The newest footwear brand that Asphaltgold now has in its portfolio is also the one with the longest tradition. We are talking about Birkenstock, whose history as a family business. already started in 1774 with the registration of the founder Johann Adam Birkenstock as a shoemaker. Through the production of insoles and custom-made shoes, the company then arrived already in the 20th century to the Birkenstock sandals, as we still know them today.

But enough about history, welcome to the present: for more than a decade, Birkenstock has skillfully managed the fine line between slipper and fashion statement, loading its product range with smaller and larger updates, variance in colors and materials, and cleverly threaded collaborations with partners like Fear of God, Raf Simons or CNCPTS. In 2023 they continue to write the story.

In March 2023 Birkenstock presents a new silhouette, thehouette, the Naples. Here the DNA of the family business, highest quality materials, craftsmanship and at the same time contemporary style and comfort meet. The Naples features a classic footbed with a Birkigrip outsole that invites you to wear the shoe outside. The upper is made of soft suede, but the biggest innovation with the Naples style is the eye-catching moccasin construction that gives the shoe added streetability. Obligatory, yet important to mention: in terms of coziness and comfort, the Naples also plays right up front.

We visited three creative minds in Frankfurt am Main and accompanied them through their day - on their feet the Birkenstock Naples and Boston. Two different models from different yes - and yet "one family". Real family is not about the name, it's about shared values and shared ideas!

Viola Beuscher has been running a ceramic studio in Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel since 2015, where she creates and sells her unique pieces. Important to her work is, on the one hand, functionality and a minimalist approach to design, as she primarily creates utilitarian objects, but on the other hand, a timeless yet almost sculptural aesthetic. The products she creates should be used for a long time and also have a visual value.

Daniele Travia has been at home in the fashion world for many years, more precisely in the sales sector. After professional stations as sales manager for agencies and later brands, among others Daily Paper, he founded his own sales agency "in mid" at the end of 2022 and represents mainly new & upcoming brands from the streetwear sector. His office is also located in Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel, right next to Viola's studio.

A few years ago, Eklil and his brother founded the AMP Bar on the edge of Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel, one of the TOP locations of Frankfurt's nightlife, and is co-founder of the creative studio "No Not", whose office is just a few hundred meters away. Much of his creative work takes place in Frankfurt's Bahnhofsviertel, where the red light milieu, nightlife, multinational culture and art scene meet. Many institutions of Frankfurt's nightlife - among others the Maxie Eisen, the Bar Shuka, the Ima Clique or the (Offenbach) Robert Johnson belong to the client base.

The release of the Birkenstock Naples will be online at Asphaltgold.com on 02.03.

SIZERUN: EU 36 - 47.5

You can find the whole Birkenstock family in our online store - many models, colors and material combinations are available.