contoured insole.

The rest is history. Konrad’s introduction of footwear with integrated arch supports that feature broad aesthetic appeal and functionality has made the Birkenstock brand famous for generations.

Answering a perennial footwear paradox

Finding a material with sufficient rigidity that provides adequate support while retaining sufficient flexibility for extended wearing comfort has posed a perpetual challenge for commercial shoemakers.

The Birkenstock blue footbed is a contemporary solution to this ancient anatomical riddle. These innovative inserts offer outstanding support while facilitating full foot mobility and optimal interaction of all internal podiatric structures.

Taking foot comfort to new levels

Compatibility with a vast array of non-brand footwear is the most valuable Birkenstock footbed aspect. These removable insoles feature only the best quality of construction and material components. Primary cork-based construction provides a light weight platform of support and shock absorbency without creating foot fatigue.

Amazing arch and heel support

Each specially designed Birkenstock Blue footbed also provides pronounced support for all three major foot arches. Medial and lateral arches running lengthwise along the foot surfaces function in perfect podiatric harmony with crosswise metatarsal arch movements.

Specially contoured Birkenstock Blue arch supports also include deep heel cutouts that help relieve plantar discomfort and heel pain. A built-in lining and outer coverage of 100 percent genuine silk provides moisture resistance and is easily removable for periodic hand washing.

A dynamic duo of comfort and style

In addition to various widths from narrow to wide that fit any shoe size, Birkenstock Blue arch supports come in two distinctive designs to suit individual needs and lifestyles.

- Casual

Birkenstock’s Blue casual foot beds are intended for insertion into flat shoes that feature identical heel and toe levels. Typical footwear formats include regular sneakers, basketball and cross-training sports shoes as well as many casual and dress shoe styles.

- Heeled

Birkenstock’s heeled arch supports feature elevated forefoot support. This format is most suitable for work, hiking, dress, or casual boots in addition to many dress and casual low-heel shoe styles. Birkenstock Blue foot bed supports accommodate heels heights of up to 15 centimeters. Such versatility ensures their compatibility with a wide variety of heeled shoe styles.

A terrific trifurcation of tremendous support

All Birkenstock Blue arch supports offer outstanding support and optimal spinal alignment by way of supporting all three of the major foot arches. This comprehensive reinforcement regime is not so obtrusive as to obstruct free foot movement while walking or running, however.

People with medial arch heights falling within low-to-medium ranges readily appreciate the additional support and comfort of these non-plastic platforms.

And when it comes to the foot beds in the shoes and sandals, Cork’s natural contouring properties and rapid molding amenability keep “break in” time associated with other alternatives to a minimum. Dual layered Jute fibers add moisture resistance and strength for easy resoling.

Soft suede veneers are valuable foot comforters that continuously soothe and protect the body’s anatomical supportive structures.

View all of our removable insoles, footbeds and arch supports at http://www.happyfeet.com/Departments/INSOLES.aspx

“Improving people’s lives with superior footwear” is the Mission Statement of Happy Feet Plus.

That simple sentence also summarizes a singular overriding objective that underlies all operations and the founding partners’ personal motto. Happy Feet’s virtual platform and ground stores reflect a strong commitment by co-owners Jacob Wurtz and Jane Strong to disseminating accurate information about the immense advantages of high-quality footwear to the public.

Jacob Wurtz wears it well

Reared just beyond the borders of Ottawa, Canada, Jacob brings the benefit of first-hand exposure to the enormous benefits of healthful living to business tables. Jacob’s rural background provided the ideal backdrop for imparting such concepts since his early childhood.

Jacob’s strong advocacy for achieving optimal personal well-being by naturalistic means since 1975 is an important adjunctive personal attribute. To glean further details of his fascinating story, click here

Paving the way toward greater public good

Unlike most competitors, Jacob pays far more than mere “lip service” to environmental friendliness. All Happy Feet Plus physical retail outlets rest upon foundations made exclusively of environmentally friendly materials.

In 1998, Jacob and Jane opened their first full-fledged store after several years of serving customers from a small kiosk.

Then in 2004 this ambitious entrepreneurial pair opened the very first Retail storefront in the nation to be Certified GOLD by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”). This event marked a major personal milestone for them in addition to being a historical moment. Thus, Jacob and Jane clearly “walk the walk” by doing what is best for the general welfare – rather than merely “talking the talk” while looking out only for immediate personal gain.

Enter Jane

Business partner Jane Strong’s personal history likewise reflects strong entrepreneurial undertones since early childhood. While yet youngsters, Jane and her sister began a business that offered horseback riding on a nearby tourist resort.

Jane’s determination to maintaining the highest levels of business ethics and professionalism is demonstrated by her active membership and past tenure as President of the St. Petersburg, Florida chapter of the world-renowned Toastmasters Club. She also holds an active membership in the American Businesswomen’s Association. In addition, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce recently nominated Jane as its Businesswoman of the Year.

Jacob and Jane reunite

Sometime after a self-induced Florida exile, Jacob joined forces with his long-time friend Jane. After putting their heads and resources together, they launched the grand opening of the very first Happy Feet Plus kiosk in 1985. Two innovative massage sandal models and a German shoe brand named “Birkenstock” comprised the backbone of their fledgling commercial concern.

Their collective foresight paid off; the firm currently operates nine ground storefronts and maintains a vital virtual presence online.

Two justifiably proud “peas” in the podiatric “pod”

Jacob and Jane’s stated agenda is helping people obtain “relief from foot, leg, knee, hip and back pain via footwear that features intelligent design.” Over three-quarters of recurrent pain in these regions can be traced to improperly fitting or inadequately supportive footwear. Thus, Happy Feet’s high-grade, anatomically correct shoes enhance customers’ overall well-being and quality of life by relieving such deleterious symptoms and discomfort.

Their superior product offerings can be summed up by their SSR Philosophy, which clearly demonstrate this dynamic duo’s dedication to Revitalize, Strengthen, and Support customers’ bodies from the ground up.

Consumers in West Central Florida, who suffer from spinal, lower back, leg, thigh, or foot pain are thus well advised to visit happyfeetplus.com to see a list of their local shoe stores. The firm also operates retail outlets in Baywalk (St. Petersburg), Brandon, Carrollwood (North Tampa) , Clearwater, Ellenton, Ft. Myers, Largo, Sarasota, and the Tyrone area in St. Petersburg in addition to its vast virtual platform.

Cost-conscious visitors to either Happy Feet venue will be well-pleased with the full lines of Euro-comfort shoes, clogs, orthotic innersoles and massage sandals they find. After experiencing the benefits of optimal spinal-foot alignment, proper body posture, and better weight balance, customers never want to wear anything else.