Germany has a legendary global reputation for footwear engineering, comfort, and athletic heritage, producing several of the world's most iconic shoe brands. Foremost among them are global athletic giants Adidas and Puma, both founded by the Dassler brothers in Herzogenaurach. Additionally, Birkenstock is globally celebrated for its orthopedic cork-footbed sandals, while luxury brands like Adidas-owned subsidiaries and traditional heritage makers maintain a strong footprint in European fashion.