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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Swedish Clogs, You’ll Want to Live in

How many times have you sacrificed comfort, or let’s be honest, tolerated outright pain for style? Yes, there is a fix for this one, don’t buy uncomfortable shoes no matter how cute they are instead opt for classic and timeless pieces that will add to your wardrobe. Now, you might be eager to know what’s that real deal?  The answer is Swedish clogs, back in the game and they are here to stay.

The big question isn’t who would wear clogs? It is: Who doesn’t want to wear clogs? These wooden sole, chunky shoes are spotted by every fashionista who knows the style and ease it offers. Swedish clogs are ideal for women who want to flaunt but with ease, but if you think they are wearisome or uncomfortable you’re in for a surprise.

You don’t have to be a farm farmer to walk in clogs, Swedish clogs come with a vast array of styles and can be worn in any season and any occasion with any outfit. Contrary to what people may think, clogs are made of breathable wood of good quality which makes them a best fit to be worn even in summer or in winters. No one likes sweaty or cold feet to have and as just you like to dress up you should also look for great wearing comfort for your feet. Clogs, a minimalist pair of footwear, can be accommodated with any of your outfits being it dresses, skirts, trousers or jeans. These all season Swedish clogs are perfect for those who want simplicity of a step-in/step-out style. It isn’t always easy to find glamour and comfort at one place but considering the heel and slide profile, a clog can be the most comfortable footwear to choose.

Finding footwear, especially for women, that’s probably comfortable and attractive and can be worn at the workplace or for formal use is a challenging task. But once you step your feet into Swedish clog you will never want to switch to other footwear.

What to look for in a pair of Swedish clogs for women?

●     Lightweight, keeps clogs comfortable to walk in without any difficulty.

●     Choose a model with padded instep for extra comfort.

●     Clogs with laces or adjustable straps for flexibility.

●     Genuine leather is ideal. If leather feels stiff at first, don’t worry, it will eventually soften with wear.

●     And last but not the least, pair your clogs with socks to give a chic look.

●     Constructed with a thick PU sole, which makes the clog softer and quieter to walk in.

●     Clogs with raised heels put the foot in an optimal angle for support and posture.

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.