Swedish clogs through the decades

Clogs or wooden shoes have been known for centuries. Many cultures used wood as a durable, cheap, and available material for making practical footwear. Throughout the history, many variations of wooden shoes have been used worldwide, and some of the most famous examples include Japanese Geta wooden shoes, Turkish Nalın or Bathing Clogs, Indian paduka, or Dutch klompen.

However, wooden soled shoes today known as Swedish clogs or “toffels” have been manufactured in wood and leather in southern Sweden for over 100 years. Used by generations of working men as safe, cheap, and practical shoes, in the second half of the 20^th century wooden Swedish clogs became a fashion trend as well.

There are several reasons why clogs became so popular in Sweden. Legend says that the wood provided good protection against the moody Swedish weather. Also, forests in southern Sweden provided plenty of raw material ideal for the production of this type of footwear. These are probably the two main reasons why so many factories started with clog crafting during the 60s and 70s. During the 1970s, several wooden shoe factories that made traditional women's clogs, started to experiment with more fashionable styles such as clogs sandals, high heel clogs, peep toe clog sandals, and clog boots.

In the 1970s containers were regularly sent to both North America and Europe. Swedish clogs known as “trätofflor” became a well-known concept and found their way into the fashion world.

The typical Scandinavian or Swedish clog is manufactured with leather uppers (almost exclusively from cow), and wooden clog soles. Wooden base is traditionally made from alderwood, although some producers also use birch, beech and lime wood.

For the last few decades, Swedish wooden clogs proved to be both fashionable and practical. Many chefs, medical workers, and other professionals embraced Swedish clogs since their natural wooden bottom soften the impact of walking on hard surfaces and provide an even support across the foot. Fashionable people recognized their authenticity and originality, and stylish clogs with heels, peep toe clog sandals, and clog boots became part of trendy fashion shows and fashion blogs. 

In Sweden, you’ll find wooden clogs near fireplaces, around dining tables, in gardens and everywhere where family and friends gather.

In short, if you are looking for fika, don’t forget to bring a pair of wooden clogs with you.