An In-Depth Look At The History Of Clogs

Clogs were a staple footwear for peasants and mine workers in the 70s 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 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.

The wooden clogs have staged a graceful comeback after their downfall in the 70s, thanks to their sudden appearance on fashion parades of elite brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The clogs have since become a fashion accessory and are a rage today among fashionable women. These wooden clogs for women look extremely appealing with every type of dress and have become a firm favorite of fashionista women.

Why You Won’t Go Wrong With Clogs?

“Fashion is a part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events…”-Diana Vreeland. 

Fashion is an outlet though which we express ourselves. Whether or not our week is going on a gloom note, going out in a new dress or an elegant pair of shoes can weather away the drab. It has a profound impact on our emotions and so we seek to don newer fashion trends to uplift our persona and our day. 

Fashion is never constant. It reveals itself in new colors, patterns and styles every week, every season without a stop. Among the fashion staples that glitter fashion ramps, shoes are one of them. 

Shoes make a statement and add function to fashion. Your style is defined by your outfit which include shoes too.

Shoes have elevated our style profile to a whole new level. With the hottest shoe trends spilling out on glitzy fashion parades, it’s no time to be shy and play it safe, but to flaunt your sassiness with élan. Fashionista lasses don’t mind putting themselves in loud, embellished towering heels or wedges even if they meant cramming your feet for fashion’s sake and making your pinkie toes hate your guts. They have accepted the fact that heels are ‘pleasure with pain’. And they make them look hot and conventionally sexy.

But when clogs broke into the fashion scene, it became the cynosure of every fashion-conscious woman. The elegant wooden footwear with its bold leather uppers piqued the interest of style magnets and they embraced it as an accessory for style and beauty. 

Clog sandals breathed a new air of fashion into every women’s wardrobe. Their rich history and flamboyant versatility which allows women to style them with different dresses has helped them move up the echelons of fashion and place themselves head and heels above conventional footwear. 

If it’s their style and ergonomic design which women couldn't stop drooling over, it’s their unwavering comfort which made the softer sex go weak in the knees. Clogs became the perfect fashion staple for every season and occasion. Whether you are gearing for a glamorous dinner party or a romantic escapade with your other half, clogs will save your day. You will get the attention you deserve.

Read More: Fascinating Facts about Clogs Sandals

Why Walk On Wooden Shoes?

Take a woman away from her clogs and she will raise a hue and cry. Clogs are the apple of every woman’s eyes. Wearing clogs, girls exhibit an air of confidence. Those wooden-soled shoes are so funky that women can’t help wearing it. Be it any place or season, wooden clog sandals complement your appearance and add grace to your personality. They are chic, fashionable and gel well with any clothing.

Nobody had thought that clogs would make such an impact on the fashion scene. This wooden footwear was usually associated with milkmaids and peasants who would wear them since they protected and insulated their feet. But Chanel and Louis Vuitton conjured up a storm in the market by making the clogs look super cool. Models at Chanel’s Spring Collection blazed fashion ramps as they walked gracefully in those heavy footed clogs. Such was the craze that wooden clog sandals became a hot trend in the months which followed. 

Have a stroll down a busy shopping arcade or a high-end street and your eyes won’t fail to notice women walking proudly in wooden clog sandals. Women have actually figured out that clogs are a fabulous choice for the feet. Besides their style and comfort, clogs provide orthopedic benefits which induce women to have a pair or two in their closet.

Since women do a lot of standing every day, which means doing a full-time job or running errands, they can rely on wooden clog sandals to protect their feet, legs, hips and lower back. Clogs have no laces, velcro-closures or zippers. You can easily slip them in and out without any fuss.

Clogs are a great add-on to any outfit. You can pair your clogs with vintage denim or skinny jeans or even short dresses. If you want a chic look, you can wear suede or black wooden clog sandals with skinny jeans or even short skirts. If that doesn’t make the cut for you, you can settle for boot-cut denim. If you want to add a cool vibe to your clothing, you can wear socks with your favorite clogs.

How Swedish Clogs Have Made A Graceful Comeback?

Swedish clogs have made a triumphant comeback in the past few years. Women have gracefully embraced clogs as one of the most fashionable footwear at present. With their elegant looks, ornate designs and orthopedic usefulness, clogs have become the best choice for women of all ages. Swedish clogs were back with a bang when they featured in the 2007 winter collection for Dutch designers Viktor and Rolf. 

The Dutch unveiled their set of high-heeled clogs in the catwalk which grabbed numerous eyeballs and set the tone for a new genre of fashionable footwear. The French were not to be left behind. Louis Vuitton and Chanel brought their own collection of Swedish clogs which featured a simple fabric upper construction fastened to a wooden heel.

Clogs became a hit after they featured in such catwalks and fashion parades. They garnered such attention that women began to buy varieties of clogs to team them up with different dresses. Clogs now come in a bunch of designs. There are open-back and closed-back styles. The platforms come in wood, cork or plastic options. 

The heels are low, high as well as flat versions. The upper part is constructed using various types of leather in an assortment of shades and colors such as brown, black, blue, pink and purple. They usually come in the strap and strapless options. There are also plastic clogs which are perfect for gardening activities. They are tough and you can just wash them off in case they get dirty.

Swedish clogs catering the nursing departments have become a popular choice for those professions where women are on their feet all day. Nursing clogs are specifically designed to provide ankle, knee and back support to minimize knee and back pain. These clogs have non-slip treads which provide solid grip and prevent you from slipping on wet hospital floors. Moreover, these Swedish nursing clogs are slip-on shoes which makes wearing them on and off a breeze.

They come in a variety of colors and designs so that you can juggle different dresses with them. The Swedish nursing clogs are light and are made of durable wood or heavy duty plastic materials. These clogs also have proper padding on the insides which significantly reduce discomfort and allow nurses to move throughout their workplace with ease.

Clog sandals are the latest obsession in shoe fashion

Wooden clog sandals have come a long way from their Dutch origins. Back then, clogs were hand-crafted and made completely of wood since they lasted longer, did not hold moisture and insulate the feet from the ground. Of late, the clunky wooden shoes have been reimagined into a stylish fashion accessory that is a common sight on fashion ramps. 

Clog sandals worn today are not entirely made of wood. The upper portion covering the top and the sides of the clog is made of leather or rubber while the heel is left exposed. The rubber type of clog sandal usually comes in a single color and has a strap that goes around the heel and is generally worn as a summer sandal. 

Clog sandals have evolved as a fashion accessory since they offer superior stability and leg comfort. They are easy to wear and easy to keep on the feet. Wooden clog sandals come in three different soles- classic, high and wedge.

Because of the ease, versatility, and protection it offers, wooden clog sandals have emerged as a staple footwear of many industry verticals. Professional clogs have to be extremely comfortable and durable since in many professions, wearers have to stand for long durations and it’s the feet that suffer the most in the process.

Nurses prefer clog sandals because they provide better lower back support and protect the feet from potential injuries like falling objects and exposure to harmful chemicals. In recent times, clogs are being manufactured in such a way that they suit a host of occasions.

There are dressy clogs, casual clogs, professional clogs and wooden clogs. Dressy clogs fall between professional and casual clogs. They are clunky and have high heels and are adorned with ornate designs and embellishments. Casual clogs are those which you can wear both indoors and outdoors. They have short heels which are made of wood.

The upper part is made of inexpensive material like nylon or cotton. Professional clogs are one of the most expensive clogs and come in leather or synthetic upper options. They are mostly worn by chefs and nurses and employ low heels and are comfortable too. Wooden clogs now are machine-made and come in flat or high heels. They can be worn with a casual attire or a formal one.

Rock the Trend Clogs with these Easy Tips

My friend is a budding stylist the way she dresses up, but one thing that she was missing out was a collection of trendy wooden clog sandals. So, yesterday I went straight to her home, took her out for shopping, and gifted her some nice clog sandals. She was more than happy to add a new kind of footwear to her wardrobe. Clogs look so adorable, but some girls refrain from wearing them because of lack of confidence, or the right kind of style tips, and various other such reasons. So, this blog is meant for all the girls out there, who are ignorant about beautiful clogs, just like my friend was.

Now, I will share some tips and tricks to rock the clogs, which I have gathered from my own experience.

Sources of inspiration

If you are new to the world of clogs, it is highly recommended that you must look for some celebrated names who have achieved a feat in this field. For instance, checkout the pictures of famous celebrities who have rocked different types of clogs time and again. You can find them wearing a pair wooden clog sandals at one time and rocking the pair of heeled clogs at the other. Also, you can read the blogs and articles of celebrities as well as renowned stylists which will give you an insight about the clogs.

 Choose Clog sandals

Wooden Clog sandals provide ultimate comfort and are not a pain for your back as they are flat. These funky sandals instantly up your cool quotient. You can sport them with almost all kinds of dresses. They look simply stunning when paired up with floral skirts, capris, jumpsuits, etc.

Be Classic, Be classy!

As a beginner, you should not experiment with all the styles and trends all at once.  For a smooth start, choose the best wooden clog sandals that give a classic and simple look. If you are going for a hangout, or a casual hangout with friends, you can pair your clog sandals with a great outfit, which will make you simply stand out.

So, what are you waiting for? Go, rock the trend and shine like a diva!