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How did a sandal that originally entered the U.S. market as a health product become a fashion staple and the crowning shoe of a multibillion dollar company? Margot Fraser originally brought Birkenstocks to the U.S. thinking that the comfort of the German sandal would appeal to women. But she couldn\u2019t get shoe stores to sell them. They finally made it into the U.S. market through health food stores. Now, the seductively ugly shoe is a cultural icon and was valued at about $8.6 billion when the company went public last year. WSJ\u2019s Ben Cohen explores the history of Birkenstock and how it paved the way for the future of women\u2019s feet.\n\n\n\nWhat do you think about the show? Let us know on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or email us: FOEPodcast@wsj.com\xa0\n\n\n\nFurther reading:\xa0\n\nWhy Americans Are Obsessed With These Ugly Sandals\xa0\n\nA Key to Birkenstock\u2019s Billion Dollar Success? Its Frumpiest Shoe\xa0\n\nA Visual History of Birkenstock\u2019s Rise, From Insoles to IPO\xa0\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices