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.