Wooden Swedish clogs. The ultimate choice of professionals worldwide.

For centuries wooden shoes have been in high demand among farmers, fishermen, factory workers, and artisans to protect their feet from nails, fishing hooks, and sharp implements on boats, docks, and in muddy fields. These days, we see quite similar footwear in hospitals, ambulances, restaurants, and workshops worldwide. Clog and work have a long history together, and it seems that wooden soles are must-have for all those who spend long work hours on their feet.

A clog is a type of footwear made in part or completely from wood. Clogs are used globally and although the form may vary locally by culture, their popularity remained unchanged for centuries. Twentieth-century, however, saw the rise of popularity of (still the most popular) iconic Swedish wooden clogs, also known as toffels.

As mentioned, craftsmen, professional chefs, and healthcare professionals spend too many hours on their feet, which makes their work extremely physically demanding. That’s why wearing comfortable, anatomically shaped footwear is essential to prevent the foot and back pain that is inevitable in their work environment. And this is where wooden work clogs come in.

But how and why wooden Swedish clogs professionals became the recognizable footwear of hard-working people worldwide? There are several reasons and a few more benefits which make wooden clogs the most favorite shoes of all kind of professionals.  

1. Clogs provide lower-back support and make one stand up straight

Wooden bottoms and anatomically shaped footbed of professional clogs minimize stress throughout the lower back and provide a wearer with a good amount of protection. Made on both wooden and PU soles, work clogs have been used by professionals for decades.

2. Wooden soles are orthopedically designed to fit the shape of the feet.

The footbeds of unisex work clogs have been developed over the years to even weight distribution across the foot, providing an optimal angle for support and posture. Traditionally made in alderwood, known for its natural antibacterial foot climate and great moist absorption, footbeds of Swedish wooden clogs provide safe and healthy footwear for chefs, nurses, hairstylists, and many other professionals.

3. Good clogs are slip-resistant

Since it’s crucial for work clogs to be anti-static and slip-resistant, clogs for professionals are usually made with a thick layer of PU or rubber, materials that provide both comfort and stability, important in the work environment. 

4. Traditional clogs are made from the best natural materials

Traditional Swedish unisex work clogs are made from natural, breathable materials, usually leather and wood. On the inside, clogs can either be unlined or come with a soft leather lining that helps with absorb moisture and prevent foot odor. Contemporary options include vegan leather as well, made in an eco-friendly microfiber.

5. They protect feet from sharp objects and hot liquids

No matter if you prefer open or closed-back clogs, for someone who works in an environment that includes sharp objects or hot staff, footwear must provide additional protection. That's why there is a special type of professional clogs equipped with steel toes to prevent from injuring themselves especially popular among chefs whose kitchens are filled with knives, heavy machines, and slippery or hot surfaces.

6. Clogs are fashion statement shoes

And finally, the clogs are very cool. Professional wooden clogs come in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors. Whether you choose an open back or closed back model, you won’t regret it. Choose from a variety of professional work clogs on the market and find out why they are loved by chefs, doctors, and all those who spend long hours making our lives better.

WHY CHOOSE SHEARLING CLOG BOOTS?

Over a century ago, Swedish cobblers began to make a special type of wooden shoes commonly known as clogs, as a protection against sharp and often cold Nordic weather. Term ‘clog’ refers to any type of shoe with a wooden sole. Traditionally used by farmers, laborers, and peasants as safe and practical footwear, wooden clogs have been known in many cultures for centuries (Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, Sweden, just to mention a few). However, during the 1970s with a rise of healthy lifestyle trends Swedish wooden clogs or “trätofflor” became popular worldwide. Since then, many types of Swedish wooden clogs have been made, and clog boots are just one of many styles you’ll find in contemporary clog shops. 

Heel boots, classic clog boots, with or without laces, Swedish clog boots have found their customers among both men and women of all ages. Because of natural materials (leather and wood) that allow the foot to breathe, clog boots are suitable for several seasons and they can fit many different styles. However, if you are looking for extra warm winter boots, shearling clog boots are maybe just the right thing for you. 

Shearling is a skin from a recently shorn sheep or lamb that has been tanned and dressed in the wool left on. It is a very warm and soft material that breathes and insulates naturally. In the clog making process, it is used as a warm lining for both clog boots and classic open-back clogs. In combination with an upper made in shiny, pull up or suede leather, clog boots lined with shearling are durable and precious winter shoes that are very suitable for cold winter days.

How those winter clogs are made? Clog crafting is a complicated skill that takes years to master. It took a few decades of experimenting and improving design and techniques until the Swedish cobblers came out with comfortable, durable clog boots. The process starts with making the distinctive wooden clog bottoms. The logs are sawn up into different dimensions depending on the model and size of the wooden bottom to be produced. After the drying, planks are cut up to different lengths according to the size of the bottom. The unique clog bottom with its raised heel and arch support is formed during the milling phase. When milling is done, the wood and the outsole are carefully pressed together. After clicking the upper leather, linings are attached and stitched together with the upper. Once they are carefully checked, wooden clog boots can enter the dying room. Once dry, clogs are put to cool down before cobbler removes the last.

Swedish clogs are praised for their anatomically shaped wooden bottoms, that proved both practical and healthy for the lower back and overall posture of the body. Experts say that wooden bottoms soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide even support across the entire foot. That’s why many medical workers, chefs, and professionals who spend many working hours on their feet embraced the traditional Scandinavian clogs as their favorite work shoes.

Practical footwear, but at the same time symbol of one’s authentic style, clog boots are the choice of people who look for quality and comfort. Keep your shearling clog boots dry, and in case they get wet do not leave them near the heater, but let them dry in a ventilated room. Also, avoid leaving your shearling boots in the direct sun, and if you want to use some care product (impregnation spray or cream), ask in your shoe repair shop for the advice. Follow those simple rules, and enjoy the winter in Swedish style!