Go Vegan Clogs!

According to the definition by The Vegan Society, veganism is “a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose”. Veganism is becoming one of the fastest-growing global movements. Recent data shows that over the next decade, approximately 1 in 10 people will become vegan. As a natural extension of vegetarianism, veganism is an integral component of a true cruelty-free lifestyle, that provides benefits to animals’ lives and the environment, as well as a healthy diet and lifestyle for each one of us. Experts claim that the future of the fashion industry and lifestyle trends are also in ethical, eco-conscious fashion with a focus on responsible choices and animal-free products. Swedish designers, well-known for their responsible choices and minimalistic design, joined this trend with a contemporary version of one of the most traditional Swedish products. Ladies and gentlemen, plant-based a.k.a. vegan-friendly clogs have arrived! 

Traditionally made by hand, and always on anatomically shaped wooden bottoms, vegan edition of traditional clog keeps all quality of traditional clogs, but with no animal products included (at first place leather and wool). Both practical and fashionable, vegan clogs come in a variety of styles: classic clogs, clog sandals, heel clogs, and clog boots, in many fun shapes and vibrant colors, for both men and women. Usually made in small family-owned factories and workshops, these humble shoes are one of the most sustainable footwear you’ll come across. Their production and transportation reduce a carbon footprint compared to most of the footwear industry.

As already mentioned, wooden clogs bottoms are still meticulously crafted with special attention to the anatomically constructed footbed that provides an optimal angle for support and posture of the lower back. Commonly used type of wood is alderwood although some brands use lime, poplar, and birch, as well. Alderwood has been used for centuries in clog production, and it’s known for its natural antibacterial characteristics and capacity to absorb external moisture. In short, clogs in vegan leather are both comfortable and healthy for your feet.

Clog uppers are made of 100%, top-quality vegan-friendly synthetic materials such as a certified microfiber (Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 class I) that complies with REACH (meaning they are eco-friendly). Vegan clogs’ lining is also made in a sustainable material that is breathable, antibacterial, soft on the inside and waterproof on the outside, while wooden bottoms guarantee comfort and stability.

How to take care of your vegan clogs? Clog experts recommend is to use a damp cloth and wipe the dirt, and to allow the clogs to dry in the shade at a normal temperature. If wet cloth is not enough, a little soap can help. If you plan to use some particular product (cleaner, cream, or oil), it’s best to ask for advice in your shoe repair shop and to try it on a small hidden spot in a very small amount.

 Is vegan fashion the future of a fashion or just a passing trend? Although it’s still hard to tell, the one is sure. If you are looking for footwear that is practical and original, if you follow slow-fashion ideas, and you want to use eco-conscious and sustainable products, Swedish vegan clogs are an excellent starting point and a statement shoe that you’ll be proudly wearing for several years. Whether you choose comfy, mid, or high heel soles, you are on your way to make the big entrance into the new vegan universe. In a pair of the new, colorful, animal-free clogs, of course.

Glam Up Your Fashion Quotient With Clogs

Clogs for women have created a hullabaloo in the fashion world. These carefully crafted shoe pieces have stunned fashion pundits with their chic and stylish looks. Clogs are a complete package.  Not only they enhance the beauty of the feet, but also make women look elegant. 

The versatility of high heeled shoes is that they go well with every outfit. With the course of time, they have evolved and become a prized possession in a woman’s closet. Clogs have carved a niche with women of late and are a common sight in fashion parades.

Clogs which were made of wood in the traditional times, now feature leather and rubber material on the upper portions in the recent times. They come in a bunch of chic colors and are available in strap or strapless options. Clogs come in varied heights and contours and are mostly handmade, especially the Swedish clogs for women. Many shoe companies custom make the clogs, applying various production methods and designs. Though handcrafted clogs have declined over the years with the advent of technology, the demand for those classic pieces has never waned.

If you want to buy a Swedish clog to speak for itself go for a color that complements your outfit. Like other shoes, Swedish clogs are available in several colors. Whether you are, for example, looking for a nice brown color or rather a black or perhaps want a blue Swedish clog to catch a party, clogs won’t disappoint your day.

Clogs also change the way a woman looks and carries herself. The greatest advantage of clogs is that you can team them up with any outfit-be it a pair of skinny jeans or a skirt. Clogs can be worn throughout the year irrespective of the weather. 

The closed-front, open-back clogs can be worn in winters with or without socks while the strappy open clogs are perfect for the summers. If you are wearing a long skirt or a skinny jeans, opt for the high heels. If you are wearing a mini-skirt or a dress which rests above the knee, go for the low heeled one.

Swedish Clogs Journey From Rags To Riches

Swedish clogs which were popular in the 1900’s as a practical footwear, have now reincarnated themselves into a fashionable footwear and captured the attention of fashionistas and even celebrities. This simple footwear which was used by fishermen and laborers of yore as a protective covering for the foot have now evolved into a fashion staple, seen mostly on fashion parades of renowned brands.

 Clogs from Sweden were made partly or completely out of wood in the past. They were crafted by hand by dexterous clog makers. Wood became the primary choice for manufacture of clogs since it is durable, doesn't hold moisture and insulates the feet from the ground. 

Nowadays, Swedish wooden clogs are made by machines, but there are some places in the Netherlands and the EU where these clogs are still made by hand. The mechanized process of making clogs has erased the personality and distinct features that are imbued in the handcrafted clogs.

Swedish wooden clogs receive a sort of traditional opulence when they are forged by hand. A clog maker adds his own set of designs and embellishments when he crafts a clog by hand to bring individuality and uniqueness to the shoe. The handcrafted Swedish wooden clogs have a distinct texture and eye-catching color and are valued more since they are an expression of the person who made it. A handcrafted clog cannot be duplicated as the maker adds his own creativity and variety in each pair which makes it one-of-a-kind.

Clogs from Sweden have become a personal favorite among women. These shoes have become an indispensable part of a women’s shoe rack and are used by everyone, ranging from business magnets to housewives. Career-driven and ambitious women of today want a footwear that accentuates their sense of style without going over-the-top and clogs perfectly fit the bill. 

Clogs come with chunky heels and metal stud detailing over the edges and modern women don’t feel shy to flaunt those. The 21^st century women is well-informed about the ill-effects of standing for long hours wearing the wrong footwear. So she prefers clogs since those shoes have orthopedic values and take care of the feet, besides providing comfort throughout the day.

Heeled Clogs Have Become A New Favorite For Women. Know Why?

Have you ever come across the wooden shoes of the 70s? Clogs!!!  Those flashy, chunky and noisy shoes have become a woman’s best friend since they came back in grand fashion in the early 2000s. 

Clogs come in a wide array of shapes and designs, so that they can fit the requirement of every woman. These shoes go well with every attire and can be worn in every season. Clogs are fashionable footwear and so women nowadays buy them to match every dress and for every occasion.

After their hallowed debut in glitzy fashion ramps, clogs have never looked back. Their popularity has grown in leaps and bounds and they have become a common appearance in glittering award shows or fashion events. 

Of late, heeled clogs have taken the fashion scene by storm. Though clogs were traditionally flat-bottomed shoes, the heeled clogs have attracted quite a sizeable number of fans from the celeb fraternity and other fashion-conscious women. A few years ago, Kate Moss was spotted wearing a pair of heeled clogs while walking down a sidewalk.

So why are heeled clogs in vogue now? The answer is simple- heels enhance the shape of your feet. Besides this, heeled clogs bolster the confidence level of a woman. Heeled clogs improve the posture and gait of a woman and help make her legs appear longer and leaner. Heels also change the way a woman looks and carries herself. The greatest advantage of heeled clogs is that you can team them up with any outfit-be it a pair of skinny jeans or a skirt.

Heeled clogs come in a variety of heel heights-low heel, high heel and high-rise heel. The toe box area of the low heel clog is roomier and has a slight arch at the base. The high heel clog has a slightly narrow base than the low heel. The high-rise heel height is narrower than the other two heel heights. For people with wide feet, the low heel clog will be perfect while high heel clogs are suitable for people with a narrow feet. These heels of the clogs are made of wood and so the wearer will not experience any pain, putting them on for a considerable length of time.

How Clogs Have Become The Reigning Footwear In The Shoe Industry?

Shoes can make or break an outfit. You can get an apparel of your choice easily, but finding the right footwear which teams well with the clothing can be a cumbersome job. No wonder why women are never finished when it comes to buying shoes even when they have a closet full of shoes. Women are so fussy that they won’t go to a party or an outing unless their footwear suits the occasion.

Women shoes come in a variety of heel types. Among them, high heels have captured a prominent place in the shoe industry. Women have a soft corner for high heel shoes since they represent the ultimate when it comes to footwear fashion.

When we are talking about heels, high heel clogs deserve mention. These shoes have wooden soles and strike the right fashion statement with women. In fact, women’s high heel clogs have outclassed other stylish shoes such as stilettos or ballerinas and have positioned them in the league of premium shoes. 

The reason is an obvious one-comfort. Women want a footwear which is both stylish as well as comfortable, but those two attributes rarely go hand in hand. Moreover, heels are hard on the feet and put excessive pressure on the toes and the back ankle. No matter how much swag a woman exhibits wearing a high heeled shoe in public, she experiences foot pain at some point in time.

High heel clogs come as a breath of fresh air. These shoes have platform soles made of wood which are comfortable and click your feet into place as soon as you slip them on. They offer unparalleled support to the feet and provide complete traction to you so that you can walk in them comfortably. The shoes are designed orthopedically and women won’t experience any pain even after standing in them for long hours.

Besides comfort, high heel clogs enhance the shape of your feet. They make women appear svelte and amplify the confidence level of a woman. Heeled clogs provide an extra thump to a woman’s looks and make her look leaner and sexier and help strike the right balance between style and personality.

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.

Here Is Why Swedish Shoes Are Commonly Wooden Clogs Only

Clogs were introduced as footwear for labors and mine workers. Primarily worn by men, these clogs were sturdy in nature and could resist a lot of rugged usage. With constant change in time and fashion sense, they were reintroduced as fashion footwear for women. From the basic rugged footwear type to unmatched style for everyone, clogs have come a long way.

I live in Sweden and for me Swedish shoes have always been reciprocated as wooden clogs. I have seen the crowd wearing them since I was a child and I have always had atleast a pair as staple fashion footwear in my wardrobe. 

Be it formal occasion or a party that we attended, Swedish shoes have become a part and parcel of fashion wardrobes. The best part about Swedish shoes is the fact that they can be paired with any kind of outfit and will blend in perfectly with your daywear and nightwear.

Sweden has a legacy of wooden clogs in the world. Even though men here remotely wore them, now Swedish shoes have taken over the world by a storm. They are made with wooden soles to provide strength and uniformity to the feet and the uppers are made from leather that is one of the sturdiest materials known to mankind. 

With the fashion world accepting these shoes with open arms, they have revolutionized the simple footwear to ones that are available in almost every colour that you can imagine.

If your work involves standing or walking around for long hours, then clogs is a must for you. It has a uniform sole that helps in reducing the pressure on every part of the foot. Moreover, the footwear is breathable in nature and does not leave your foot infection ridden, even if you sweat a lot. It will not devoid you of your wish of walking around in comfortable heels. 

Most of the Swedish shoes have heels as their soles instead of normal platforms. But unlike heels of any other footwear, the clogs have comfortable block heels, which do not put too much pressure on your shoes when you walk around all day long.

With all these advantages, Swedish clogs are definitely what you should be wearing now.

How Black Clogs For Women Became My Staple Footwear During Pregnancy

Even though I had heard a lot about the benefits of owning clogs as a pair of fashion staple in my wardrobe, I was not really a fan until recently.

Being a teenager generally makes you have very vivid yet rigid views about fashion. My mother kept harping about the happiness she achieved in buying clogs every time and it kind of took a toll on my patience.

This is why my first pair of clogs was a forced gift by my mother on my birthday.

A day before I turned 16, she walked into a swanky little store, which featured a special collection of women’s clogs, telling me that she wanted a pair for herself.

She asked the store manager for “a pair of black clogs in her size” (while pointing towards me) and that was my cue to shoot a grudging look at my mom. I kept whining that this wasn’t something I wanted for my birthday while she kept insisting that I would love them anyway.

Here’s a question. When was the time you heard of a sixteen-year-old following their parents’ word? Like a stubborn child I threw them at the back of my footwear drawer, never to be retrieved.

That was 10 years ago.

Times changed, I grew up, got married and was about to start a family when I visited my mom out of the blue to check on her. I also went checked my room, reminiscing over the things I owned when noticed those dreaded wooden clogs lying at the back of my wardrobe.

This time, however, I tried them on like a mature adult, strutting across the room. I suddenly realized that switching from my stilettoes to these clogs gave my legs instant comfort.

I sneaked them out of the room and quietly took them home so that I wouldn’t have to confront my mom about being right this whole time.

Over the last month and during my second trimester these black clogs became my favorite pair and I started recommending them to my friends at yoga class. The instant comfort, proper posture and fact that they went with almost every outfit made them my dearest.

I was so impressed by the make and comfort that these clogs that I ordered a few more pairs for myself to get some well-deserved rest for my feet.

On that note, I'd like to add that going from work to party in black clogs for women is super easy thanks to their versatility and subtle style. 

Helpful Tips for Taking Care of Your Leather Clog Sandals

We have all experienced that stinging heartache when our favorite footwear becomes unwearable because of a nasty scratch. Or the agony we feel – physical as well as a little emotional – when a beautiful pair of sandals that we ordered turns out to be unbearably tough to wear. Similar issues can come affront with leather clog sandals if you don’t take proper care measures.

All new clog’s leather seems hard at first – no need to get alarmed – after wearing them a couple of times, the leather will soften and adjust with your feet perfectly. But if you take good care of your leather clogs then you can surely continue wearing them for a long time. Following are a few tips with which you can take care of your beloved leather clogs:

Know the Type of Leather the Clog is made of

If your clog’s leather has a shiny or matt finish – a smooth finish to be precise – then you can easily clean it by using a damp cloth. Try not to rub vigorously, gently wipe clean any dirt that’s visible on your clogs. If cleaning with a damp cloth doesn’t work then try to wipe it off with a mix of soap and water.

If the clogs are covered by nubuck leather, you can use a soft brush (or suede brush) to brush off any dirt that’s on the surface. Another thing you can do to protect them from getting dirty is, use a nubuck & suede protection spray – but keep in mind, this trick works on brand new clogs.

Stay Clear of Water

This one’s a no-brainer, but one we often forget – leather and water aren’t a good match. So try to steer clear of liquids if you don’t want them ruined. Make sure that you don’t put on leather clogs as soon as you step out of the shower or if your feet are sweaty. And if the leather does get wet for some reason (surprise rains or the sprinklers go off), don’t panic. Leave your leather clog sandals on their side to dry out.

Brief History of Clogs and the Reasons behind their Popularity

If you were born back in the 70’s, you are likely to remember clog shoes and how popular they were back then. For the ones who do not know, clogs are available for both men and women and they have a signature of their own so far as the design is concerned.

They can be slipped on and off very easily because they have an open back. Clogs which were conventionally shaped had wooden soles and their top portions were made of leather. The clogs which are available these days have undergone a sea change in terms of the design, materials used and the comfort quotient which has increased by leaps and bounds.

Let us first talk about clogs for women.

Clogs are preferred more by women than by men for the simple reason that women really adore the notion that they can slip the shoes on and off their feet anytime they feel like. Women who wear sandals are especially fond of clogs as it provides them the comfort which no sandal can provide and keeps their feet covered as well. The best part about clogs is that they can be worn in any season, with or without socks.

There are a wide variety of clogs available for women today including canvas, leather, suede and garden clogs. The type of clogs which you will purchase will entirely depend on a woman’s taste and the purpose for which she wants to use her pair of clogs. For instance, garden clogs as the very name suggests, is used for gardening because it is very easy to clean the filth out of them.

Clogs for Men

Contrary to popular notion, clogs are available for men as well. Traditionally women have been the major buyers of clogs and it was thus not really considered by men. Of late, however, men have started buying clogs as much as women.

There are certain differences in the clogs for men. For instance, these clogs are usually black or brown in color and made using the best quality leather. The heels are also not as chunky as the women’s clogs.

Clogs are also preferred by the medical professionals as it protects their feet and provides all day long comfort. Thus, clogs nowadays are preferred by one and all and their popularity is only on the rise.

Clogging: What It Takes To Perform It to Perfection?

Clogging is largely associated with foot-stomping, and is one of the shoots of Folk dancing. Musical synchronization of sounds with dancer’s feet is a key element of clogging. In the beginning, bluegrass was the popular music for clogging that went smoothly with all the foot shuffling, stomping, and tapping. But today’s pacey lifestyle have settled for an even pacier form of clogging with teenagers in particular getting more precise with their moves. 

No matter what people say, it is a precise dance form

Elementally, it involves a double-toe tap done with one of the wooden clog. It is started with the left foot by breezing the left toe to and fro, making a continuous ‘tap-tap’ sound. Immediately following that the same sound is made with balls of the left foot, and again stepping onto the balls of right foot, thus repeating the movement again and again.  All in all, the basic step must be remembered, left-toe-tap-forward, left-toe-tap-backward, left-step-ball, right-step-ball, left-step-ball.

Once the Dancers master of art of not putting too much weight on the feet while doing the steps, they can easily shift to trying out their own variations. With a better body balance and flexibility of knees, one can even go for a longer freestyle routines too. The best part is its versatility which allows to perform it solo, with a partner, or in a troupe.

It must be noted that the initial double-toe tap can also be done with heels, being followed in certain parts of the country. The basic flow of movements remain the same, with a slight difference of replacing the toe-tap with heel tap. As heel-tap-forward, toe-tap-backward, step-ball, step-ball, step-ball and so forth.

It can be done almost anywhere

It will be fair to say that the contemporary form of clogging is pretty much location independent. It can be performed anywhere, out in the country, villages, cities, or towns. But when it comes to the surface, it should be fairly hard. The modern clogging is very organized and is done mostly within local groups under the guidance of certified instructors. 

For the purpose of practice and rehearsals, schools, gymnasiums, churches, civic centers, ballrooms, and even garages are effectively utilized by the local groups. Membership includes all ages and types, both adults and youngsters. The members of the groups are no spring chickens, but have reasonable experience at a competitive level too, as regularly participate in regional clogging events. 

Also, the regions where clogging enjoys a lot of popularity, the local dancers randomly collaborates without any formal organization. These people spring up at community parks, or county fairs, where wooden clogs for women and men, a portable wooden clogging floor, and clogging music are arranged. These are mostly open events welcoming both dancers and non-dancers, with guitarists, or a banjo player joining in.