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.