SWEDISH CLOGS FOR MEN

The Swedish clog story has begun a long time ago. For over one hundred years, Swedish clogs for men have been used by farmers and peasants as safe, cheap, and practical shoes. However, in the 1970s, when wooden clogs found their way into the fashion world, Swedish clogs, or a “trätofflor” became popular among men and women in Sweden, and soon in many other parts of Europe.

Swedish clogs are known for their anatomically shaped bottom, natural materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. The design and shape of wooden clogs have been developed through generations of Swedish cobblers, ensuring ultimate fit and shape, as well as the distinctive Swedish wooden clog look and quality.

Swedish clogs for men come in a variety of styles and materials. Traditionally, Swedish clogs are made in natural leather and wood and nailed by hand. However, you’ll find many classic clogs, clog boots, and clog sandals made in canvas, patent, wool, or vegan leather. More important, wooden clogs are very comfortable and can be easily worn both in and out of the house. Traditional Swedish clogs have wooden bottoms, leather upper, and minimal details. The most distinctive part of men’s clogs is their wooden sole. Anatomically shaped footbeds even weight distribution across the foot, providing an optimal angle for support and posture, while soft padding guarantees extra stability and comfort.

Wooden footbeds provide a safe and healthy solution for feet, and because of this, Swedish wooden clogs for men are very popular among all those professionals who spend long working hours on their feet, such as medical workers and kitchen chefs. The two most popular types of men’s clogs are classical open back clogs and closed back clogs. Most of the classic Swedish clogs are designed to prevent blisters and other foot irritations, so they are an ideal solution for all those who need some extra comfortability on their feet. On the inside, clogs can either be unlined or come with a soft leather lining that helps absorb moisture and prevent foot odor.

Although very practical, a wooden clog can be a brave fashion statement as well. Men’s clogs may not be a mainstream trend, but for those who can pull it off, there are many benefits: comfortability, easy on and off, and a very distinctive design. When it comes to Swedish wooden clogs for men, the varieties are almost endless. Classic clogs, boots, sandals, closed-back clogs, penny loafers, or clogs with tassels or horsebit – whichever you choose, you’ll get handmade, reliable, and durable shoes you’ll be wearing for years. The variety of prints and details is also overwhelmingly large, ensuring that everyone can find something he likes.

Taking care of wooden clogs is also super easy. Use a damp cloth, and if necessary, a little bit of mild soap to clean your clogs. The open grain of wooden clog bottoms allows moisture to be absorbed and keeps feet dry. Still, if the wooden bottoms get too wet, allow them to dry slowly. Wipe clogs clean and leave them in a dry place at room temperature. Taking care of leather upper depends on the type of leather clogs are made of (nubuck, suede, vegetable-tanned, microfiber, etc.). There are many cleaning products you can use to take care of your wooden clogs. However, it’s always best to ask for advice in the local shoe repair shop. When you try some product for the first time, always test it on a small hidden part of men’s clogs.

The Magic of Swedish Christmas

 In Sweden, 24th December is the highlight of Christmas. The whole family is together, and after enjoying the traditional Christmas smorgasbord, everyone is waiting for that special knock on the door, which means that Santa Claus has arrived with the presents for everyone. And not surprisingly, some of those presents hide a pair of good old Swedish wooden clogs.

A few reasons why Swedish Christmas is amazingly wonderful

The 24th of December, often called the Swedish Julafton is the day when people gather together, eat, open presents, wear their comfortable clogs, and have a lovely time together. Although every family has their rituals, one of the favorite Christmas traditions begins in the afternoon when everyone gathers around the TV to watch an hour-long Christmas special of Disney classics. Delicious food, a visit from Santa himself, gift opening, and quality time with loved one's guarantee, without a doubt, a wonderful Christmas evening. And this is where a few pairs of warm winter clogs or clog boots play a significant part and emphasize the holiday vibes. 

The abundance of food and decoration

Julbord (Christmas buffet) is a variety of delicious foods served in a buffet, where you’ll find almost everything from ham, pork, turkey, and meatballs to pickled herring and smoked salmon. There is also raisin bread, mini hotdogs, salads, potatoes and vegetables, rice pudding, and the traditional sweet saffron bun with raisins called Lussekatt.

When it comes to decoration, there’s an overall focus on natural materials like wood, felt, and greenery, as well as a lot of the classic colors such as red, green, gold, and silver. On Christmas Eve, ever-present candles are placed in the candle holders, creating a beautiful, romantic display. One of the typical traditions is also to string the national flag around the tree. The overall result is a typically refined, minimalist, and modest look.

Christmas is about giving

Swedes expect a great deal from their Christmas. Everyone does their best, home is warm and bright, and the presents are numerous. On Christmas Eve, after dinner, the family gathers to wait for the presents. Usually, an adult family member or friend dress up as Santa, knock on the door and hand out the gifts to the family.

So, if you want to evoke a bit of the lovely Swedish Christmas vibe, what would be the best presents you give the friends and family?

There will never be a Swedish present as classic as a Dala horse. Made and painted by hand, this beautiful wooden figure is a classic symbol of Sweden.

Fika. A magic Swedish word is a perfect option for Sweden lover anywhere in the world. In short can be described as coffee, sweet pastries, and coziness. In the form of a gift, it can be a mug, blanket, aromatic tea, scarf, or candle. And, of course, a pair of Swedish wooden clogs or clog boots.

Why wooden clogs?

A specific sound of wooden clogs evokes Swedish countryside, red wooden houses, and Swedish forests. Although they aren’t always flashy, traditional Swedish clogs are made from natural materials such as wood and leather. With special attention to the anatomically constructed wooden footbed that provides an optimal angle for support and posture, clogs are both healthy and practical footwear. Also, clogs reflect all the qualities of Swedish design: functionality, durability, reliability, and simplicity. Nordic tradition (especially the climate) has a bearing on the color palette of Swedish wooden clogs: white, black, beige, grey, with small bursts of earthy or pastel colors.  A clog can be any footwear made on natural wooden bottoms: traditional open-back clogs, closed-back clogs, clog sandals, clogs boots, etc. The choices are numerous, and we are sure there is a perfect Christmas pair for you out there.

WINTER IN SWEDISH CLOG BOOTS

Winter is almost there, and time to think about a warm pair of boots that will accompany you through the brisk days and evenings. But have you ever thought that these perfect boots could be Swedish clog boots?  When you think about Swedish clogs, you probably picture the Swedish countryside house with the fireplace, blanket, and a cup of hot cocoa, or even better, doctors, nurses, and chefs in their uniforms, wearing a matching pair of black or white open-back clogs. However, the story doesn't end here. There is a whole fashion clog boot world out there waiting for you to discover it. Comfortable, reliable, breathable shoes that can adapt to any climate and occasion, wooden clog boots are go-to boots all year round. 

What is clog?

The term clog refers to a specific type of shoe with a distinctive wooden sole and usually leather upper. Although clogs appeared a century ago as practical, work footwear, today they are a fashion statement and a choice of many men and women worldwide. Swedish cobblers began to make wooden clogs as a protection against the moody Nordic weather. After many years of experimenting and improving products and techniques, they came out with a type of shoe known as a Swedish clog. Swedish clogs, as well as clog boots, include varieties of shapes and materials. The best known are probably classic Chelsea boots, but there are plenty of boots with laces, mid or high heels, with a zipper on the side, or lined with wool and shearling. The most practical choice for the fall and winter season are warm shearling clog boots that will keep you warm through the cold days. 

Why choose Swedish clog boots?

Swedish clogs are eco-friendly, comfortable, and natural footwear. They are still produced by hand in small workshops with materials classical and new. The most recognizable part of every clog is a traditional wooden sole made with alder wood, lime, or brisk, matched with different types of leathers such as patent, waxy, vegan, nubuck, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, suede, etc. Interesting details such as laces, metallic buckles, stitches, or horsbit add to the distinctive look of Swedish clog boots. During the past decades, Swedish wooden clog boots proved to be both practical and ergonomic. They soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide even support across the foot and lower back. Also, most clog boots have a Grip-tech PU layer on bottoms, which is a material developed for increased slip resistance. Match that with a waterproof leather upper, and you get reliable, safe, and comfortable winter footwear.

Making of Swedish clog boots

Swedish clog boot production process is quite different from that of other shoes and footwear. Since traditional Swedish clogs have a base made of wood, a large part of the production process is woodwork. In general, making clog boots is a long process that takes years to learn properly. The process starts with sawing logs into planks and milling. After milling, the wood and the outsole are pressed together. After clicking the upper leather, linings are attached and stitched together with the upper. After the boots have been nailed, the surplus leather is cut away and every boot is checked before entering a dying room. Once dry, clogs need to cool down before the cobbler removes the last. After that, clog boots are ready to go.

How to take care of your winter clog boots?

Taking care of clog boots and shearling clog boots is very simple. The main rule is if the bottoms absorb too much water, to allow boots to dry slowly. Never try to heat the leather and wood, or to speed up the drying process. On the other hand, taking care of the leather uppers depends on what type of leather clogs boots are made of. Although there are many cleaning products and creams you can use, it's always better to ask for advice in local shoe repair shops. Be careful when you try the product for the first time, and always test a new product on a small hidden part of wooden clog boots.

How are Swedish clogs made?

The wooden clog production process is quite different from that of normal footwear that is made on a leather or rubber sole.  Since a traditional Swedish clogs is made on a base of wood, a large part of the production process is woodwork for a wooden clog producer. While most Swedish clog producers do not make the wooden bottoms themselves there are still some clog factories that both produce wooden bottoms and do the final assembly of the clogs in-house.

Wooden clog bottom production

Producers of Swedish clogs usually buy logs directly from forest owners or wholesalers and then saw up planks in different dimensions depending on model and shoe size. Those planks are then entered into a wood kiln to dry for several weeks until the moisture level is around 12 – 15 percent. This is essential in order to get a clog bottom that will keep shape after being produced. Once the planks are dried, they will be sawn into shape depending on the size of sole and then those pieces are put into a milling machine where the bottoms and foot beds get their shape. After this stage, outsoles are attached to the wooden bottoms and then they go into a fine milling machine to get the final shape and a finer finish.

What wood can be used in the production of wooden clog bottoms?

Wood suitable for producing clogs should be hardwoods that are relatively light and remains stable after drying. It’s also important that the wood can absorb moisture well. Swedish clogs are traditionally made out of alder wood and most Swedish clog producers still prefer to work with alder. Birch and lime wood is also common in clog production. Below you can read about some of the properties of these three types of wood:

• Alderwood is part of the birch family and is generally considered light and soft for being a hardwood. It’s not very susceptible to shrinkage and importantly remains stable after drying. Alder usually grows in moist areas like next to rivers and lakes and the wood usually remains stable when used under water. One of the important properties that make alder popular among Scandinavian clog producers is that it is easy to dry and doesn’t crack easily. It’s also easy to work in machining and turning and can be nailed without the wood splitting while also being easy to glue. It’s uniform, small pore structure and relatively consistent color makes it good for sanding, painting and for staining.
• Lime wood is also known as Tilia, Linden or basswood and is a soft hardwood that can be easily worked by hand or machine. It has an even, fine pored wood structure that makes it ideal for staining, painting and varnishing. The wood is stable once dried but it is not very durable and is therefore mainly used indoors.
• Birch is also a hardwood which has a medium-weight and good strength properties, it is quite elastic and tough but not very hard. Birch is relatively easy to work with and can also be turned and cut easily. Similarly to the above wood types, it can be stained and polished which is important for clog makers. Its bending properties are good but splitting properties are unfortunately not so good.

Making of the Swedish clog upper

Any Swedish clog factory will also need skilled workers for making the leather uppers. The craftspeople will need to understand the different properties of different leathers. Padded insteps and linings are then stitched on before the clog parts enter another part of the clog production stage, nailing and lasting. Here the uppers are shaped into the three dimensional shape of the last and attached to the wooden clog bottoms with nails or staples. The clogs are then inspected and heel pads with the clog producers’ or the clog brands logo are attached to the footbed.

Swedish clog makers are continuing a traditional craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Working with natural materials takes patience and skill that is not something many factories have a lot of these days.

Fashion Tips on How to Wear Swedish Clog Sandals

When it comes to the art of clog-making, the Dutch may be said to be at the forefront. They have had fans since medieval times, but the truth is that wooden-soled shoes have been worn by people all over Europe for hundreds of years.

The Dutch all-wood “klompen” were usually made from the wood of poplar or willow trees and there are reasons why they have been preferred.

They are comfortable in both hot and cold weather, they are used as safety shoes by workers and help in keeping the feet dry in marshy areas.

The practice of Clog-dancing, seen as a forerunner to tap-dancing, led to the popularity and eventual arrival of Swedish clog sandals in the US markets in the 19th century

In the 1970’s, it was made popular by the Swedish band Abba who were clogs in a number of videos.

Need for Swedish Clog Sandals Today

Karl Lagerfeld’s collection for Chanel in 2010 put Swedish clog sandals back in the spotlight after a long time.

After this, everyone wanted a pair of these shoes.

Alexa Chung wore clogs to Chanel’s fashion show in the winter and on the cover of Vogue’s British edition of the March issue. After this, they have been popping up almost everywhere, from the high street brands to the inexpensive labels.

The reasons why Swedish clog sandals so popular was their solid build quality and their orthopedic design which made them score over the less durable and unhealthy footwear.  

Things to Look Out for in Swedish Clog Sandals

Today, Swedish clog sandals come in a number of variations. While some are slip-on with covered or uncovered toes, others are the heeled clogs.

The only consideration here is that the base must be made of wood from the front to the back, with a raised platform.

For some fashionistas, natural-hued leather clogs may be the pick of the season, but there are a number of color variations which can not only lift your spirits, but also put a spring in your step.

Which Swedish Clog Sandal Style Will Best Suit Your Body Type

Athletic Shape: You can wear any style, but the slip-ons would suit you best.

Petite Shape: Look for Swedish clog sandals which have heels and will add some inches to your height.

Curvy Shape: Clog heels would greatly accentuate your calves with any short dress that you wear.

Reasons Why Women’s Clog Sandals are Preferred as Nursing Shoes

Whenever we think about women’s clog sandals, especially nursing clog sandals, our thoughts immediately get inclined towards the growing popularity of these shoes as they are being quickly taken up by nurses, worldwide. 

Owing to their popularity and the benefits they provide, doctors and a number of medical practitioners have begun wearing them

Women’s Clog Sandals

Clog sandals for women are a type of footwear which are made from wood and are worn by people all over the world.

Conventionally, these pieces of footwear were worn by workers as protective gear that prevented them from hurting their feet. These workers were mostly the ones who worked in the fields of agriculture, factories, or mines. 

Over the past few decades, the type of materials which are used for making women’s clog sandals have undergone a tremendous change.

 

What has not changed however, is their shape which continues to remain the same, albeit a few modifications that have been made to suit everyone’s choices and preferences and to make the wearer stand out in the crowd.

Why do Nurses Prefer Women’s Clog Sandals

Nursing requires comfortable shoes as the nurses have to be on their feet, the whole day. 

Most of the people associated with the nursing industry have work shifts which typically last over twelve hours. 

In these twelve hours, the nurses are always on their toes as they have to run every few minutes, attending to patients and doing other duties which need their attention. 

In such situations, clog sandals prove to be the best recourse, and as a result, a number of hospitals have taken up clogs as their working shoes.

These hospitals have their own designs which are in tandem with the requirements of the insurance industry. 

 

Advantages of Women’s Clog Sandals

Apart from providing immense comfort, there are a number of other advantages which clog sandals provide, some of which are as follows –

• Nurses are compelled to work on different surfaces, of which, some are rather slippery. It is important that they do not slip as they carry lifesaving drugs, IV sets, and syringes. They are able to continue doing their jobs smoothly when they wear clogs.
• The soles of the clog sandals, when compared with other hard shoes, are rather soft and thus, do not leave behind any footwear marks on tiles. Shoe marks are one of the prominent reasons why floors get damaged.
• Clog sandals do not have any laces which need to be tied. All you need to do is slip your foot in and you are ready.
• They are lightweight and yet durable, because of which, they can be worn for long hours without hurting the feet

Clogs for Men- Footwear Perfection Crafted for Ultimate Comfort

The limited variety available in men’s shoes and the lack of quality shoemakers who are experts in their craft have led a lot of men to stick to just one brand and one or two types of shoes. Experimentation is not really men’s forte, especially when it comes to their footwear. Clogs for men epitomize bespoke style and classic appeal and are the perfect choice for those men who wish to get out of the monotony of the same old shoes they have been wearing since boyhood.

Made with leather, suede or Nubuck, and crafted from the wood of alder and/or lime trees, clogs represent the ideal work shoes for men and women of the past and the present. In the pre-industrial era, these humble shoes were seen on the feet of every man as well as woman. They provided unparalleled comfort and protection to the feet from external factors like harsh weather conditions, sharp objects and uneven terrain.

When it comes to bespoke shoes for men, it is common to find people making a beeline to the showrooms of high-end brands. Best quality leather imported from Germany, France or Italy, suede imported from England or Cordovan from the States are used to make such shoes and their price bracket is such that these shoes become too extravagant for the normal man.

Clogs for men have turned out to be the best alternative for their high-end bespoke counterparts.

Depending on the structure of men’s feet and the common shapes, each piece of clog shoe is precisely crafted and shaped to provide the best fit for every size. All orthopedic requirements that are generally overlooked by most shoemakers are taken care of and fulfilled in the best way by clog makers.

Men with large feet face a common problem- constricted toe boxes that are too suffocating and uncomfortable for daily wear, especially to wear to work.

Moreover, the required support for the spine as well as the arch of the feet are not provided by most men’s shoes.

These two aspects are effectively addressed by the anatomic design and shape of clogs for men.

Wooden clog shoes have larger toe boxes as compared to the other types of men’s footwear and the curved shape of the bottoms made of dehydrated alder or lime wood, coupled with the rolling motion of the wood make for a great fit and exceptional comfort, rarely experienced in men’s shoes.

Things that you didn’t know About Clog Dancing

Clog dancing, which is better known as clogging is mainly associated with stomping of the foot. It is a part of folk dancing which involves synchronization of the dancer’s feet to the sound of the music which is playing. Initially, bluegrass was one of the most sought after music pieces when it came to clog dancing. The reason why it was so popular is because dancers were comfortable with it when performing the dance steps such as foot shuffling, stomping, and tapping.

Today however clogging has undergone a radical change in which teenagers have increased the tempo and made the moves more precise.

Clogging is a Very Precise Art

At its simplest, clogging is done by double tapping the toes by making use of one of the wooden clogs at a time. These clogs can be worn both by women and men. The step is initiated with the left foot by moving the left toe to and from and making continuous tapping sounds in the process. After this, the same sounds are made with the balls of the left foot. Once this has been done, the same movements are done with the right foot. Thus, it needs to be remembered here that first, the left foot is to be used for tapping forward and backward and then the right.

The prime consideration here is to learn how not to put too much weight on the feet when performing the steps. Once that is done, you can easily try out new variations of the steps on your own. You can even try out freestyle routines once you have more flexibility in your knees and a better balance of your body. You can perform with a partner, solo or as part of a troupe. It is this very versatility of clogging using wooden clogs that attract both women and men the most.

Clogging can be Done Anywhere

The modern form of clogging does not depend on any specific location and can be performed almost anywhere, be it the cities or the villages. However, the modern form of clogging done using wooden clogs can be rather tough in the first instance. This is because it is very organized and is done in local groups and under the supervision of certified instructors. Such local groups make use of every real estate they have access to for their practice sessions. These include ballrooms, churches, civic centers, garages, gymnasiums and even schools. The members of such groups are no novices but are rather experienced and many of them including women have taken part in regional and national clogging events.

Finding the Best Wooden Clog Boots Made Easy

 

Clogs have been the in-thing for a couple of years now. The credit of bringing them back into people’s eye from being brushed under the carpet can be accorded to Chanel and Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer collection of 2010. Since then wooden clogs haven’t gone out of fashion, and from the looks of wooden clog boots, seems like they’re here to stay.

There has also been some debate about the benefits and troubles caused by Clogs. A reason as to why people face troubles with clogs is probably because they’re wearing wooden clogs that are not built for them. Therefore, finding a pair (or plenty!) wooden clog boots that suit you is crucial. So, how can you find the appropriate wooden clog boots?

Inquire what goes into Crafting Wooden Clog Boots

It’s important to get to know what all goes into the making of your footwear, especially when they’re wooden clogs.

• Know what kind of wood it’s made out of
• Ask whether they’re orthopedic
• Inquire about the type of adhesive being used
• Get to know if the wooden clogs that you’re buying have staples or nails
• Which material for clog boots is good for you – leather or suede?
• Check whether the boots are designed to be sturdy and not just stylish

Do your Clog Boots Come with a Set of Special Care Instructions?

If your wooden clog boots come with a set of special care instructions then you can breathe a sigh of relief. This means that your clog’s manufacturers care about your boots as much as you do.

Their care manual would include instruction about taking care of the wooden part of the heels, maybe how to clean it when it gets dirty. Or which material (sandpaper or cotton cloth) to clean it with.

Instructions should also cover how to take care of the upper – suede or leather – because just the wooden part of the boots is not prone to damage.

A Pair of Good Wooden Clog Boots should be Able to Live up to Certain Expectations

• The bottoms of the boots should be designed in a way that promotes even weight distribution across each foot.
• There must be an arch support and raised heels in order to support your feet and legs and reduce lower-back strain.
• Wooden heel boots should be noiseless to walk in. An ideal shoe bottom should be made of thick PU sole.

Tracing the Footprints of Traditional Wooden Clogs

Modern clogs come in multiple forms for both men and women. From high heels to low, from open heels to closed, from sandals to shoes – modern clogs are famous not only because of their diverse types, but they’re a unique set of footwear crafted with wooden soles, and these wooden clogs are extremely comfy and durable.

What many of us don’t know is that clogs are not a novel invention. They’ve been in use since time immemorial. Clogs were used as protective footwear in parts of Europe and Asia. Indeed their appearance has changed in today’s time, but the essence of traditional wooden clogs remains the same. Let’s trace the footprints of wooden clogs from all around the world:

Træsko from Denmark

The oldest traces of clogs in Denmark are found in lime paintings that date back to 1100. Therefore, we can assume that medieval people wore clogs as a part of their attire. It was also a commonly used by peasants as protective footwear.

Clogs from the Netherlands (Klomp)

Traditional clogs from the Netherlands were entirely made of wood and covered the whole feet. They are still manufactured (approximately three million pairs a year) and sold throughout the country. A large part of the klompen are bought as travel souvenirs. Some Dutch market gardeners and farmers still wear traditional wooden clogs for their primary purpose – protection of feet.

An interesting fact about Dutch clogs being manufactured today is that they’ve been officially accredited with the CE mark as safety shoes.

Clogs from the United Kingdom

The earliest use of wooden footwear in the UK can be traced back to the Roman times (possibly prior to that). People who were too poor to afford proper shoes supposedly wore wood (directly against the skin) – the clog seems to have found its birth in the UK, partly made of wood (at the bottom) and partly with leather (at the top).

With the eruption of Industrial Revolution, the use of clogs became more apparent in the Britain, as industrial workers required strong as well as cheap footwear. Men wore laced clogs and women wore clasped clogs. This was the heyday of traditional clogs in Britain, though they were associated particularly with Lancashire.

Forms of Dance Associated with Traditional Clogs

• A Northern English step dance.
• A Dutch style of dance known as Klompendansen.
• A form of English folk dance known as Morris dance is sometimes performed wearing clogs.

Swedish Wooden Clogs as a Fashion Accessory for Men and Women

Clogs have been in and out of fashion since the 70’s. Made mostly from wood, the use of clogs dates back to the 1940’s when they were used by peasants, laborers and factory workers who used to work in wet and harsh conditions. These sandals became popular with labor folk since they kept the feet dry. As they were made of wood completely, they didn’t get soiled from dampness as leather did.

Later, clogs found themselves a place in fashion with hippies. Clogs were worn during dancing and became very popular in the Victorian era among the working class. The hard wooden soles allowed the dancer to create a rhythm by tapping against the cobbled streets with their heels and toes.

Evolution of Wooden Clogs

Clogs have evolved as a stylish fashion accessory post the 1960’s and were worn not only by women but also by the males. Men for the first time started wearing shoes (clogs) without socks. Though clunky and heavy, it became an instant hit with men. Clogs became vastly popular with both the sexes when the Swedish-styled clogs hit the market. They were made with different materials and colors but retained the wooden sole.

During the 80’s and 90’s, clogs dominated the footwear market. New materials such as leather, rubber, fur, wool were used to make the clogs more fashionable and comfortable. Clogs also came out in various designs ranging from platform clogs to high heel clogs. They were also available in the strap or strapless options.

Types of wooden clogs

Wooden clogs are generally made up of three kinds of wood-European willow, tulip poplar, and yellow poplar. Clogs are crafted entirely by hand by specialized artisans. Let’s have a look at the different types of wooden clogs:

Wooden Upper Clogs

These shoes are usually made by scooping out the wood to make a hollow and combine the upper and lower portions. The two variants are:

• Whole foot clogs: They cover the whole foot and are usually worn as a protective gear for the feet.
• Half open clogs: In these shoes, the covering is just over the toes or slightly further up the toes. They come with leather straps.

Wooden-soled Clogs

These clogs use wood only for manufacturing the soles. They come with different uppers like:

• Complete uppers: These clogs have their uppers covered completely with leather or similar type of materials. For protection, they have steel toe caps.
• Open clogs: These clogs usually resemble the Japanese traditional footwear "geta" and look like flip-flops. They have an elevated wooden base and hold the feet with a fabric thong on the upper side.

Clogs have become popular with the nursing fraternity since they provide better support and keep knee, foot, ankle and back pain at bay. Some clogs are highly fashionable like the Swedish wooden clogs, but provide little comfort to the wearer. Clogs have become a fashion accessory but if they don’t provide good comfort, then it’s only a matter of time when they will be thrown out of the fashion limelight by stilettos or espadrilles or boots.

How popular were wooden clog sandals in the early 20th century?

Wooden clogs were vastly popular among the peasant folk throughout Europe in the 20^th century and were worn to provide protection and comfort to the feet. Though considered a footwear for the labor class, wooden clog sandals came of age and became a fashion accessory towards the end of the 20^th century.

 

These wooden clog sandals had their roots in Holland and eventually spread into France, England and Scandinavia. During the time of Industrial revolution, clogs became the most preferred shoe for workers. The all-wooden shoe was manufactured from a single block of wood and were called by different names in different countries. In Netherlands, they were called Klomp, in Germany, Klompen and in France, Sabots. The Dutch clogs were made entirely of wood whereas the French clogs were made of wood and leather.

 

Wooden clog sandals were popular among both male and female peasants since they provided warmth and protection. Wooden clogs kept the feet in good stead and so were worn by miners, agricultural workers and construction workers. The clogs protected the feet of agricultural workers from mud and from injury caused by sharp tools used in the field. Farmers used to wear specially decorated clogs to attend church on Sundays and also on holidays.

The working clogs were just simple ones and devoid of decoration. However, clogs which were worn to church or to weddings were painted and carried embellishments on them. Red, black and yellow were the only colors used on the clogs. The wooden clogs also didn’t carry any decoration but to make them look a bit fancy and give a leathery feel, the upper portion featured laces and lace holes.

Wooden clog sandals are made from three types of wood- European willow, yellow poplar and tulip poplar. These woods are hard and resistant to water. After the tree is felled, the wood is cut and made into clogs. No other material is used to manufacture these shoes. Wooden clogs were traditionally made entirely out of hand by specialized artisans though nowadays the shoes are carved by machine.

A clog is made from a single block of wood. The logs are first debarked and sawed into rectangular blocks. Then a machine called shaper, shapes the exterior of the wood into a shoe by rotating its two blanks in opposite directions which help in carving a left shoe and a right one simultaneously. The interior is then carved by a boring machine which scoops out the wood blocks according to the required dimensions.

Next, the shoes are placed in a refiner which trims and chisels any excess wood to give the shoes a smooth finish. The shoes are then left to dry for three to five weeks. After the shoes are completely dry, the clog worker sands them inside out. The clogs are now ready to wear.

Dutch Women and Their Clog Sandals

When we think Dutch, there are two things that come to our minds-windmills and Clogs sandals. People who have been to Netherlands will agree they haven’t seen people in clogs frequently in the streets. Clogs have now vanished from the fashion scene and only those people wear clogs who have a close affinity to them.

But this fact actually holds true for people who haven’t been to the rural areas. Anyone who has been to countryside in Holland will agree that almost every soul who stays there walks around in clog sandals or boots. This is safe option for anyone who wants to walk around on swampy grounds without slipping. Moreover, Dutch clogs are even actually certified by the European Union as a safety shoe because they can withstand sharp and heavy objects as well as concentrated acids.

This was one of the prime reasons why Clog was invented in the first place for mine workers. The idea was to keep the feet protected from the sharp objects, give a good grip to the foot while walking in the mines and provide durable shoes that did not wear off easily. Eventually women started wearing clog sandals and other footwear items that were made alongside the same pattern as clogs.

Skilled artisans know how to make clogs which are as durable and comfortable as handcrafted clogs. The wood for the soles of these clogs had to be selected carefully so as to avoid them chipping off. The leather uppers were shaped and attached in such a manner that the toes were comfortably settled in and gave enough room for them to breathe despite being inside the enclosed space for a long span of time.

The clog sandals for women are also made on the same line. This footwear has been widely accepted by women all over the world and they are made keeping in mind the trends in the footwear industry. Traditional Dutch clogs had other purposes.

In the 19th century, it was a tradition for a fiance to present his future bride with a pair of long pointed wooden shoes made with the utmost love on Christmas Eve. It was a pleasant surprise for every Cinderella who ever dreamt of her traditional wedding and a husband who vowed to love her for the rest of his wife.

Do Men Have A Thing For Clogs?

Do men care about fashion? Do the ever-changing fashion trends influence men? Well, not really. Men do care about their appearances greatly, but they don’t have that yen for fashion, let alone shopping like women. Men always had minimal interest about fashion. But, of late, things are looking up.

Men are becoming fashion-conscious like women and are increasingly getting aware about the latest trends in clothing and footwear. Earlier men were content with one particular style of footwear. They used to wear the same pair of shoes to office as well as to a dinner outing. However, times have changed and men now don’t hesitate experimenting different types of shoes with their outfits.

Footwear for men have undergone a dramatic change over the past decade. Newer styles have cropped up of late to keep up with the transition in fashion trends. Men have strutted the streets in boots, oxfords, sandals and loafers.

 

But one footwear which have earned a top place in the list of men’s footwear are clogs. Clogs, especially Swedish clogs for men have gained rapid currency among fashion-conscious men owing to their comfort. Though these shoes are made of wood, they are a breeze to walk in.

 

Swedish clogs took off in the 70’s and were a popular footwear for the labor masses. Since they were robust and durable and protected the feet from harsh elements, they were an instant choice. Most clogs then were made entirely of wood, but there were some which came with tough leather uppers.

After disappearing from the footwear shelves, clogs made a comeback into the fashion scene in the late 2000s with tremendous changes. Though the basic design stood the test of time, the clogs come with premium leather uppers and high quality wooden soles. From a common footwear of the 70’s, these clogs have become a fashion item for men.

Clogs for men come in a myriad of designs and colors so that men can make a style statement with every outfit, be it a suit or a casual wear. These shoes are designed keeping in mind the latest fashion trends. As mentioned earlier, clogs for men have a supportive foot bed and have a curvature which keeps the feet in its place and provides comfort to the feet even after standing in it for extensive hours.

Clogs for men provide ample toe room and do not constrict the toes which keep the feet relaxed for long. Clogs for men come in suede and cowhide leather uppers. The leather used is durable and can withstand wear and tear even if used regularly.

CLOGS BOOTS FOR WOMEN. FROM SWEDEN WITH LOVE

 Sweden is a place that many people appreciate due to its beautiful landscapes, medieval architecture, and famous design. Beautiful coasts, distinctive buildings with a feeling that you are always in the countryside give a perfect setting for the outfit that includes unique Scandinavian shoes – clogs.

Clogs have been among us for centuries, but it was not until recently that they became a fashion statement, popular among women globally. 

Swedish clog boots are well known for their meticulous craftsmanship and distinctive Nordic design.  Comfortable, reliable, breathable shoes that can adapt to any climate and occasion, wooden clog boots are go-to women’s boots all year round. 

Swedish clog boots have been made by hand for decades, and the process is the same even today. You’ll find many clog designs, and a variety of materials on the market out there. Both webshops and stores offer different styles, but what is common fo all of them is their characteristic wooden bottom.

The type of wood traditionally used for clog bottoms is alderwood, but cobblers sometimes use lime and brisk as well. These woods are known for their natural ability to absorb moisture and have the antibacterial characteristic that make them ideal for maintaining a healthy foot climate. Alderwood, combined with different types of leathers such as waxy, vegan, nubuck, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, suede, or patent leather and details such zippers, metallic buckles, laces, or decorative stitches make clogs boots for women a real statement shoes.  

There are plenty of clog boot models you can add to your wardrobe. Swedish brands offer a variety of styles such as worm shearling clog boots for women, more stylish women’s clog boots on a mid and high heel, or practical clog boots with laces for daily use. All of them are still stitched and stapled by hand in small workshops. 

During the past decades, Swedish wooden clog boots proved to be both practical and ergonomic. Besides the fact they soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces, they also provide even support across the foot and lower back. Indeed, they are not always flashy,  but their leather upper is natural and soft, and their comfy wooden bottoms (usually with an added layer of Grip-tech PU) are a treat to walk on.

It’s not difficult to take care of your Swedish clog boots. The main rule is: If the wooden bottoms absorb too much water, allow boots to dry slowly at room temperature. Wipe them clean and do not try to heat the clogs, or to speed up the drying process as that could cause the wood to crack.

On the other hand, leather care depends on the type of leather the clogs boots are made with. There are many cleaning products and creams on the market, and it’s best to ask for advice in shoe repair shops. Be careful when you use the product for the first time. Always test it on a small hidden part of your new boot clogs.

Follow these simple rules, and you’ll enjoy your Swedish wooden boots for women with many outfits and materials. Trousers, sweaters, shirts, skirts, denim, cotton, wool – this Swedish classic blend unique design with excellent materials and the best traditional craftsmanship. Get ready for the new season in original, wooden clog boots from Sweden!

Why You Should Incorporate Clogs Into Your Daily Fashion?

The love-affair women have with clogs have been the talking point for more than a decade now. The grace and daintiness clogs bring to a woman’s feet is something women find too hard to resist. Every woman loves to walk with an air of confidence and a good pair of shoes can give her that kick of self-belief. Clogs have given women the licence to flaunt their style and personality with aplomb. It’s good to see women stomping around in clogs not caring what other people think. Clogs have made walking a little more fun.

Shoes create a big impact on our physical appearance and also on our psychology. When we put on the right shoes, we feel different. We feel physically transformed. Wearing the correct shoes accentuates your dress and complete your look as a whole. TV shows such as ‘Sex and the City’ and fashionista celebrities are the reason why the cult for fashionable and expensive shoes have developed over the years.

Clogs have burst into the fashion scene at the opportune moment when the demand for fashionable shoes had shot up. A perfect accessory for the hip and fashionable women folk, clogs speak up much more than other shoes. The clumsy, humble shoe of the yesteryears reformed itself into a glitzy fashionable avatar and took the fashion statement to the next level.

Wearing clogs is fun and extremely comfortable. The moment you slip your feet into a clog, you will feel as if your spine clicked into its place. The arch-bed and the insole design of wooden clogs supports your entire feet and provides you excellent comfort. The shoes are ergonomically designed for those who have to stand or walk around the whole day. The uppers are made of genuine high-quality leather. Genuine leather is not only breathable but also adjusts itself to the shape of the feet.

Clogs come in cheerful designs and bright colors which is enough to put a smile on the face of the wearer. One of the best things about clogs is that you can wear them with any outfit. Clogs are the only shoes in the shoe fraternity which carry such a trait. Boot cut jeans with a slim top and a scarf can look beautiful with cherry red or black clogs. Similarly, a maxi skirt with a loose sweater and high heel clogs will look amazing. With such funky designs and awesome color choices, you can walk around in clogs whole day with a proud gait and never feel the pangs of weariness.