Swedish clogs in fashion

 Once upon a time: Swedish clogs through centuries

Swedish wooden clogs, or träskor, have been used by workers and farmers as practical and cheap footwear, ideal as protective footwear against moody Nordic climate. But not only Nordic. Different types of wooden shoes have been popular from Japan and Turkey to the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries for centuries. However, it was during the 1970s, when several Swedish brands started to make more fashionable clogs. Collections for women included clog boots, clog sandals, high heel clogs, etc. Soon, Swedish wooden clogs found their customers, and handmade clogs became a fashion statement both on fashion shows and city streets worldwide.

How wooden clogs are made?

Swedish design is known for its practicality, durability, and simplicity. Like most Swedish products, Swedish clogs are made from natural and eco-conscious materials, such as leather, wood, shearling, and wool. Swedish brands offer a range of women’s clogs suitable for everyday use, as well as more stylish options such as clog sandals, platforms, and wedges. With a focus on functionality, sustainability, and comfort, both traditional and fashionable Swedish clogs for women are still made by hand. Affordable and practical, they have managed to maintain their unique craftsmanship and recognizable retro design for decades.

Why should you wear Swedish clogs?

Wooden clogs are proof of the Swedish design philosophy visible in all aspects of design, from architecture to home products and textiles.  The heart of Swedish design lies in its simplicity and beauty, which is about keeping everything simple, clean, and functional. With a unique connection between nature and people, women’s clogs feel pleasant for feet and comfortable to walk in (even on a 7cm high heel).

When climate influences style

Scandinavian design has always prioritized function and affordability over preciousness and luxury. According to a popular belief, the clog design is a reflection of the climate in the Nordic region. Thick wooden soles and leather uppers provided some protection against the cold and wet Swedish weather. The color palette of traditional Swedish clogs includes white, black, beige, grey, with bursts of earthy or pastel colors, making them a great match to many outfits and styles.

The uniqueness of Swedish wooden clogs for women

The success of Swedish women’s clogs lies in their durability, reliability, and simplicity. The design and style come from minimalist ideals, in which everything is meant to serve a purpose. Scandinavian wooden clogs maintained their popularity over the decades because they can be taken either high-end or more basic, without losing any of their quality. Swedish clogs provide a comfortable, anatomically shaped, and durable treat for feet. That’s why they are traditionally popular among medical workers and kitchen chefs. On the other hand, their minimalistic design makes them an original and brave addition to every woman’s wardrobe.  

Practical quality of wooden clogs

Swedish clogs for women may be best known for their anatomically shaped wooden soles that soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide support across the foot. No matter if we talk about high-end fashion or more common classic wooden clogs for women, they all have the same functionality and practicality nailed in them. Today, handmade clogs for women are not only comfortable and healthy footwear for professional use, but they are also trendy shoes you’ll see both in big cities and in holiday resorts along the coast.

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 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.

The Style Statement Of Clog Boots

Clog boots are the most artistic format of footwear options that qualify for being the wardrobe staple. The use of clog boot has changed and evolved over a period. At first, they were used by the mineworkers in the form of shoes that would keep their feet safe on the uncomfortable grounds in the minefields. They would provide a stable base to stand and work for long hours without getting tired. Owing to the benefits, the farmers used the clog boots to manage the toil in the field as well.

With industrialization, the state of working changed and men were no longer required to wear these boots. There was a lull in the making of the clog boots for the long span, and then some designers delved deep into the past to come up with designs for clog boots that would change the way people looked at these footwear options. The models were drastically changed, but the essence of wearing the shoes was still intact. In other words, the points for which clogs were coveted concerning comfort were still prevalent in the designs.

Purchasing the clog boots as a wardrobe staple

Since the shoe styles are so subtle and chic that they can easily be used along with most of the dresses present in your wardrobe, they make it on the top of the list of style staples. Men and women use the clogs alike, reaping the benefits of keeping the feet comfortable and legs relaxed even if they have extended hours of standing jobs. When you walk into the market, planning to purchase the clog boots, you will come across options that will take you by surprise. The face of clogs has revamped from being only boots to sandals, peep toes and stylish strappy heels in varied color options.

The distinctive selling point

Most of us may not understand the point in wearing clogs, but the fact is that the soles made up of wood will give your feet the extra level of comfort that they need. Leather uppers are made with the highest quality of leather that is hand-picked by the designers. It takes the shape of your feet once you wear it for prolonged hours giving your exquisite feeling that will be a bygone when you opt for other shoe options. They can easily be switched from formal to casual without making you look out of place.

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.

Three Ways To Pair Up Your Clogs With The Things In Your Wardrobe

Recently, clogs have come up to be one of the most comfortable and dreamy pairs of footwear that you can try on with almost any dress that you like. They may not be the popular choice amidst girls, but there is a clear demand in the market for clogs from Sweden. These clogs took birth in Sweden itself and the popularity spread across the world when the fashion designers changed the looks and styles in which they were worn earlier. Here are three stylish ways to pair up your favorite clogs from Sweden with the things in your wardrobe and look ravishing as ever.

• If you are looking forward to balancing your silhouette with footwear, then you can pair up your Swedish clogs with skinny jeans. They will correct your posture instantly and give you a fuller and better figure than you might have. Some of the doctors suggest adorning clogs as a part of daily routine only because it helps in giving your body the support and correct stance that it needs while walking around.
  
• Most of the girls are quite confused about the footwear choice that they should carry to the beach. While flip-flops have their benefits, if you are heading to a beach party and need footwear to make you look taller and sensual in your skater dress then the clogs are your best pick. You might have to keep them off the water, but the real fun of being in water is when you are bare feet, and the rest of time you can flaunt your exclusive clogs from Sweden.
• If you are planning to wear a knee length skirt to that office party, you should opt for daintier options of clogs available in the market. Unlike before, clogs these days come in a variety of style and shapes. They have sandals, boots, shoes and other such options that you can choose from. With the knee-length skirt, you will look amazing if you pair up a nude clog sandal to showcase professionalism with a subtle fashion sense.