Wooden Heels- Some Things Never Go Out Of Fashion

Dire and amusing – that’s how I always define my footwear statement. Women are always conscious while picking up a pair of shoes which will embrace their delicate and elegant feet throughout the day. But sometimes we are so much engrossed in treading in the heels of fashion, we hardly realize the pain and discomfort our body is bearing due to these alluring high heels. But it’s hard to resist gorgeous pair of heels, even if you know that these will spike up the back and knee pain. How come you compromise fashion for health – it’s always a tough call for fashionistas. 

I believe this confusion was sorted out when in Prada’s spring collection (in September this year), clogs were shown the light of the day. Yes the ugly – pretty shoes are back in fashion limelight! (Have I mentioned Kate Moss’s stunning modern Bohemia look tagged on with leather brown clogs?) To add a cherry on the top, Clogs for Women are found to be helpful in alleviating back pain and strained legs and these wooden soul shoes have got the nod from the American Podiatric Medical Association too.  All I am trying to say is ill-fitted footwear are not only makes a bad fashion statement but doesn’t do any good to our bodies.

Believe you me, it’s not a render the teaching type of blog, I have been wearing clogs from months and my spine never felt that good in years! It’s no more about fashion statement actually, it’s about feeling comfortable and walking straight without falling apart from the fashion tree.

You can always complement your dress of the day with stylish clogs. For example you can – 

•       Pair them with slim fit blue denims and stylish white blouse
•      Complement your Beige or Irish chocolate colored knee length skirt with daintier clogs
•       Pair clog sandals with any casual wear
•       Wear them with your sexy beach wear

Most people will always be standing in your way to give their one-in-million kind of precious fashion advice whenever you are spotted in clogs.so here is my fashion tip - Instead of paying any heed to some illogical fashion advice, get a pair of slouchy and comfortable clogs.

A few reasons why Swedish clogs might be a new favorite vegan shoes

 If you consider yourself a true vegan, you probably abstain from using any animal-based products, from as many as possible areas of your life. Vegan philosophy, and vegan fashion, in particular, have become an important part of the fast-growing segment of vegans’ lifestyle. Recent data shows that over the next decade, at least 1 in 10 people will become vegan, meaning we’ll see much more animal-free food, vegan shoes, clothes, and other vegan products on markets worldwide. Sweden, known for its all-natural-healthy-and-design-oriented culture, is responding to this trend by introducing its traditional wooden footwear, known as a clog, this time in a vegan-friendly edition.  And if you wonder why vegans should choose to wear Swedish clogs, there are a few reasons why.

New vegan shoes on the market

Finding nicely designed and good quality vegan footwear is a common issue for most of the vegan and vegetarian population. A few years ago, Swedish clog brands recognized this need and started to make the first vegan clog collections. Practical and comfortable, Swedish wooden vegan clogs soon become the choice of many vegans worldwide. Made in the best Swedish clog tradition, vegan clogs contain no animal products so it’s no surprise that the number of vegan clog collections is on the rise as much as the vegan movement.

Swedish vegan clogs are natural and eco-friendly

Thanks to advances in technology, synthetic materials became breathable, soft on the inside, and waterproof on the outside. Synthetic materials such as certified eco-friendly microfiber replaced traditional materials such as leather and wool. On the other hand, one thing that remained constant is the natural wooden sole. The anatomically shaped wooden sole is still the most important part of every Swedish clog (although you’ll often see an additional layer of PU, added for increased comfort and stability). Also, many Swedish brands are small, family-owned companies that source materials from European suppliers, meaning less transport and therefore a lower carbon footprint.

Wooden clogs are healthy for your back

Like already mentioned, the most important part of every shoe known as a clog is its wooden sole. Made with special attention to the anatomically constructed footbed, it provides an optimal angle for the posture of the body. A commonly used type of wood is Alderwood, known for its natural antibacterial characteristics and capacity to absorb external moisture. Because of those qualities, Swedish clogs are very popular among medical and culinary professionals and all those who spend long working hours on their feet.

Easy to wear and easy to take care of

Thanks to their popularity, these days you’ll find many vegan clog styles such as boots, sandals, heel clogs, work clogs, both in online shops and traditional ones. Made in various colors and styles, these animal-free clogs reflect all Swedish design principles: simplicity, comfortability, and durability. With a unique connection between nature and people, vegan clogs feel comfortable to walk and easy to wear with almost everything. What this means is that you can wear your handmade vegan clogs with jeans, pants skirts, sweaters, dresses, coats; with or without socks, indoor and outdoor, etc. The best part about the Swedish wooden clogs is that they are in most cases customizable and are available in sizes for both women and men. How to take care of your Swedish vegan clogs? Usually, it’s enough to use a damp cloth and wipe the dirt. And if your vegan clogs get wet, it’s important to allow the wooden bottoms to dry in the shade at a normal temperature. And that’s all folks.

Five reasons why kitchen chefs should wear wooden clogs

 For professional cooks and chefs, a pair of comfortable shoes is as essential as a good knife. With shifts up to 14 hours a day, kitchen professionals are usually on their feet most of the day. Also, the kitchen environment can be a dangerous place to work.

To prevent accidents and health issues, chefs need to wear shoes that will keep them comfortable and safe. That’s why kitchen clogs and safety clogs have their reputations as all-time kitchen classics. Here are the five (among much more) reasons why the kitchen & clog story is a story with a happy end.  

Kitchen Clogs are Comfortable

Chef clogs are designed to provide maximum comfort and traction on kitchen floors. The uppers of kitchen clogs are made from healthy, natural materials such as leather (although there are many other options, like rubber, microfiber, felt). For making a footbed, Swedish cobblers traditionally use Alderwood or lime wood, types of wood known for their natural antibacterial characteristic and excellent moist absorption. Many work clogs have an added layer of Grip-tech PU on their sole to provide additional comfort and slip resistance. The two most popular kitchen clog styles are classical Swedish open back clogs and practical closed-back clogs.

Clogs are good for your back

Professional clogs are designed to provide foot support for long periods and prevent blisters and other foot irritation. Anatomically shaped footbeds give support and even weight distribution across the foot, providing an optimal angle for support and posture. On the other hand, padding guarantees extra stability and prevents slipping on the kitchen floor. Easy to slip on and off, they are also super practical shoes for the whole kitchen staff.

Clogs are safe

Among many Swedish clog styles, you’ll find collections of work clog equipped with steel toe and slip-resistant bottom to prevent chefs from injuring themselves in an often challenging kitchen environment. With sharp knives, heavy machines, ovens, hot liquids, and slippery surfaces, a moment of inattention could result in severe injuries. Although a pair of shoes could not save you in every situation, no doubt it can provide some protection.

Clogs are made from natural materials

In Sweden, the birthplace of wooden clogs, the tradition of making kitchen clogs is very long. Wooden clogs, also known as toffels in southern Sweden, have been manufactured in wood and leather for over 100 years. It is not clear why cobblers began to make shoes out of wood, but it was probably because the wood protected against the often unpleasant Swedish weather.  During the 60s and 70s, with the rise of popularity of clogs, many clog factories and workshops were built in southern Sweden. Practicality, functionality, and the high quality of the final product make Swedish clogs one of the most popular kitchen shoes.

Clogs are made to last

Swedish clogs are often made in small family-owned factories from natural and eco-conscious materials. From expertly handcrafted professional clogs to more fashionable sandals, boots, and heel-clogs, Swedish clogs are available in different styles suitable for professional and everyday use. All of them are still made by hand, from their wooden bottoms to the last nail. Redesigned and adjusted to meet pros demands in terms of comfort and stability, kitchen clogs are here to stay.

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.

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.

Vegan clogs are coming!

“The doctrine of living without exploiting animals” also known as veganism is one’s choice to abstain from using any animal-based products. Besides the most common ‘dietary vegans‘ who avoid animal-derived products such as meat, eggs, and dairy products from their diet, the other type, the ‘lifestyle vegans’ or ‘ethical vegans’ extend the vegan philosophy into as many as possible areas of their lives. Vegan fashion, in particular, has become an important part of the fast-growing segment of vegans’ lifestyle which allows them to showcase their values that they stand for. And that’s where vegan clogs step into the story.

Finding a practical, nicely designed, good quality vegan shoe is a common issue for 8% of the world population who declare themselves as vegans, vegetarians, or some related category. That’s why practical and comfortable wooden Swedish clogs in vegan leather have become the choice of many vegetarians and vegans. Regardless of their type, style, price, or some other classification criteria, the number of vegan-friendly clogs is on the rise as much as pro-veganism movements worldwide.

A few years ago, small Swedish brands recognized this trend and started to introduce their animal-free clog collections. Made in the best Swedish clog tradition, vegan clogs contain no animal products or any products tested on animals. Traditional materials such as leather and wool have been replaced by vegan-friendly, 100%, synthetic materials such as a certified microfiber (Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 class I) that complies with REACH. Advances in technology have allowed synthetic materials to be breathable, soft on the inside, and waterproof on the outside. Also, these days you’ll more styling options and increased comfort of animal-free clogs. For example, if you are looking for women's clogs in vegan leather, there are plenty of more fashionable options – heel clogs, clog sandals, clog boots, heel clog boots, all made in various colors and styles. And the most important, you can be sure that contemporary women's clogs in vegan leather meet all needs in terms of design and comfortability.

When it comes to wooden clogs bottoms, they are still meticulously crafted with special attention to the anatomically constructed footbed that provides an optimal angle for support and posture of the body. A commonly used type of wood is alderwood (sometimes lime, poplar, and birch, as well) known for its natural antibacterial characteristics and capacity to absorb external moisture. Swedish clog enthusiasts even claim that wooden clogs are warm in winter and cool in summer. Although an additional layer of thick outsole is often added for increased comfort and stability, the anatomically shaped wooden sole is still the most important part of every shoe known as a clog. Because of this, Swedish clogs are especially popular among doctors, nurses, chefs, and all professionals who spend long working hours on their feet.

How to take care of your wooden vegan clogs? The recommendation is to use a damp cloth and wipe the dirt. Allow the wooden bottoms to dry in the shade at a normal temperature. If wet cloth is not enough, try using a little soap, but always be careful - wood is a living material and must be handled with love.

We see significant pro-veganism movements and growth worldwide. Recent data shows that over the next ten years, at least 1 in 10 people will become vegan, meaning much more vegan customers that will look for footwear that can meet their daily needs. That’s why these are critical times that shape the fashion industry and define our perception of fashion. Times in which we will see the rise of vegan materials and hopefully, more animal-free clogs.

SHOE FASHION FORWARD: MEN’S CLOGS

For more than a century, Swedish clogs have been well-known for their comfort, support, and unique craftsmanship. Some of the models have been in production for decades, gaining loyal customers worldwide. Unique craftsmanship, as well as lasting and nailing machinery and techniques that have been developed through generations of Swedish shoemakers, ensure ultimate fit and shape retention as well as the distinctive Swedish clog look.

Traditionally, wooden clogs were worn by both sexes, in Sweden, as well in other parts of Europe.  However, it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that it became acceptable for men to wear clogs in more formal settings. What used to be considered a novelty and avant-garde, is now a social norm. Men wearing wooden clogs are far more commonplace these days.

Men’s clogs come in a variety of different styles and shapes. Traditionally, Swedish clogs are made in natural leather and wood, but you’ll find styles in canvas or vegan leather, too. The variety of prints and details can be overwhelmingly large, ensuring that everyone finds something he likes. For those who prefer the traditional look and want to focus on comfort and quality, some of the classic Swedish clog models are probably the best option.

Wooden clogs are very comfortable and can be easily worn both in and out of the house. They have a relaxed slip-on fit and wooden sole that provides support for feet and ankles. Traditional Swedish clogs have streamlined shape, anatomically shaped sole, and minimal details. The most recognizable part of clogs is their natural wooden sole. The footbeds of Swedish 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, a type of wood known for its natural antibacterial foot climate and great moist absorption, wooden footbeds provide a safe and healthy solution for one’s feet. Because of this, wooden clogs are especially popular among doctors, nurses, chefs, and all professionals who spend long working hours on their feet.

Because men’s clogs are inherently casual, it’s best to choose clothes that will stay in the same lane. Try them with wide or straight fit pants paired with interesting printed socks and a simple minimalistic shirt, and you are ready for brunch, coffee with friends, or picnic. These days, clogs are becoming more popular as casual office footwear as well.

Taking care of wooden clogs is one of their biggest benefits. The most important thing to remember is If the wooden bottoms get wet allow them to dry slowly. Wipe clogs clean and leave them in a dry place at room temperature. Do not try to speed up the drying process by heating as that could cause the wood to crack. Taking care of leather upper depends on the type of leather your Swedish clogs are made of (nubuck, waxy, suede, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, etc.). There are many cleaning products and creams on the market, and it’s best to ask for advice in shoe repair shops. When you try the new product always test it on a small hidden part of men’s clogs.

Men’s clogs may not be a new trend, but the style can still be confusing for some men. But those who can pull it off know there are many benefits, including comfortability, easy on and off, and many materials and styles. Classic clogs, boots, sandals, closed-back clogs, work clogs - when it comes to Swedish wooden clogs, the varieties are almost endless.

Got an ill-fitted Sandal? We Have the Solution for You!

Your favorite pair of clog sandals that you bought last week are not fitting like they did at the store? Do not worry, we have a solution for you. At the first place, an ill-fitted pair must not be bought. But then, it is also an undeniable fact that they somehow sneak into our wardrobes. For instance, they were a gift or they were perfect fit in the first time, for the first few days they were an ideal footwear or simply because they were a shot-in-dark. Whatever be the reason, it is heartbreaking to find that they are not comfortable may be because they are too tight or too loose. In case if you cannot return or have started to use them for few days, relax. We have brought some of the most widely used solutions for tackling issues related to size.

If sandals are too tight

It happens in the case when you have bought a pair of sandals in sale, say a sale of women clog sandals. There, seeing the cheesy discounts, we sometimes get astounded and just buy without paying much attention to other factors like comfort or size. But, if the sandals are too tight, they can be stretched. You can easily find a lot of shoe stretching tools in the market. Also, you can also get someone to do this job for you. It will take a week for the professional cobbler to get the sandal fit into your feet. The third option is that you can reserve it for winter use. That is the time when the feet shrinks a bit, so may be that time you can rock those pair of clog sandals.

If sandals are too loose

Same as the case with small size, it can also happen that sandals get too loose after few days of wearing them. In such a situation, the feet may get blisters due to recurrent sliding out of feet in loose sandals. However, there are ways to get them in perfect fit. Firstly, the straps in sandals itself is a great option to let them fit into the size of your feet. In case that does not works out, you can also get them altered according to your size. But, it is highly recommended that you must opt for a professional cobbler who can help you just right with it. Finally, in case your sandals have some sort of heel, then you can go for heel grips.

If Sandals prick your feet

Then, the best solution that can save you from pricking sensation in your feet is moleskin. They prevent the feet from blisters and add to the comfort of the wearer.

The Gift from Sweden That Proved To Be a Boon for Me

When my fiancé returned from Sweden work trip with a gift for me, I was eager to see how well he could surprise me. He knew that I was a footwear fanatic and this information as enough for him to pounce on buying the best pair of clogs for women that were tailor-made to my size. He handpicked the quality of wooden sole and the leather uppers that would go with the white dress that he bought for me on his way back.

Even though I was not a big fan of the clogs that I had seen in our country, I wanted to try out the Swedish wooden clogs. It was a Cinderella moment for me when he opened the shoe box and got down on his knees to make me try the clogs that he had carefully chosen for me. I could feel the anticipation in his eyes and the fact that his eyes were trying to look for approval in mine. At first, I felt a bit uncomfortable in wearing wooden soles, given the fact that they are not the natural choice for the shoe’s soles, but after a while, I got used to it, and by the time the evening ended, I completely fell in love with my gift from Sweden. 

I had not given much attention to this category of footwear before this, but once I retired in my room, I had this itch of looking at how these shoes came into existence and why are they the not so popular choice amidst the fashion fanatics. I learned that these were primarily the peasant shoes that made them unpopular with women when they were re-introduced. However, many brands had reworked on the way these shoes were perceived, and now it was a common choice for celebrities. I even observed that my clogs could easily be paired up with almost every outfit I had in my wardrobe and that was a rare existence for the footwear section. I thanked my fiancé for introducing me to the most loved footwear to date.