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.

Are Swedish vegan clogs a good vegan shoe alternative?

 If you are a true vegan, you probably avoid using any animal-based products. You probably try to apply this in as many areas of your life as possible. Vegan philosophy, and vegan wear, in particular, have become an important part of most vegans’ lifestyles. Recent data shows that over the next decade, at least 1 in 10 people will be vegan, if so, we should see much more animal-free food, vegan shoes, clothing, and other vegan products on markets all over the world. 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 clogs, in vegan friendly materials.  And if you wonder why vegans should choose to wear Swedish vegan clogs, there are several reasons why. 

Are Swedish vegan clogs eco-friendly?

Thanks to advances in technology, synthetic materials are now often breathable, soft on the inside, and sometimes even waterproof on the outside. Synthetic materials such as microfiber have started to replace traditional materials such as leather and wool. In the case of the Swedish vegan clogs, one thing that remained constant is the natural wooden sole. The anatomically shaped wooden sole is still the most important part of every Scandinavian clog. Also, many Scandinavian brands are small, family-owned companies that source materials from European suppliers, meaning less transport and therefore a lower carbon footprint.

Are there really more shoes in vegan leather available in stores?

Finding nicely designed and good quality vegan footwear is a common issue and it extends to wooden vegan clogs. A few years ago, Scandinavian clog brands recognized this need and started to make the first vegan clogs. Practical and comfortable, Swedish vegan clogs has become the choice of many vegans all over the world. Made in traditional craftsmanship while using modern materials, vegan clogs contain no animal products so it’s no surprise that the vegan clog segment is on the rise as much as the vegan movement we are seeing in all over the world.

Are there health benefits of wearing clogs?

As we mentioned above, the most important part of the Swedish clog is its wooden sole. Designed with focus and attention on the shape of the footbed, it provides an optimal angle for the posture of the body. Commonly used types of wood includes alderwood and lime, wood has natural antibacterial characteristics and also absorbs moisture very well so that your feet stay dry. Because of these qualities, Scandinavian clogs are really popular among doctors, nurses and chefs.

How do you take care of a pair of vegan clogs?

There are a big range of different vegan clog styles such as clog boots, sandals, heelclogs and classic clogs. Made in a huge selection of colors and styles, these animal-free clogs reflect the usual Scandinavian design principles such as: simplicity, comfortability, and durability. With a unique connection between nature and people, vegan clogs feel comfortable to walk in and are easy to wear with most of your wardrobe. You can wear your vegan clogs with jeans, cotton trousers, skirts, dresses, with or without socks, indoor and outdoor. Clogs in vegan leather are also often available in sizes for both women and men. How do you take care of your wooden vegan clogs? Usually, it’s enough to use a damp cloth and wipe the dirt. And if the clogs get wet, it’s important to allow the wooden bottoms to dry in the shade at room temperature. That’s it for now. Good luck with your vegan wardrobe!

Swedish clog boots with a stylish twist

Doctors and nurses rely on them for their long shifts, as do chefs and other professionals who stand all day. The perfect work and (for the rest of us) pandemic shoe, wooden clogs are like a slipper — comfortable and easy to get into —with soles sturdy enough to wear for hours (inside or outside). Winter is coming, and it’s time to consider adding a pair of clog boots to your wardrobe.

Clog boot, just like its well-known relative classic clog, refers to any type of boot with a wooden bottom. Although clogs have been among us for centuries, they are not humble work shoes anymore, but also a fashion statement and a choice of many. From famous people to hippies, artists, professional chefs, there are many clog enthusiasts worldwide. Swedish clog boots are comfortable and all-natural shoes that can adapt to any climate and occasion. They may not be cheap, but they are handmade, comfortable, healthy for your feet, and do last a long time.

Clog boots for women

A century ago, Swedish cobblers began to make wooden clogs as practical, protective working shoes. After generations of experimenting and improving materials and techniques, they came out with a type of shoe known as a Swedish clog. Swedish boots (and particularly clog boots for women) come in a range of unexpected colors- silver, pink, grape, copper, as well as in various prints and leathers. They come in numerous styles such as shearling clogs boots, wedges, high heel clog boots, hiking boots, etc.

When we talk about style, the best known are probably classic Chelsea boots, but there are plenty of variations with laces, metallic details, zipper, embroidery, or lined with wool and shearling. If you are looking for shoes that will keep you warm through the cold days, the recommendation is always warm shearling wooden clog boots.

Clog boots for men

Men’s clog boots may not be new on the market, however, they are still confusing for most men. But for those gentlemen brave enough to give them a chance, Swedish wooden clog boots have many benefits. They are comfortable, easy on and off, and materials and detail are almost endless (patent, waxy, vegan, nubuck, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, suede, etc.).

Swedish clog boots are (in most cases) handmade, eco-friendly, and natural footwear. They are still made in small family-owned workshops with custom-made options that give them a bit of that special romantic touch. A distinctive wooden sole is made with natural wood, in most cases alder wood, lime, or brisk, with an anatomically shaped footbed that is healthy for the body posture. The wooden bottom softens the impact of walking on hard surfaces and keeps your back in a good posture. Also, most clog boots have a Grip-tech PU layer on bottoms, a material developed for increased slip resistance. Combined with a leather upper, you get warm, waterproof, and comfortable, distinctive boots with interesting details such as laces, metallic buckles, stitches, or horsbit.

How to take care of the pair of Swedish wooden clog boots? 

The answer is: it takes only a few steps. If the wooden bottoms absorb too much water, allow your clog boots to dry slowly. Never try to heat the leather upper and wooden bottom, and do not try speeding up the drying process. Taking care of the leather uppers depends on what type of leather Swedish clogs boots are made of. Although there are many different products you can use, always test a new spray, cream, or oil on a small hidden part of boots. Even better, put on your wooden clogs boots, take a walk to the nearest local shoe repair shops, and ask for a piece of advice.

Strike a pose in your Swedish heel clog sandals

 Sandals are not just about style, but also how comfortable they are. Swedish clogs sandals, made with colorful leathers and characteristic wooden bottoms, developed over time from humble work shoes to the global fashion trend. It all begun during the hippie era, with the flower power and natural lifestyle trends, and a few decades later, here we are in lockdowns and home offices with clogs on our feet (again). However, the clog world has changed a bit. These days, there are many brands and products, and wooden clog sandals, are much more than just practical, anatomically shaped shoes you usually see on doctors and chefs.

Here are a few basic steps on how to dive into the world of heel clogs for women.

Step 1: How to choose the right clog sandal for you

There are many clog styles on the market, and sometimes it can be tricky to choose the right model. First of all, keep in mind that not all models will fit the shape of your foot the same. Brands usually make clogs on different lasts, meaning you can choose the last according to the shape of your foot. If you have narrow or normal feet, try heel clogs or clogs sandals on mid or high heels. If your foot is on the wider side, women's clog sandals on a low bottom would be a better choice.

Step 2: Why choosing wooden clog sandals at all?

In short, they are practical, comfortable, and healthy for your foot and back. Their anatomically constructed and shaped footbed provides good posture of the body and lower back. Meanwhile, wood and leather (materials commonly used for making clogs) are healthy solutions for your feet. These days, vegan-friendly clogs, made in eco-conscious and animal-free materials such as eco microfiber are becoming more popular than ever.

Step 3: Ladies first: the wooden heel clogs

Are you looking for a comfortable-trendy pair of sandals? Clogs would probably not be the first shoes on your mind when thinking about fashion, but you are wrong! With the lockdown and home offices, clogs came back in style! Both traditional Swedish brands, as well as luxurious global brands, released their clog collection. Staples, nails, glitter, vegan leathers, they all here, and many trendsetters and celebrities worldwide wear them. Even if you are not into the 70s, wooden heel clog sandals for women are IT summer pieces. 

Step 4: If you choose, choose Swedish clog sandals

If you are trying women's clog sandals for the first time, try classics. Back in the hippie era, Sweden made the wooden shoe known as a clog famous globally. Also, Sweden has a century-long tradition of making clogs. Swedish design, well-known for its high-quality craftsmanship, natural materials, and minimalistic design, is all visible in every inch of Swedish clog sandals for women. More than that, most Swedish clog brands still make all their products by hand.  

Step 5: Strike a pose in your heel clogs

Thanks to their chunky, comfortable wooden bottoms, Swedish wooden heel clogs for women attain a casual street style vibe. Clog sandals are an ideal daytime choice that you can wear with your favorite dress, romantic blouse, or pair of retro jeans. With or without high heel Swedish clog sandals are statement shoes with a unique romantic vibe, and a casual-cool way to put a new twist on your everyday outfit. Durable, unique, comfortable, handmade, wooden heel clog sandals for women are this season's must-have shoes.

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.

How are Swedish clogs made?

The wooden clog production process is quite different from that of normal footwear that is made on a leather or rubber sole.  Since a traditional Swedish clogs is made on a base of wood, a large part of the production process is woodwork for a wooden clog producer. While most Swedish clog producers do not make the wooden bottoms themselves there are still some clog factories that both produce wooden bottoms and do the final assembly of the clogs in-house.

Wooden clog bottom production

Producers of Swedish clogs usually buy logs directly from forest owners or wholesalers and then saw up planks in different dimensions depending on model and shoe size. Those planks are then entered into a wood kiln to dry for several weeks until the moisture level is around 12 – 15 percent. This is essential in order to get a clog bottom that will keep shape after being produced. Once the planks are dried, they will be sawn into shape depending on the size of sole and then those pieces are put into a milling machine where the bottoms and foot beds get their shape. After this stage, outsoles are attached to the wooden bottoms and then they go into a fine milling machine to get the final shape and a finer finish.

What wood can be used in the production of wooden clog bottoms?

Wood suitable for producing clogs should be hardwoods that are relatively light and remains stable after drying. It’s also important that the wood can absorb moisture well. Swedish clogs are traditionally made out of alder wood and most Swedish clog producers still prefer to work with alder. Birch and lime wood is also common in clog production. Below you can read about some of the properties of these three types of wood:

• Alderwood is part of the birch family and is generally considered light and soft for being a hardwood. It’s not very susceptible to shrinkage and importantly remains stable after drying. Alder usually grows in moist areas like next to rivers and lakes and the wood usually remains stable when used under water. One of the important properties that make alder popular among Scandinavian clog producers is that it is easy to dry and doesn’t crack easily. It’s also easy to work in machining and turning and can be nailed without the wood splitting while also being easy to glue. It’s uniform, small pore structure and relatively consistent color makes it good for sanding, painting and for staining.
• Lime wood is also known as Tilia, Linden or basswood and is a soft hardwood that can be easily worked by hand or machine. It has an even, fine pored wood structure that makes it ideal for staining, painting and varnishing. The wood is stable once dried but it is not very durable and is therefore mainly used indoors.
• Birch is also a hardwood which has a medium-weight and good strength properties, it is quite elastic and tough but not very hard. Birch is relatively easy to work with and can also be turned and cut easily. Similarly to the above wood types, it can be stained and polished which is important for clog makers. Its bending properties are good but splitting properties are unfortunately not so good.

Making of the Swedish clog upper

Any Swedish clog factory will also need skilled workers for making the leather uppers. The craftspeople will need to understand the different properties of different leathers. Padded insteps and linings are then stitched on before the clog parts enter another part of the clog production stage, nailing and lasting. Here the uppers are shaped into the three dimensional shape of the last and attached to the wooden clog bottoms with nails or staples. The clogs are then inspected and heel pads with the clog producers’ or the clog brands logo are attached to the footbed.

Swedish clog makers are continuing a traditional craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. Working with natural materials takes patience and skill that is not something many factories have a lot of these days.

Clogs for Men- Footwear Perfection Crafted for Ultimate Comfort

The limited variety available in men’s shoes and the lack of quality shoemakers who are experts in their craft have led a lot of men to stick to just one brand and one or two types of shoes. Experimentation is not really men’s forte, especially when it comes to their footwear. Clogs for men epitomize bespoke style and classic appeal and are the perfect choice for those men who wish to get out of the monotony of the same old shoes they have been wearing since boyhood.

Made with leather, suede or Nubuck, and crafted from the wood of alder and/or lime trees, clogs represent the ideal work shoes for men and women of the past and the present. In the pre-industrial era, these humble shoes were seen on the feet of every man as well as woman. They provided unparalleled comfort and protection to the feet from external factors like harsh weather conditions, sharp objects and uneven terrain.

When it comes to bespoke shoes for men, it is common to find people making a beeline to the showrooms of high-end brands. Best quality leather imported from Germany, France or Italy, suede imported from England or Cordovan from the States are used to make such shoes and their price bracket is such that these shoes become too extravagant for the normal man.

Clogs for men have turned out to be the best alternative for their high-end bespoke counterparts.

Depending on the structure of men’s feet and the common shapes, each piece of clog shoe is precisely crafted and shaped to provide the best fit for every size. All orthopedic requirements that are generally overlooked by most shoemakers are taken care of and fulfilled in the best way by clog makers.

Men with large feet face a common problem- constricted toe boxes that are too suffocating and uncomfortable for daily wear, especially to wear to work.

Moreover, the required support for the spine as well as the arch of the feet are not provided by most men’s shoes.

These two aspects are effectively addressed by the anatomic design and shape of clogs for men.

Wooden clog shoes have larger toe boxes as compared to the other types of men’s footwear and the curved shape of the bottoms made of dehydrated alder or lime wood, coupled with the rolling motion of the wood make for a great fit and exceptional comfort, rarely experienced in men’s shoes.

Things that you didn’t know About Clog Dancing

Clog dancing, which is better known as clogging is mainly associated with stomping of the foot. It is a part of folk dancing which involves synchronization of the dancer’s feet to the sound of the music which is playing. Initially, bluegrass was one of the most sought after music pieces when it came to clog dancing. The reason why it was so popular is because dancers were comfortable with it when performing the dance steps such as foot shuffling, stomping, and tapping.

Today however clogging has undergone a radical change in which teenagers have increased the tempo and made the moves more precise.

Clogging is a Very Precise Art

At its simplest, clogging is done by double tapping the toes by making use of one of the wooden clogs at a time. These clogs can be worn both by women and men. The step is initiated with the left foot by moving the left toe to and from and making continuous tapping sounds in the process. After this, the same sounds are made with the balls of the left foot. Once this has been done, the same movements are done with the right foot. Thus, it needs to be remembered here that first, the left foot is to be used for tapping forward and backward and then the right.

The prime consideration here is to learn how not to put too much weight on the feet when performing the steps. Once that is done, you can easily try out new variations of the steps on your own. You can even try out freestyle routines once you have more flexibility in your knees and a better balance of your body. You can perform with a partner, solo or as part of a troupe. It is this very versatility of clogging using wooden clogs that attract both women and men the most.

Clogging can be Done Anywhere

The modern form of clogging does not depend on any specific location and can be performed almost anywhere, be it the cities or the villages. However, the modern form of clogging done using wooden clogs can be rather tough in the first instance. This is because it is very organized and is done in local groups and under the supervision of certified instructors. Such local groups make use of every real estate they have access to for their practice sessions. These include ballrooms, churches, civic centers, garages, gymnasiums and even schools. The members of such groups are no novices but are rather experienced and many of them including women have taken part in regional and national clogging events.

Finding the Best Wooden Clog Boots Made Easy

 

Clogs have been the in-thing for a couple of years now. The credit of bringing them back into people’s eye from being brushed under the carpet can be accorded to Chanel and Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer collection of 2010. Since then wooden clogs haven’t gone out of fashion, and from the looks of wooden clog boots, seems like they’re here to stay.

There has also been some debate about the benefits and troubles caused by Clogs. A reason as to why people face troubles with clogs is probably because they’re wearing wooden clogs that are not built for them. Therefore, finding a pair (or plenty!) wooden clog boots that suit you is crucial. So, how can you find the appropriate wooden clog boots?

Inquire what goes into Crafting Wooden Clog Boots

It’s important to get to know what all goes into the making of your footwear, especially when they’re wooden clogs.

• Know what kind of wood it’s made out of
• Ask whether they’re orthopedic
• Inquire about the type of adhesive being used
• Get to know if the wooden clogs that you’re buying have staples or nails
• Which material for clog boots is good for you – leather or suede?
• Check whether the boots are designed to be sturdy and not just stylish

Do your Clog Boots Come with a Set of Special Care Instructions?

If your wooden clog boots come with a set of special care instructions then you can breathe a sigh of relief. This means that your clog’s manufacturers care about your boots as much as you do.

Their care manual would include instruction about taking care of the wooden part of the heels, maybe how to clean it when it gets dirty. Or which material (sandpaper or cotton cloth) to clean it with.

Instructions should also cover how to take care of the upper – suede or leather – because just the wooden part of the boots is not prone to damage.

A Pair of Good Wooden Clog Boots should be Able to Live up to Certain Expectations

• The bottoms of the boots should be designed in a way that promotes even weight distribution across each foot.
• There must be an arch support and raised heels in order to support your feet and legs and reduce lower-back strain.
• Wooden heel boots should be noiseless to walk in. An ideal shoe bottom should be made of thick PU sole.

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.

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.

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.

Why Are Men Slowly Accepting The Versatility Of Clogs?

 “You can always judge a man by the shoe he wears”- goes the adage. Clothes do make a man, but shoes play a big role in the making. If we turn the pages of history, we will find that shoes were an important part of clothing throughout history. They served as status symbols in many cultures like the ones in ancient Egypt where Egyptian kings wore sandals made from woven papyrus while slaves walked barefoot. Shoes proved that the wearer is of a respectable class. Men have from yore attached a significant importance to shoes because of the gravity they bring to the overall ensemble.

It is no exaggeration that men are less detail-oriented. Talking about outfit, men are not fussy either. All they care about is a perfect combo of shirt, trousers and an elegant pair of shoes. They won’t bother to strike a change in their sartorial tastes and continue wearing the old classic pieces. But when it comes to wearing a good pair of shoes, men step up and bring their A-game in style. Because they know that it’s their shoes which help them look sharp from head to toe and bring that wow factor to their ensemble.

When it comes to shoes, men are satisfied with classic footwear pieces including oxfords, espadrilles, brogues, derbies etc. They feel insecure when it comes to trying new options and experiment with their fashion sense. Stepping out of their comfort zone is an absolute no-no for them. When clogs for men broke into the fashion scene, men kept themselves away from those girlish-looking shoes. They didn’t want to go astray and become the butt of ridicule.

Manufacturers took note of the feelings of men and gave the clogs an overhaul which made them acceptable among the men folk. Though men are still uncertain whether they would take the bait, of late the acceptance has grown. Clogs for men have emboldened their fashion statement and brought a pinch of flair to their fashion sense. Crafted in either black or brown, clogs stood up to the standards of men and became a refreshing change from the run-of-the-mill footwear choices.

Men got sold on clogs since they protected the feet better than other shoes. They are durable and ergonomically designed. The anatomically constructed wooden foot-bed provide even distribution of weight across the feet. Besides the superior design, the structure of clogs ensure stability on slippery surfaces.

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.