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

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

New vegan shoes on the market

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

Swedish vegan clogs are natural and eco-friendly

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

Wooden clogs are healthy for your back

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

Easy to wear and easy to take care of

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

Five reasons why kitchen chefs should wear wooden clogs

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

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

Kitchen Clogs are Comfortable

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

Clogs are good for your back

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

Clogs are safe

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

Clogs are made from natural materials

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

Clogs are made to last

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

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 CLOGS FOR MEN

The Swedish clog story has begun a long time ago. For over one hundred years, Swedish clogs for men have been used by farmers and peasants as safe, cheap, and practical shoes. However, in the 1970s, when wooden clogs found their way into the fashion world, Swedish clogs, or a “trätofflor” became popular among men and women in Sweden, and soon in many other parts of Europe.

Swedish clogs are known for their anatomically shaped bottom, natural materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. The design and shape of wooden clogs have been developed through generations of Swedish cobblers, ensuring ultimate fit and shape, as well as the distinctive Swedish wooden clog look and quality.

Swedish clogs for men come in a variety of styles and materials. Traditionally, Swedish clogs are made in natural leather and wood and nailed by hand. However, you’ll find many classic clogs, clog boots, and clog sandals made in canvas, patent, wool, or vegan leather. More important, wooden clogs are very comfortable and can be easily worn both in and out of the house. Traditional Swedish clogs have wooden bottoms, leather upper, and minimal details. The most distinctive part of men’s clogs is their wooden sole. Anatomically shaped footbeds even weight distribution across the foot, providing an optimal angle for support and posture, while soft padding guarantees extra stability and comfort.

Wooden footbeds provide a safe and healthy solution for feet, and because of this, Swedish wooden clogs for men are very popular among all those professionals who spend long working hours on their feet, such as medical workers and kitchen chefs. The two most popular types of men’s clogs are classical open back clogs and closed back clogs. Most of the classic Swedish clogs are designed to prevent blisters and other foot irritations, so they are an ideal solution for all those who need some extra comfortability on their feet. On the inside, clogs can either be unlined or come with a soft leather lining that helps absorb moisture and prevent foot odor.

Although very practical, a wooden clog can be a brave fashion statement as well. Men’s clogs may not be a mainstream trend, but for those who can pull it off, there are many benefits: comfortability, easy on and off, and a very distinctive design. When it comes to Swedish wooden clogs for men, the varieties are almost endless. Classic clogs, boots, sandals, closed-back clogs, penny loafers, or clogs with tassels or horsebit – whichever you choose, you’ll get handmade, reliable, and durable shoes you’ll be wearing for years. The variety of prints and details is also overwhelmingly large, ensuring that everyone can find something he likes.

Taking care of wooden clogs is also super easy. Use a damp cloth, and if necessary, a little bit of mild soap to clean your clogs. The open grain of wooden clog bottoms allows moisture to be absorbed and keeps feet dry. Still, if the wooden bottoms get too wet, allow them to dry slowly. Wipe clogs clean and leave them in a dry place at room temperature. Taking care of leather upper depends on the type of leather clogs are made of (nubuck, suede, vegetable-tanned, microfiber, etc.). There are many cleaning products you can use to take care of your wooden clogs. However, it’s always best to ask for advice in the local shoe repair shop. When you try some product for the first time, always test it on a small hidden part of men’s clogs.

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.

WINTER IN SWEDISH CLOG BOOTS

Winter is almost there, and time to think about a warm pair of boots that will accompany you through the brisk days and evenings. But have you ever thought that these perfect boots could be Swedish clog boots?  When you think about Swedish clogs, you probably picture the Swedish countryside house with the fireplace, blanket, and a cup of hot cocoa, or even better, doctors, nurses, and chefs in their uniforms, wearing a matching pair of black or white open-back clogs. However, the story doesn't end here. There is a whole fashion clog boot world out there waiting for you to discover it. Comfortable, reliable, breathable shoes that can adapt to any climate and occasion, wooden clog boots are go-to boots all year round. 

What is clog?

The term clog refers to a specific type of shoe with a distinctive wooden sole and usually leather upper. Although clogs appeared a century ago as practical, work footwear, today they are a fashion statement and a choice of many men and women worldwide. Swedish cobblers began to make wooden clogs as a protection against the moody Nordic weather. After many years of experimenting and improving products and techniques, they came out with a type of shoe known as a Swedish clog. Swedish clogs, as well as clog boots, include varieties of shapes and materials. The best known are probably classic Chelsea boots, but there are plenty of boots with laces, mid or high heels, with a zipper on the side, or lined with wool and shearling. The most practical choice for the fall and winter season are warm shearling clog boots that will keep you warm through the cold days. 

Why choose Swedish clog boots?

Swedish clogs are eco-friendly, comfortable, and natural footwear. They are still produced by hand in small workshops with materials classical and new. The most recognizable part of every clog is a traditional wooden sole made with alder wood, lime, or brisk, matched with different types of leathers such as patent, waxy, vegan, nubuck, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, suede, etc. Interesting details such as laces, metallic buckles, stitches, or horsbit add to the distinctive look of Swedish clog boots. During the past decades, Swedish wooden clog boots proved to be both practical and ergonomic. They soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide even support across the foot and lower back. Also, most clog boots have a Grip-tech PU layer on bottoms, which is a material developed for increased slip resistance. Match that with a waterproof leather upper, and you get reliable, safe, and comfortable winter footwear.

Making of Swedish clog boots

Swedish clog boot production process is quite different from that of other shoes and footwear. Since traditional Swedish clogs have a base made of wood, a large part of the production process is woodwork. In general, making clog boots is a long process that takes years to learn properly. The process starts with sawing logs into planks and milling. After milling, the wood and the outsole are pressed together. After clicking the upper leather, linings are attached and stitched together with the upper. After the boots have been nailed, the surplus leather is cut away and every boot is checked before entering a dying room. Once dry, clogs need to cool down before the cobbler removes the last. After that, clog boots are ready to go.

How to take care of your winter clog boots?

Taking care of clog boots and shearling clog boots is very simple. The main rule is if the bottoms absorb too much water, to allow boots to dry slowly. Never try to heat the leather and wood, or to speed up the drying process. On the other hand, taking care of the leather uppers depends on what type of leather clogs boots are made of. Although there are many cleaning products and creams you can use, it's always better to ask for advice in local shoe repair shops. Be careful when you try the product for the first time, and always test a new product on a small hidden part of wooden clog boots.

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.