Is Birkenstock vegan? Who owns Birkenstock?
German shoe manufacturer known for sandals and footwear with contoured cork footbeds. Sells shoes in various materials including leather, suede, and synthetic alternatives.
The short answer
Birkenstock is owned by L Catterton. Only some products are vegan. The brand or its owner sells animal-derived products. The wider brand or its owner sells animal products.
Is Birkenstock vegan?
Some vegan linesOnly some products are vegan
Company's own statementSource: VegNewsIs Birkenstock cruelty-free?
Not cruelty-freeThe brand or its owner sells animal-derived products
Company's own statementSource: PETADoes Birkenstock or its owner sell animal products?
Sells animal productsBirkenstock manufactures and sells a substantial portion of its product range using animal-derived materials. The brand's main offerings include shoes made from leather (multiple types: oiled, nubuck, suede), wool, and exotic animal hair. Suede straps and leather uppers are standard in the classic designs. Only a subset of styles are made with animal-free synthetic alternatives (Birko-Flor, Birkibuc, textile). The parent company L Catterton is backed by LVMH, a conglomerate that also owns and sells luxury goods involving animal-derived products.
Who owns Birkenstock?
L CattertonOwned by L Catterton
Official registrySource: The Good Shopping Guide
Last verified 13 September 2026
Ownership chain
- Brand
Birkenstock
- Parent company
LVMH states it is 'strongly attached to eliminating animal testing of cosmetics products everywhere in the world' and claims no animal testing occurs at any stage of development or manufacturing. However, credible third-party sources report conflicting information: in 2023, LVMH told Ethical Consumer that its products are tested on animals in China for 'registration purposes', claiming these tests are conducted by Chinese authorities without the brands' involvement. PETA notes that LVMH has not signed their statement of assurance for cruelty-free certification. Multiple independent sources classify LVMH as not cruelty-free due to allowance of animal testing where required by law (particularly in China) and use of animal-derived ingredients across its portfolio.Company's own statement
Last verified 13 September 2026
- Ultimate owner
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH)
Animal-testing position not yet verified.
Last verified 13 September 2026
Certifications
PETA Beauty Without Bunnies
activeChecked 13 September 2026 · Registry entry
PETA Beauty Without Bunnies: Birkenstock is recorded as not listed.
What this means
Our record lists Birkenstock as a brand of L Catterton, which sits under LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Ownership is a separate question from how a product is made: a brand can hold its own certifications while its parent company operates under different policies.
Birkenstock appears on one scheme we check: PETA Beauty Without Bunnies. Each scheme sets its own criteria, so read the certifier's own entry, linked above, for what it covers.
On animal testing, our record for L Catterton states: LVMH states it is 'strongly attached to eliminating animal testing of cosmetics products everywhere in the world' and claims no animal testing occurs at any stage of development or manufacturing. However, credible third-party sources report conflicting information: in 2023, LVMH told Ethical Consumer that its products are tested on animals in China for 'registration purposes', claiming these tests are conducted by Chinese authorities without the brands' involvement. PETA notes that LVMH has not signed their statement of assurance for cruelty-free certification. Multiple independent sources classify LVMH as not cruelty-free due to allowance of animal testing where required by law (particularly in China) and use of animal-derived ingredients across its portfolio. We publish sourced facts and dates so you can judge them yourself; see how we verify.
Independent vegan alternatives
- Matt & NatVeganCruelty-free
- RapanuiVeganCruelty-free
- WilbyVeganCruelty-free
- Will's Vegan StoreVeganCruelty-free
- Dr. MartensSome vegan linesCruelty-free
- Stella McCartneySome vegan linesCruelty-free
Frequently asked questions
- Is Birkenstock vegan?
- Only some products are vegan. Recorded status: some vegan lines, last verified 13 September 2026.
- Who owns Birkenstock?
- Birkenstock is recorded as owned by L Catterton, which is itself owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH).
- Is Birkenstock cruelty-free?
- The brand or its owner sells animal-derived products. Recorded status: not cruelty-free, last verified 13 September 2026.
- Does L Catterton test on animals?
- Our record for L Catterton states: LVMH states it is 'strongly attached to eliminating animal testing of cosmetics products everywhere in the world' and claims no animal testing occurs at any stage of development or manufacturing. However, credible third-party sources report conflicting information: in 2023, LVMH told Ethical Consumer that its products are tested on animals in China for 'registration purposes', claiming these tests are conducted by Chinese authorities without the brands' involvement. PETA notes that LVMH has not signed their statement of assurance for cruelty-free certification. Multiple independent sources classify LVMH as not cruelty-free due to allowance of animal testing where required by law (particularly in China) and use of animal-derived ingredients across its portfolio.