Why are Clogs so Popular and What Benefits the Provide over Other Footwear?

 

Introduction to Clogs

Clogs have been around since centuries, mostly used in Holland and Sweden back then. Today, their modern designs like clog sandals for women or clog boots ensure that almost everyone can adapt easily to clogs because of their resemblance to modern footwear, unlike traditional wooden shoes that most people unaccustomed to will find odd to wear in public.

People who were born and/or raised in an area that is exclusive to clogs’ rich traditional history will certainly keep them as a part of their childhood memories or as a symbol of their unrelenting tradition, so it is understandable that clogs will remain popular in those areas. But what about the popularity of clogs worldwide? Why are modern clogs so popular, even if they are slightly heavier and chunkier than their non-clog counterparts?

The Fashion Appeal of Clogs

The appeal of clogs lie in the fact that they are not only different than regular footwear, but they are also a bigger style statement when paired with the right outfit. People who wear clogs to a party or formal gathering will most likely be talked to about their choice of footwear as compared to those who wear regular heels or sandals. Clogs are attention-grabbing shoes, and initiate conversations from those who see a wooden shoe worn in mainstream public for the first time.

Then there is the uniformity of clogs that is unmatched by other shoes. No matter what the top material is made from, all clogs are made of wooden soles, which are usually painted in their natural wood color. This color combination makes clogs uniform in design, yet diverse in nature, making clogs perfect to be worn in any kind of occasion with any kind of outfit.

The Practicality of Clogs

In case of regular footwear, there is the matter of trying to slip in your feet comfortably. While you can so this in new shoes, used ones get slightly compressed under load due to prolonged usage, and slipping in your feet or taking them out comfortably can be a bit bothersome. Clogs, because of their wooden heels, avoid any form of deformation over prolonged use, keeping the clogs as good as new even after years. This means you can easily slip in your feet or take them out in a flash without fuss.

The Durability of Clogs

Unlike regular footwear which deteriorate with use, wooden clogs are highly durable, which gives them a major advantage over other non-clog footwear. Most clogs use treated and waterproofed wooden soles, so you can easily wash them if they get dirty, maintaining the new like look for a long time. Clogs can also take a beating, so if you accidentally step on something hard, the clog will remain intact and not break down like a bunch of dominos. It is true that they cost a bit more than regular footwear, but their durability makes the extra price worth it, sometimes more than worth it.

A Guide to Wearing Different Types of Clog Sandals for Women

 

Women have always enjoyed a large variety when it comes to fashion, whether they are clothes, jewelry, handbags or footwear. Hence understandably, a lot of clog makers are offering different types of clog sandals for women so that they have choices to choose from. We have clog sandals, strapped sandals, clog boots, clog heels, clog wedges and many more intermediary variants that are derived from these main designs.

Every design is good for an occasion, although some are universal whereas some are only for special occasions. Here is our take on when and where to wear those different clogs:

Regular Clog Strapped Sandals

Strapped clog sandals are basically clogged versions of highly popular women’s sandals that come with thin straps. The base sole is made of wood whereas the uppers are made of leather or suede. This design is as universal as it gets, as one can pair it up with almost any kind of outfit and is great for all formal, informal and casual occasions. Our preferred choice of colors would be black and cream, for they go with any outfit regardless of color.

Clog Wedges

Clog wedges are designed as regular wedges and come in both strap and strapless variants. The base is a block of solid, strong, waterproofed willow or poplar wood, while the upper can be of different materials such as leather and suede. Because wood is quite firm, walking in clog wedges makes a distinctive click sound, especially on hard floors such as tiled and marble ones. Clog wedges are sometimes worn as formal shoes, although they are best suited for casual and informal wear.

Clog Boots

Women typically switch to boots as winter sets in, typically in areas where it gets very cold. Clog boots bring out the essence of wood's insulating properties, which helps your feet stay warm by preventing body heat from escaping outside. Clog boots can be either ankle high or even higher depending on the design and clog seller. Although clog boots primarily winter wear, many of those living in cold countries up North utilize them all year long.

Clog Heels

Clog heels can be said as a subcategory of other clog variants such as clog sandals. Their design is on par with heeled footwear, although many clog makers use a more durable foundation such as steel if making tapered heels. Wooden heeled clogs that have a base made purely of wood have broad heels so that wood can properly distribute the load from feet to ground. Clog heels are typically preferred for casual wear such as outings, parties, and trips, although they can be worn to work depending on their strap and heel design.

Reasons Why Swedish Clogs are the Best Footwear Choice

In recent years, there has been a tremendous hike in the practical use of clogs, largely owing to their suitability for casual as well as formal occasions. This growth can also be attributed to the collective efforts of many Sweden-based clog brands that are reinventing the iconic clog sandals by adding urban street style and customized design. 

Traditionally, Swedish clogs were made solely from wood, while modern clogs combine wooden soles/bottoms with leather uppers to ensure versatility and comfort.

In spite of the style and comfort that most Swedish clogs offer, it is essential to purchase clogs from an established brand as not all manufacturers design orthopedically correct shoes. After all, not all clogs are created equal.

 

However, the clog brands in Sweden are dedicated to manufacturing clogs that not only look great, but also provide a comfortable wearing experience.

 

In order to understand why Swedish clogs are the best footwear choice available, we have put together a comparison between clogs and other footwear types.

Wooden Sole

Many footwear types like Stilettos come with a rigid sole that holds the feet and toes of the wearer in a compromised and unnatural position. If worn for a long time, such footwear can cause ankle sprains and foot swelling.

 

On the contrary, Swedish clogs are orthopedically constructed, and designed to provide an even distribution of body weight across the foot. They help in maintaining a good body posture, providing extra protection and stability to the feet on slippery surfaces. Swedish clogs are a perfect footwear choice for working women who have to be on their feet all day.

High Heels

Although high heel shoes have their fair share of popularity in the fashion industry, they are also known to have long term health effects. They concentrate the entire pressure of the body on the balls of the feet through a downward force, thereby, increasing the possibility of foot pain. Over time, wearing high heels can also cause calf muscles to cramp.

 

However, women across the world have found a solution to such problems in the form of clogs. Heeled Swedish clogs come with wide toe-boxes that are convenient to walk in and allow greater foot movement, thus, reducing the chances of falling. Moreover, heeled clogs also promote a good body posture as the body responds by arching the back.

Where craftsmanship meets style. Swedish clog design

 Swedish design gained a great reputation due to its functionality, durability, reliability, and simplicity. The heart of the Nordic design in general lies in simplicity and beauty, characterized by aspects such as clean lines with only a few adornments. All about keeping things simple yet functional, the Swedish design philosophy is visible in all forms of design, from architecture and home decor to fashion and footwear, and in this case, traditional wooden clog design. Clogs are proof of understanding of the Swedish culture and stay true to Swedish values in the design of their products - a unique connection between nature and people.

Origin of handmade clogs

Scandinavian design has always prioritized function and affordability over preciousness and luxury. Humble Swedish wooden clogs, for centuries used by farmers and fishermen as practical and cheap footwear, during the 20th century became a fashion statement. During the 1970s, several Swedish factories that made traditional women's clogs started to experiment with more fashionable styles (such as clog sandals, high heel clogs, peep-toe clogs, and clog boots), that soon found their loyal customers worldwide. With a focus on functionality, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship, the contemporary Swedish style clogs are affordable and practical for all citizens — without sacrificing their high quality and specific retro vibe.

Scandinavian Climate Influences Style

Much of the wooden clog design is a reflection of the (often unpleasant) climate in the Nordic region. Legend says that in the past wooden shoes provided good protection against the moody Swedish weather. Also, forests in southern Sweden provided plenty of raw material for the production of wooden clogs. The climate also has a bearing on the color palette of Scandinavian clog design: neutral colors (white, black, beige, grey), with small bursts of (usually) earthy or pastel colors. It all comes down to making women’s clogs feel pleasant and easy to walk in (even if you wear a 7cm heel).

What Makes Swedish Clogs Unique

The magic of Swedish design lies in several basic principals: functionality, durability, reliability, and simplicity. The design and style come from minimalist ideals, in which everything is meant to serve a purpose. The Scandinavian style gained its popularity because it can be taken either high-end or more basic, without losing any of its quality. Another distinctive piece of the Scandinavian design style is its focus on comfort. Swedish clogs are meant to provide a comfortable, anatomically shaped, and durable treat for your feet, as well as a minimalistic and unique addition to your wardrobe.  

Practical Quality

When it comes to practical quality, Swedish clogs may be best known for their anatomically shaped that soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide even 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 sewn in it. If you’re already an admirer of minimalistic, clean Swedish design with its neutral and muted colors, you may want to consider buying a pair of famous toffels.

Meticulous Swedish clog craftsmanship

Swedish clogs are often made in small family-owned factories from natural and in most cases ethically-sourced materials, including leather, wood, and wool. From expertly handcrafted classic clogs and boots to more stylish sandals, platforms, and wedges, Swedish clog brands offer a range of products suitable for everyday use and beyond. You can feel the passion and love put into every wooden clog they make. And what is the most fascinating about wooden clogs is that they are still made by hand, from their wooden bottoms to the last nail.  

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.

GET READY FOR THE WINTER IN SWEDISH CLOG BOOTS

Whether you're skiing or just taking a walk on a brisk day this winter, clog boots or warm shearling clog boots may be just the right choice for you. We believe there is a perfect wooden clog boot for every man and woman out there. Why would you choose to buy clog boots instead of classic leather boots? Well, there are several reasons for that.

When we talk about Swedish clog boots we talk about traditional clog craftsmanship and distinctive Nordic design. Swedish cobblers began to make these special type of wooden shoes as a protection against the often unpleasant Swedish weather. After a few decades of experimenting and improving products and techniques, they came out with a comfortable, durable, breathable shoe that can adapt to any climate and occasion. 

Swedish clogs are still produced by hand in materials both classical and new – traditional alderwood (sometimes lime and birch) is matched with different types of leathers (waxy, vegan, nubuck, pull-up, vegetable-tanned, suede, etc.) and details such as leather straps, metallic buckles, leather laces, or decorative stitches.

There are plenty of clog boot models you can add to your winter wardrobe. Most popular are the classic Chelsea boots that you’ll find in many colors and shapes, and both men’s and women’s sizes. Several Swedish clogs brands offer warm shearling clog boots, as well as women’s clog boot styles on a mid, wedge or high heel, or a practical clog boots with laces. All of them are still stitched and stapled by hand.

Making clog boots is a long process and it takes years to learn how to craft them properly. The process starts with sawing logs into planks and milling. After milling, the wood and the outsole are carefully 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 are put to cool down before cobbler removes the last. After that, your Swedish clog boots are ready to wear!

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. Although they are not always flashy, their natural leather upper is pleasingly soft and their comfy wooden bottoms are a treat to walk on, even on cold days. Also, clogs boots usually have PU outsoles which is a material developed for shock resistance and increased slip resistance.

How to take care of your winter clog boots? If the bottoms absorb external water, it is important to allow boots to dry slowly. Wipe clogs clean and leave them in a dry place at room temperature. Do not heat the clogs, and do not try to speed up the drying process as that could cause the wood to crack. On the other hand, the leather care depends on what type of leather your Swedish clog boots are made of. There are many cleaning products and creams on the market, and it’s best to ask for advice in shoe repair shops. Be careful when you try the product for the first time, and don’t forget to test any new product on a small hidden part of your new boot clogs.

Swedish clog boots are statement footwear that will fit into many styles. Trousers, sweaters, shirts, skirts, or jeans - clog boots blend classic styling with excellent materials and craftsmanship that you’ll be proudly wearing for years. Get ready for the winter in authentic, unique, wooden clog boots from Sweden!

New to World of Clogs? Here’s How to Make Your Unique Style Statement

Marilyn Monroe aptly remarked, “Give the right shoes to a girl and she will conquer the world”. And when it comes to blending style with comfort, the type of shoes one can bet upon is Swedish wooden clogs. The clog industry is ever-changing, with every new season pouring in new styles. In this dynamic arena, it is quite bewildering for someone who is new to the world of fashion, particularly shoes, to choose the right kind of shoes. Contrary to the earlier perception, clogs offer a plethora of designs and materials. So, to make it easier for a newcomer into the fashion of clogs, having a passion to adorn the trendsetter clogs, here are five simple and easy-to-implement steps using which one can develop the art of making perfect combinations of dresses and clogs.

Make Fashion Magazines Your Bible

Magazines are full of latest style trends in anything and everything related to fashion. So, follow a couple of good magazines religiously that will help you know what is hot in the market. Taking guidance from there, you can incorporate trendy items in your closet.

Subscribe to Your Favorite Stores for E-mails

Sign up right now for having up-to-date of what is trending. As these stores have the first exposure to the latest manufactured and demanded stuff, following them can be of a great help. One can also avail discounts on them for on various new items.

Follow Blogs of Stylists and Fashionistas

If you will follow the blogs of fashionistas and stylists, you will not only be enlightened about what kind of clogs go well with what kind of attire, but you will also come to know about in-depth knowledge of what kind of materials to look for, what kind of textures and designs are popular and long-lasting. Just follow them and use your own creativity to have a happening collection of stylish Swedish wooden clogs, the most comfortable kind of clogs one can have.

Window Shopping

Although it is an old-school method, yet it is a tested way of upgrading yourself with the latest fashion trends in clogs that are ruling the market. You need not necessarily buy all the stuff, just have a glance so that to get an idea of what would be suitable for you. And you know what, this method will not even cost you much.

Lookout for Sale Events

It is not only important to watch out the latest trends and add to them to your wardrobe, but also one should have an idea of the budget one can afford. Be a smart shopper and the way to do is none other than to look out for sale events. Here, one can get the best things at pocket-friendly prices. The good news is that many of the sale events regularly have Swedish wooden clogs on sale.