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.

How Clogs Have Sealed A Place In Every Woman’s Heart?

The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art-Leonardo da Vinci. To keep this masterpiece in good stead you need to wear a pair which goes well with your feet and provide the protection it deserves. Truth be told, women don’t care about the right shoe for their feet. What they crave for is the right style which will bring a dash of oomph to their feet. They will not hesitate walking in towering heels which can give them a backache and cause their feet to cry out in pain. They will love to appear flirtier than go for one which adds comfort to their feet. Why? Because, shoes which are practical and ensure a bit of comfort for your feet are dull and boring and don’t strike the right chord with fashionista women.

Women of today prefer shoes that oozes sex appeal and look beautiful on their feet at any time of the day, in any season or for any occasion. Whether it’s a sleek dangerous-looking stiletto or a low cute kitten heel, if it feeds the need of a woman to look good and caters to her taste, she will not resist buying them even if she sprains her ankle walking in them.

And then came clogs. It created a furore among other shoes. Stilettos, wedges, ballerinas, all felt ‘insecure’. The aesthetically appealing design of clogs blended with comfort took the wind away from their sails and became an instant attraction for women. Fashion-crazy women, tired of the same stuff enjoyed buying these new shoes with designs that added glamour to their ensemble. Clogs arrived as a breath of fresh air and stole the heart of every elite and fashionista women.

From a footwear of the downtrodden in the 70s, clogs rose up to the occasion (after being in the dumps post their heydays) and became the apple of the eye in fashion parades of elite brands like Gucci. And from then, there was no looking back. With newer designs pouring out after their grand debut, clogs held the attention of women and left them wanting for more. The orthopaedic design of clogs puts less pressure on your ankles and allows your toes to wriggle freely. You will lose track of time but still won’t feel an iota of discomfort, let alone pain in your feet. The bottom of the shoe is shaped in an upward curve to form an arch which gives added comfort to the feet. It is because of these factors that the popularity of clogs have reached such greater heights in the fashion spectrum and will continue to be in the top in the years to come.

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!