A Brief History Of Wooden Clog Boots

Wooden clog boots are a typical Dutch heritage. Through the ages, wooden shoes were found all over the European mainland from the Scandinavian countries up north to the Mediterranean south. There were even claims that it was the French who invented clog shoes. But nowadays, wooden clog boots are a true symbol for Holland.

In the Netherlands, the oldest wooden shoe ever found were from 1230 AD. This shoe was found in Nieuwendijk in 1979. Another antique wooden clog shoe was found in 1990 in a dam near Rotterdam’s rotte river. This wooden clog boot dated 1280 is made from alder. Thus, we can conclude with certainty that wooden clog boots have been worn for over 800 years or more.

Trippen were wooden shoes having two bulges at the bottom and two triangles shaped pieces of leather on top for attachment, which is showing resemblance with sandals. However, wooden clog boots gained in popularity since the beginning of the 16^th century. The main reason behind this is the shoes are made out of one piece which proved to be firm and practical with a relatively cheap alternative. 

They protect the feet from dirt and formed a useful additive in the moistures climate.

Nowadays, wooden clog boots are made little different from their ancestors 800 years ago. After the 1890 flourish of industries, shoe manufacturers incited a negative trend in demand for wooden shoes. But then after World War II, almost every village bore its own wooden clog shoemaker, resulting in a variety of styles, colors, carvings, and decorations. 

Men’s clog boots were black or yellow usually where women were lacquered black or had elaborated decoration motifs.

Alder is said to be very good at absorbing moisture and keeping the feet dry. It’s light and can be worked into shape easily, so it’s good in industries. Most wooden clog shoes made of alder wood gives it more survivability.

Unfortunately, the wearer of wooden shoes is becoming rarer day by day. Wooden clog boots are merely seen in the countryside used by farmers, gardeners, fishermen and road workers. Luckily, wooden clog boot manufacturers are still active at present, adopting developed techniques.