FROM THE GROUND UP: BIRKENSTOCK EMPHASIZES ITS EXPERTISE IN CLOSED SHOES WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW

Rhea-AI Summary

BIRKENSTOCK (BIRK) launches the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW, a contemporary moc-toe closed shoe that extends the brand's orthopedic footbed expertise into closed footwear.

Available Summer 2026 in suede and grained leather across six colors, the shoe features a four-layer Deep Blue footbed, breathable lining, grip-enhanced outsole, and a gender-neutral design tied to the SS26 "From the Ground Up" campaign.

Key Figures

Shoe sizes range: 36–46 Foot bones count: 28 bones Foot joints count: 33 joints +3 more

6 metrics

Shoe sizes range 36–46 HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW size availability

Foot bones count 28 bones Anatomy of the human foot described in article

Foot joints count 33 joints Anatomy of the human foot described in article

Foot muscles count 20 muscles Anatomy of the human foot described in article

Foot ligaments count 114 ligaments Anatomy of the human foot described in article

Shoemaking tradition since 1774 Start of Birkenstock shoemaking legacy

Market Reality Check

Price: $40.89 Vol: Volume 3,761,008 vs 20-da...

normal vol

$40.89 Last Close

Volume Volume 3,761,008 vs 20-day average 2,661,126 (relative volume 1.41). normal

Technical Trading below 200-day MA ($40.89 vs MA200 $46.18), and about 31.28% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

BIRK gained 1.16% while peers were mixed: CROX +4.21%, ONON +3.39%, SHOO +2.31%,...

BIRK gained 1.16% while peers were mixed: CROX +4.21%, ONON +3.39%, SHOO +2.31%, WWW +1.57%, and SKX -0.19%, suggesting a stock-specific tilt rather than a unified sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 12 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 12	Q1 2026 earnings	Positive	-1.4%	Strong Q1 revenue and profit growth ahead of full-year targets.
Jan 12	Preliminary Q1 results	Positive	-1.1%	Pre-announced Q1 revenue beat and conference participation details.
Dec 18	FY 2025 results	Positive	-11.3%	FY25 revenue and earnings ahead of guidance with 2026 targets set.
Nov 18	Earnings date notice	Neutral	+0.6%	Announcement of FY25 results reporting date and earnings call.
Oct 15	Australia acquisition	Positive	-0.8%	Agreement to acquire Australian distributor to invest in key APAC market.

Pattern Detected

Recent fundamentally positive updates (strong FY25 results, Q1 beats, acquisition) were often followed by negative 24h price reactions, indicating a pattern of selling into good news.

Recent Company History

Over the last six months, Birkenstock reported strong FY25 results with revenue of EUR 2.1 billion and adjusted EBITDA of EUR 667 million, yet the stock fell 11.34% after that news. Fiscal Q1 2026 revenue of EUR 402 million and net profit of EUR 51 million also saw modest post‑announcement declines. The company has guided to continued growth and executed on an Australian distributor acquisition, but the market has frequently reacted cautiously, providing context for how today’s product-focused announcement fits into a broader growth story.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Birkenstock’s push deeper into closed shoes with the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE ...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Birkenstock’s push deeper into closed shoes with the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW, leveraging its historic footbed technology and orthopedic expertise. Recent filings show consistent revenue and earnings growth and active brand investment, including acquisitions. Against that backdrop, this launch extends the portfolio beyond sandals into gender‑neutral, year‑round styles. Investors may watch how new silhouettes like this contribute to mix, pricing power, and alignment with the company’s longer‑term growth targets.

Key Terms

orthopedic

1 terms

orthopedic medical

"apply its orthopedic expertise in the world of closed shoes"

Relating to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments; commonly associated with surgeries, implants (like joint replacements or screws), braces and rehabilitation. Investors pay attention because orthopedic activity drives demand for medical devices, hospital services and rehab products—like how road repairs create business for construction firms—so changes in procedure volumes, new implant approvals or shifts in care settings can affect revenues and growth prospects for companies in this sector.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

LINZ AM RHEIN, Germany, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BIRKENSTOCK reinforces its presence in the closed shoe category with the introduction of the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW—a contemporary Moc Toe silhouette based on the functional design of the popular HIGHWOOD boot. The launch is supported by a campaign conceptually aligning with BIRKENSTOCK's promise of empowering everyone to walk as nature intended, deeply rooted in the brand DNA. 

The distinctive and unique technology of the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed, patented a century ago, has made the brand globally renowned and sets it apart in the footwear industry. To further build the rich product archive beyond sandals, BIRKENSTOCK continues to apply its orthopedic expertise in the world of closed shoes. This move not only emphasizes the functional and gender-neutral aspects of the brand but also reflects its engagement for greater diversity within its collection. 

 

 

A REFLECTION OF PURPOSE AND VALUES

In line with BIRKENSTOCK's purpose, the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW features the DEEP BLUE FOOTBED, which is engineered with four layers to ensure even weight distribution, reduce pressure, stabilize the foot, and support its natural rolling motion. A breathable microfiber lining provides optimal air circulation.

While functionality has always been a defining element of BIRKENSTOCK's design, the contemporary look—drawn from the craftsmanship of the moccasin and highlighted by visible stitching details—equally contributes to the urban appeal of the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW. Made from high-quality suede or grained leather, this new moc toe is created to develop a unique patina over time. With its well-balanced and sophisticated silhouette, it seamlessly adapts to various styles and occasions, making it a reliable companion year-round. The grip-enhanced bold outsole reinforces this philosophy: flexible and durable, designed for solid traction on a variety of surfaces.

For summer 2026, the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW in suede comes in four seasonal shades—Carafe, Gray Taupe, New Navy, and Pink Clay. The grained leather version will be available in classic Chocolate and Black. 

FROM THE GROUND UP

The SS26 campaign "From the Ground Up" tells the story of the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW as a synonym of progress grounded in clear values. Brought to life through intimate portraits of two individuals who have built their lives from the ground up, defining their rhythm, style, and personality on their own terms. Through their lens, the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW becomes more than just a shoe—it is the foundation for movement, both literally and symbolically. Dedicated to craftsmanship and driven by purpose, it evolves into a reliable companion in the pace of modern life. Its design endures well beyond the season—a consistent presence in an ever-changing world.

SHOEMAKING TRADITION SINCE 1774

The BIRKENSTOCK shoemaking legacy dates back to 1774 and is rooted in closed shoes and deep orthopedic knowledge. A journey that began with Johannes Birkenstock, a master shoemaker in 18th-century Germany. Around 1900, Konrad Birkenstock revolutionized the trade by developing his anatomically shaped wooden last, along with orthopedic insoles tailored to individual foot needs of each wearer, of which two versions were already called "Fußbett" (footbed). His son Carl Birkenstock continued this pioneering work and introduced the "Ideal Shoe" with a first attempt to patent it in 1936—a concept which was embraced by medical professionals but never made it into mass production. It was Karl Birkenstock who, in 1963, launched the first sandal with a built-in footbed produced on an industrial scale—the now-iconic MADRID, marking a major shift in the brand's history away from closed shoes. His passion lay in perfecting the anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed, which supports the foot in its natural position and balance, mimicking the sensation of walking on soft, uneven surfaces such as moss, sand, or clay. The human foot—a biomechanical marvel made up of 28 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and 114 ligaments—is far from flat. The BIRKENSTOCK footbed embraces this complexity—offering natural support for feet that, in today's world, mostly walk on hard, unyielding surfaces.

INFORMATION FOR EDITORIAL TEAMS

Colors: Carafe, Gray Taupe, New Navy, Pink Clay, Black, Chocolate
Material: Suede + Grained Leather
Sizes: 36-46
Price: tba by region

Campaign Imagery: Download
Campaign Video: Download 
Creative Product Imagery: Download
Flat Shot Imagery: Download

Available at Birkenstock, Birkenstock.com and select retail partners.

ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK

BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose—maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless «super brand» with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ("Naturgewolltes Gehen").

With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories.

Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore, China, India and Australia.

Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG
Burg Ockenfels, Linz am Rhein, Germany

For further information, please visit www.birkenstock-group.com. 
You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2563226/Birkenstock_Group_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE BIRKENSTOCK Group

FAQ

What is the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW launch date and availability for BIRK?

The HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW is slated for Summer 2026 availability. According to the company, it will be sold at Birkenstock, Birkenstock.com and select retail partners in sizes 36–46 and multiple colorways.

What features distinguish the BIRK HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW from other closed shoes?

The shoe uses a four-layer Deep Blue footbed engineered for even weight distribution and foot stabilization. According to the company, it also adds breathable microfiber lining, durable outsole, and suede or grained leather uppers that develop patina.

Which colors and materials will BIRK offer for the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW in Summer 2026?

For Summer 2026, suede comes in Carafe, Gray Taupe, New Navy, and Pink Clay; grained leather is offered in Chocolate and Black. According to the company, both materials aim for year-round wear and urban versatility.

How does the SS26 "From the Ground Up" campaign position BIRK's HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW?

The SS26 campaign frames the shoe as a foundation for movement and personal progress. According to the company, intimate portraits tie the product to values of craftsmanship, purpose, and a design that endures beyond a single season.

Does the BIRK HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW reflect Birkenstock's orthopedic heritage?

Yes, the HIGHWOOD MOC LACE LOW applies Birkenstock's footbed expertise to closed footwear through the Deep Blue footbed design. According to the company, this continues the brand's historic focus on anatomical support and functional comfort.