The Iconic Birkenstock Building in Novato, CA | Birkenstock USA History

The Iconic Birkenstock Building

Originally published May 16, 2016. 
​Updated October 2025 with new photos and a YouTube video.

The Iconic Birkenstock Building on Highway 101

Have you ever driven along Highway 101 between Novato and Petaluma and spotted that striking building with the pointy roof at 8171 Redwood Boulevard in Novato, California?  Chances are, you’ve caught a glimpse of the Iconic Birkenstock Building — a true landmark for anyone who loves Birkenstocks.

I still remember passing it in the mid-’90s on my way to visit a friend at Sonoma State, wearing my well-loved grey Birkenstocks, of course. Even back then, the building stopped me in my tracks — its sharp roofline and clean design made it one of the most memorable sights along the freeway.
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Every time I passed that distinctive roofline, I wondered what it looked like up close — and what treasures might be hidden inside. Decades later, when I launched I Love Birkenstocks, I finally got the chance to find out. Before you read the rest of the story, take a quick detour and watch the video below to see the Iconic Birkenstock Building in Novato for yourself. 

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Exploring the Birkenstock Building in Novato | A Piece of Birkenstock History

Before you keep reading, take a quick detour and watch the video: The Iconic Birkenstock Building — A Landmark in Birkenstock History

This short video gives you an up-close look at one of California’s most recognizable landmarks — the Iconic Birkenstock Building in Novato, California, just off Highway 101 between Novato and Petaluma.

I share the story behind Birkenstock’s former U.S. headquarters, from my first glimpse of the building during a 1990s road trip to the unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour I took decades later. 

With its distinctive pointy roof and unmistakable signage, this building became a lasting symbol of Birkenstock’s craftsmanship, comfort, and heritage. Although the property was sold in 2025, and Birkenstock USA remains in Novato but no longer at this historic site, it will always hold a special place in the brand’s legacy — and in the hearts of longtime fans who remember spotting it from Highway 101.

Click play below to step back in time and celebrate a beloved chapter of Birkenstock USA history.

Watch the Video: The Iconic Birkenstock Building — A Landmark in Birkenstock History

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My Personal Connection to the Birkenstock Building

If I recall correctly, I was wearing my grey Birkenstocks for the drive.  In those days I rarely took them off.  I thought about how heavenly it would be to have access to that building and all the Birkenstocks inside.  Funny thing is that I still feel the same way today.  The building is a warehouse with a separate office building in the back.  Unfortunately, Birkenstock does not sell its shoes out of the Novato Office.

Last week I found myself on Redwood Blvd in Novato less than 1 mile from the Birkenstock building.  At the time, I had already decided that I was going to blog on Birkenstocks.  I decided it was essential to take a detour and get a picture of the Birkenstock building, up close, for my blog.

A Glimpse Inside Birkenstock’s U.S. Headquarters

Here is a photo of the building:

The Iconic Birkenstock Building on Highway 101 in Novato, CA

In the past, I had only seen the building from the freeway.  I have never driven along the frontage road and seen this building up close.  It is more massive than I anticipated.  Can you image all the glorious shoes hidden away in this iconic building?  Ahhhh… 

Visiting the Birkenstock Office in Novato 

A Glimpse Inside Birkenstock’s U.S. Headquarters Signage

Iconic Birkenstock sign in Novato, California—visible from Highway 101 and a landmark for fans of the brand.

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After publishing this blog, I received an incredible invitation to tour the Birkenstock USA headquarters — a rare behind-the-scenes experience that let me see the brand’s legendary craftsmanship, quality, and heritage up close.​

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Explore More Birkenstock Heritage & Style Blogs
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If you enjoyed learning about the history of the Birkenstock Building, don’t miss my other blogs that dive deeper into the brand’s heritage and authenticity.  In Birkenstock Styles, I cover the most iconic models and how they’ve evolved over time. For a closer look at why Birks are celebrated worldwide, read Birkenstocks Are the Ferrari of Shoes, which highlights their reputation as timeless classics.

To understand what sets the brand apart, my post on Birkenstock Exquisite Leather explores the craftsmanship and premium details that define Birkenstock quality. And because brand heritage also means protecting authenticity, make sure to check out Spotting Fake Birkenstocks  and  Knock-Off Birkenstocks  so you can shop with confidence.

If you can’t get enough of all things Birkenstock, you’ll love exploring more stories on I Love Birkenstocks.  In Birkenstock & Men, I celebrate how guys—from Bay Area dads in Arizonas to Jason Momoa and Jeremy Allen White—are redefining Birkenstock style and proving that real men wear Birkenstocks with confidence.  For a lighter take, Socks & Stocks dives into the timeless debate of whether sandals should be worn with socks (spoiler: comfort always wins). Young & Old Love to Wear Birkenstocks shows that these sandals bridge generations, while 100 Reasons Why I Love Birkenstocks is my ultimate love letter to the brand’s comfort, craftsmanship, and community. And when the weather turns chilly, Shearling-Lined Birkenstocks: The Cozy, Furry, Fuzzy, Must-Have for Fall & Winter Comfort (and this YouTube video) offers the warmest inspiration for keeping your feet happy all season long.

Together, these blogs give you a full picture of Birkenstock’s legacy, authenticity, and lasting style.

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Birkenstock style, comfort, and a little bit of Gina Mama flair 

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