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.

Best Footwear for Orthopedic Problems

It is in the nature of humans to let the grass grow under their feet and not act until they realize it’ll be too late for their actions to have any impact on the situation. This is true for most of our daily activities. A lot of us ignore the apparently ‘minor’ health issues and act on them only when it exceeds our tolerance limits. An example of this is our feet and ankle problems that we tend to overlook (until it makes us limp). The cause of such issues are plenty- one of them is wearing the wrong pair of shoes.

When it comes to women’s footwear, more focus goes to making the shoes look fashionable. Comfort and orthopedic requirements are disregarded by most shoemakers. The handful of functional footwear that is available unfortunately is not in agreement with the current fashion requirements for footwear. So, what can we do about this situation? Clogs for women can be the solution for this problem.

History of clogs:

Made of wood and leather, clogs for women and men date back to the year 1230 to which the oldest clogs, discovered in Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam belong. Originally, they were made for the working people of those times. Fishermen clogs had pointed toes to pull in the fishing nets, whereas for the agricultural workers, clogs were rounded for easy movement in the muddy fields.

Wooden clogs are the best footwear when it comes to functionality and comfort. The following features will explain how and why:

Wood used:

Mostly, alder, lime, aspen, poplar, and willow wood are used. Alder is used in the clogs made in the US as it is widely available and has the desired properties (discussed below).

Properties of the wood used

The wood used is neither too hard (as it might chip or crack with use) nor too soft (as it has to withstand the wearers’ weight).

The wood has an open grain structure to absorb perspiration and keep the feet dry.

It is strong yet lightweight.

The wood used in most clogs for women (alder wood) can resist stains to a great extent.

Footbed design

Most shoe designs exert too much pressure on the heels that can cause orthopedic problems like heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries as well as adult acquired flatfoot.

The footbed of these clogs for women are orthopedically designed to give metatarsal arch support and can hold up the scaphoid.

The carved-in arch and roll of these clogs allow for even weight distribution.

The rolling motion of the wood used in these clogs takes up a major portion of the strain exerted on the feet while walking.

Leather uppers:

The wet lasted cowhide leather is attached to the footbed firmly which makes for a snug fit for all feet shapes, sizes and types.

Important Orthopedic Features of Clogs for Men and Women

In the present time, as many options there are in footwear, there are an equal number of orthopedic problems that affect both men and women. The reason could be any of the following:

1) Wearing the wrong shoes for a particular feet shape

2) Wearing the wrong shoe size

3) Constricted shoe design

4) Wearing the wrong shoes for a particular feet type

5) Shoe design that does not support the arch

6) Zero shock absorption

These are some of the common reasons of developing orthopedic problems that are self-inflicted or related to one’s lifestyle.

Clogs for men and women are one of those few footwear options that are crafted according to the orthopedic norms, which should ideally be present in all shoes.

These features are as follows:

· A supportive footbed

Footbed design and construction in clogs are such that the feet arch is supported throughout the day.

Moreover, clogs provide the necessary lumbar and metatarsal (first foot joint) support.

· Even weight distribution

Clogs for men and women are designed to give the wearer an even weight distribution and correct any anomalies in posture.

· Moisture absorbency

As they are made partially or completely of wood which has been dehydrated to an optimum level, clogs are sweat absorbent. They can keep the feet dry throughout the day.

· Toe Room

Clogs have a curved footbed with a sufficiently large toe well or toe box that can comfortably accommodate even the largest of toes.

· Shock absorption

The sturdy wooden footbed in clogs for men and women can effectively absorb any shock caused due to walking, running or stomping.

· Rolling motion of wooden footbed

Wood has a remarkable property of supporting the gait of the wearer through its rolling motion. This rolling motion of the wood used in clogs protects the heel from any strain exerted due to walking.

· Universal design to complement all feet shapes and types

Clogs are designed with a universal design that will complement all sizes, shapes and types of feet.

· Slip resistance of sole

The sole is made up of a layer of PU (polyurethane) that is waterproof and slip-resistant.

Clogs, the heavy-duty and high-performance shoes from Sweden, which go back to the early 1900s constitute great footwear for both men and women. They used to be the original work shoes for the masses and it is quite possible that there is no other footwear that can match the popularity clogs enjoyed then.

In those times, their cost, comfort, support, usefulness, simplistic and protective design made them popular among the masses.

As most people worked in fields, farms as well as factories, they wanted footwear that could protect their feet from hard objects, sharp surfaces, industrial chemicals and harsh weather conditions and clogs for men and women did just that. The raw materials required to make clogs- wood and leather were easily available and the simplistic design required little to no maintenance.

Comfy clog sandals for summer days

Crafted from wood, most often from alderwood or birch, Swedish clogs have developed over time from practical work shoes to must-have pieces of footwear in many wardrobes around the globe. 

Traditional Swedish clogs include a variety of styles - classic clogs, sandals, boots, open or closed back options, all made with special care and skill to fit all your needs. Although opinions and feelings are very divided when it comes to clogs, the contemporary interpretations of wooden clogs are known for their distinctive look and recognizable Scandinavian design. Besides the classic unisex models that have been around for decades, many wooden clogs sandals are designed and made especially for women. In a wide selection of leathers, colors, and heel sizes (comfy, mid, and the elegant high heels), women’s clog sandals match any outfit and lifestyle. 

Wooden clog sandals are still handmade in small workshops and traditional family-owned factories by skillful cobblers. Natural and eco-friendly materials (wood and leather) used in the production process guarantee stability and comfort. With orthopedically constructed footbeds that provides good posture of the body and lower back, women’s clog sandals are healthy solutions for your feet. Also, many brands are introducing vegan-friendly clogs, made in eco-conscious and animal-free materials such as microfiber and new types of felt materials.

How to take care of your clog sandals depends on what kind of leather they are made of. For example, a pair of clog sandals in suede is best to brush with a suede brush, while pigmented or patent leathers can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. On the other hand, be very careful with leathers such as vegetable-tanned or waxed and oiled leathers. A pair of clog sandals in vegetable-tanned leather must be handled carefully as the leather is very sensitive to water, while oiled and waxed leather are trickier to handle as well. It both cases it is best to follow the instructions on the box, or contact the store where you bought them for the right advice.

Whether you’re looking for a shoe for work or leisure, we are sure that you’ll find just the right pair for you. Plenty of options when it comes to the actual fit and construction, clog sandals for women are practical, comfortable, and healthy trait for your feet and original detail to your style. Pair them with favorite jeans, a simple shirt, colorful skirt or dress, and enjoy the summer days! 

A Concise Insight Into History of Swedish Clogs for Men and Women

Introduction

Whenever we hear the words ‘clogs’, two European countries specifically come to mind: Netherlands and Sweden. Sure, other countries also had their own piece of history on clogs, but these two countries are most predominantly credited with popularizing wooden clogs for men and women and bringing them into fashionable territory. 

As similar as the name may sound, Swedish clogs are very different from Dutch clogs. Dutch clogs typically had an entire shoe built of wood with closed backs that emphasized durability and protection over everything else as these clogs were traditionally worn by farmers and workers to protect their feet. Swedish clogs on the other hand were always fashionable and came in different designs, putting more emphasis on looks and style over everything else, resulting in clogs being welcomed to mainstream use.

History of Swedish Clogs

Swedish clog shave been used in Sweden since over hundreds of years. The main reason why clogs were the preferred choice of footwear was because wood was available in plenty. Wood was inexpensive, could be easily worked on and made shoes durable. This lead to making of the first Swedish wooden clogs that started out as staple footwear for farmers and factory workers in early 1800s. There were also variants that were used for casual use, but discovery of leather and other shoe making materials meant not many preferred to be seen in public wearing clogs.

 

Rise of Clogs in 1970s

Sometime in the 70s, top fashion houses of the fashion industry were looking to start a new footwear trend among women, and turned to clogs. This led to evolution of traditional Swedish clogs into their modern avatar which uses not only their trademark wooden construction, but also different materials such as leather and suede. The general public from different parts of the world who had never even heard about clogs started to like the. Clog footwear were hailed as a top fashion icon of the 70s, and it was just the beginning of clog fashion.

Wooden Clogs Today

Today, there are countless clog sellers available, both online and offline, selling all kinds of clogs in different styles and designs. However, not all are authentic Swedish clogs; in fact, most international clog sellers have no history of selling clogs, jumping on to the bandwagon by making their own take on clogs. While the clogs they sell are good, they do not carry centuries’ worth of history in them like traditional Swedish clog makers do. If you want the authentic Swedish experience, always prefer to buy wooden clogs from original Swedish clog makers.

Here Is Why You Should Have Clog Boots in Your Winter Wardrobe

“Winter is coming” - A phrase that took television and the Internet by the storm. We have all loved the famous series and loved the styling of each character that they portrayed but now that winter is fast approaching in real life it is essential that we keep our wardrobe ready for the same. Keeping in mind the latest fashion and comfort wear that we need during the cold months of the season, clog boots deem to be one of the essentials that you must have in your wardrobe. 

Clogs have been around for quite some time. They carry the legacy of being one of the oldest styles that are still trending everywhere in the world. Apart from the fact that they are one of the most comfortable footwear for the winter season, clog boots are also stylish and useful for our bodies. Most of the doctors feel that wooden soles absorb the shock of the body better and provide a uniform ground for you to stand with a perfect posture. Moreover, the chances of slipping over snow will be quite less if your wear the boots.

With clog boots as a staple in the wardrobe, you will never have cold feet literally and metaphorically. Firstly they blend well with any outfit that you would want to wear giving you the confidence that you will need when you walk out to be the charm of a party and secondly the overall coverage that you get from the leather uppers of the boost protect you from the cold winds and a number of foot issues that might occur otherwise.

They are made of a material that is highly durable so it can be a part of your wardrobe for whatever time you would want it to be around. The maintenance of leather shoes is really low in comparison to other materials and the wooden soles can easily be cleaned and reused. Even the wood has a chance of chipping off in case you trip over something sharp. It can easily be rectified by the cobbler or in a lot of DIY ways that you can search on the Internet. 

Clogging: A Brief History of Clog Dancers

The clog Dance or clogging is the most popular form of the Folk Dance. Barney Williams who arrived in U.S in 1840, was the first person who took clog dancing as a profession. Irish clog dancers became the first professional troupe in the U.S. The clog dance became the basis for tap dance as well.

In the beginning, the clog dance was done on complete wooden shoes, but later it made use of shoes with wooden soles only. In 1760s' due to migration, clogging found its way in the Appalachian Mountain Area. Due to this diversification and encounters with different cultures, clogging evolved into the American clog dance and various other American dance forms. 

Clog contests were quite trendy in the 19th century where judges were more focused on the sounds produced rather than body postures of the dancers.

The most complex form of clogging are the Irish Jigs, Hornpipes and Reels. In these forms, in a span of fifteen seconds, the feet taps the floor around seventy times. The fascinating part of clogging is its absolute dissimilarity from other dance forms as there is no role of facial expressions. Also, the arms are kept motionless. The black crook, which is regarded as the first musical performed in 1866, introduced the minstrel and clog dancers who had an inflexible way of dancing. They were later came to be known as pedestal dancers. The Pedestal dancer would stand on a marbled or gilded pedestal, apparently like a statue. As soon as the show would begin, they would start clogging on the pedestal, only moving their feet and legs.

 

The minstrel clog dancers gradually came to be associated with tap dancing in the early 1900’s. Master Juba became the most famous name among them. For a long time both tap and clog dance remained synonymous. This proved to be detrimental for the originality of clog dance as it was gradually fused with the African-American shuffle dance by the end of 19^th century. 

In 1902, a musical play called ‘Minstrel Misses’ which was directed by Ned Wayburn brought the term ‘Tap and Step dance’ in people’s notice. It was from there, the popularity of tap dance took off and people started accepting it as a profession. The Misses performed in light clogs sandals with split wooden soles as the aluminum heel and toes taps were not present at that time.