Tuesday 24 November 2020

All About Women’s Clogs- the True Trend-Setters among Fashionable Footwear

The very first league of clog makers for women and men can be traced back to Holland in the 1570’s. Surprisingly, this category of footwear has been in existence for more than 700 years now.

At first, workers in farms and mines primarily wore them as the wooden bottoms offered great protection to their feet. It was after the Second World War that clogs became more of a fashion statement than merely being deemed as normal footwear.
A lot of attention to detail and skills are required for the making of clogs. The uppers are made up of high-quality leather and the bottoms are ideally made of wood.
The choice of wood is such that it does not split easily on being worn. Alder, birch, willow and sycamore are the most common choices for the bottoms. The choice of materials involved in the making of clogs makes them the most environment-friendly form of fashion footwear.
Women’s clogs are a reminder of the iconic 70’s era of fashion when styling got a major makeover. Short, A-line dresses changed to maxi style outfits. Denim on denim became a huge hit in the fashion industry. All these items of clothing could be paired with a pair of clogs.
Clogs for women are not just a popular item for street style; many coveted designers like Karl Lagerfeld have also displayed them as a runway fashion statement on ramp walks. Brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton0 spruced up their sales by launching their own versions of fur clogs.
Clogs have been marked as the most comfortable form of footwear. This is owing to the fact that the bottoms of the clogs have a supportive and anatomic footbed for the feet to rest, as opposed to the other styles of footwear.
The height of the heels ranges from two to four inches, which is comfortable to walk around all day without any fear of shoe bites.
The secret to clogs being the most comfortable footwear is the step line across the heel that helps in bringing the toes and heel at a relaxed position. Clogs are ideally shaped to match the curves/arches of the feet. This reduces the pressure on the instep of one’s feet.
So the next time there is a sale on clogs for women, one must surely do some binge shopping for this comfortable and fashionable footwear.

Looking Back At the Rich History of Wooden Clogs

Swedish wooden clogs have been around since a long time. Archaeological records have dated the oldest surviving wooden clogs to as early as the 1200s. While these may be the earliest recorded usage of clogs, archaeologists, citing various historical evidences such as paintings have determined that wooden footwear were extensively used during the Roman Empire (27 BC – 395 AD).

Clogs in Early Europe

Although it were the Dutch and the Swedish who were mostly responsible for popularizing wooden clogs in Europe during the 1200s , they didn’t gain momentum in other areas of the world mainly due to their dull appearance.

Why Wooden Clogs?

Even though other shoe-making materials, such as leather were available, wood was mostly used to make shoes because:
  • Wood was readily available from trees.
  • It was much easier to carve solid wood into shoes rather than stitching shoes from leather.
  • Wood is very strong, hence it offered better protection to the feet.
  • Wood is very durable, hence wooden clogs lasted much longer than other footwear.

Clogs after World War II

There was a surge in the popularity of clogs after World War II, which saw the introduction of Swedish wooden clogs to the western world. It were the high-heeled fashion clogs that gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world, where wooden clogs were virtually unheard of.
Famous celebrities and cultural icons, such as Audrey Hepburn started wearing clogs in their movies and promotional shoots, which further helped clogs gain a solid foothold in the United States and become popular among women all over the country.

Redesign of Clogs

Early clogs were solid blocks of wood that were carved into shoes as functionality was given greater preference over looks and aesthetics.

The redesigned Swedish wooden clogs, which were introduced in the 1970s had the perfect balance of style, design and functionality, and this was the main reason why they became popular worldwide.
 
High-heeled variants of clogs were designed especially for women, although unisexual variants were available for both men and women.
While early clogs were made only of wood, modern clogs started combining other materials such as leather, rubber and synthetics with wood for better looks. This also enabled manufacturers to make countless designs using the common wooden base.

Are Traditional Clogs Still Used Today?

Although fashion clogs have been derived from traditional clogs, the latter are still in use today in parts of Sweden and Holland as the traditional footwear for local festivals and important traditional events.
Most of the world sees clogs as a fashion footwear, but they are still considered as an invaluable part of central Europe’s age-old traditions.

How Wooden Swedish Clogs Bring Together Tradition and Style

In recent years, wooden clogs have firmly established themselves in the mainstream fashion world of the 21st century with many contemporary designers such as Louis Vuitton, Viktor and Rolf showcasing them in their collections. They have become an indispensable part of every woman’s closet, but not many are aware of the rich tradition associated with this type of footwear.

Wooden clogs were originally a part of many ancient cultures such as the Dutch, Swedish and Japanese cultures, and a unique form of wooden clogs, known as Paduka find its traces in the monastic realms of India as well

Many footwear brands in Sweden are now bridging the gap between the traditional and modern ages by reinventing the iconic Swedish clogs by adding urban street style and customized design.

Wooden Swedish clogs are handmade from quality materials like wood and leather that allow ample circulation of air within the shoes, offering natural breath-ability and better comfort for all climates. 

Moreover, the firm wooden base upholds the entire foot, offering protection against weather conditions, sharp objects and muddy fields. Besides, leather is easy to clean unlike fabrics. 

Owing to their strength and durability, wooden clogs have also been certified by the European Union as safety shoes.

Wooden Swedish clogs are orthopedically shaped, providing appropriate support to the feet that aids in maintaining a healthy body posture. The wood also acts as an insulator that keeps the feet warm or breezy, as per the changing climate. 

Besides, the spacious toe-box ensures a better fit, providing a safe and comfortable experience while wearing these clogs.

Wooden Swedish clogs are available in various shapes, styles, sizes and colors, pertinent to the different needs and preferences of the wearers across the world. Some manufacturers also provide a wide range of quality men’s clogs, thus expanding the limited footwear choices for men.

Special importance is given to the environment during the manufacturing of these Swedish wooden clogs. The production methods and materials used in manufacturing these clogs are environment-friendly and do not involve any significant emission of pollutants, thus, contributing in developing a safe and pollution-free environment. 

It is evident from the above observations that the growing popularity of wooden Swedish clogs is not merely a fleeting fashion trend, but is a result of the numerous benefits they provide. They are a great footwear choice that does not limit itself to any gender, age or geographic limit, but instead, constitute a universal choice for everyone.


Friday 13 November 2020

Why Swedish Clogs are an Essential Footwear Type in Every Woman’s Closet

The need for something comfortable that could also match pace with the changing trends of fashion industry have led many footwear brands to reinvent the traditional Swedish footwear for women in the form of Clogs.

Here is a list of top reasons why a pair of Swedish wooden clogs should be on your priority list this season-

Ensures Safety and Comfort

Swedish wooden clogs are typically made of natural materials like wood and leather which not only provide extra protection to feet but also warrant a comfortable experience to the wearer. While the quality leather offers natural breathability, the treated wood acts as an insulator keeping the feet warm or cold as per the changing climate.
 
Moreover, the orthopedically shaped design ensures a healthy body posture to prevent back and lower body pain- a common problem for women wearing high heel shoes. The anatomically constructed wooden footbed absorbs moisture keeping the feet cool and dry.

In fact, wooden clogs has been acknowledged by European Union as safety shoes on account of the security and comfort they provide to the wearer.

Wide Variety

Whether one wants the comfortable low heel chic shoes for daily purposes or the trendy high heel ones to rock all formal (or informal) occasions, Swedish wooden clogs serves for the unique personalities of women of all ages.

Clogs are not only suitable for working women especially nurses standing on their feet all day but also form a perfect choice for every holiday destination. Swedish clogs also match and complements almost all outfit in a woman’s closet be it skirts, formal pants or casual denims.

Some wooden Swedish clogs providers also offer quality clogs for men, thereby, expanding the limited footwear choices for men.

Maintenance and Durability

An essential feature of Swedish wooden clogs is their easy maintenance and durability compared to other footwear choices. The leather can be gently cleaned using a damp cloth, and light sand paper can be used to remove dents and scratches from wood to maintain a smooth finish of your clogs. Also, the wooden foot-bed do not compress with time and last longer.

Hand-craftsmanship

Swedish wooden clogs are hand crafted by skilled workers following the production methods and materials which have proven to be kind and efficient over the years. Designers and workers toil together to craft the innovative styles that effectively combine the traditional Swedish flavor with high-street urban style.

The premise that wooden clogs have withstood the passing of countless trends in fashion industry is enough proof that these Swedish footwear live up to the expectation of wearer in terms of comfort and style, and their daily use over the years have also documented their functionality.

If you still don’t own one, maybe you could buy yourself a pair this Christmas.



Reasons Which Have Made Swedish Wooden Clogs So Sought After

It would be safe to say that clogs are now back, and that too with a vengeance. If you have seen or bought a pair, then you will surely be of the opinion that they are radically different from the other footwear available today.

Of the clogs available, Swedish wooden clogs are quite popular because not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but are available in a number of styles as well. If you are planning to buy your first pair of clogs but are looking at convincing reasons to buy one, then read on to know more.

Number of Options

Wooden clogs are available in a wide variety of options. Thus, you can choose clogs which have an open heel and also find options which have a thick heel. Irrespective of which type of Swedish clogs you buy, one thing that you can be assured of is that all of them have excellent quality and will provide you comfort and durability for a long time.
 
On buying a pair or more of Swedish clog sandals, you can look forward to footwear which will provide the best return-on-investment.

Different Color & Sizes

If you want a pair of footwear which speaks for itself, then you should look out for Swedish wooden clogs. This is because they are available in a wide variety of colors which are sure to complement any outfit you wear. Irrespective of the color which you are looking for, be it black, blue or brown, you can own a pair of stylish clogs in your preferred shade. Choosing the right pair of wooden clogs is also a breeze as they are always available in the right dimensions to perfectly fit your feet and provide you with the greatest levels of comfort and satisfaction in all conditions.

Thus, if you are looking for the right fit, Swedish wooden clogs have it.

Available at the Best Prices

More often than not the reason why people tend to shy away from trying new types of footwear are their prices. The best part about Swedish wooden clogs is that, despite their many qualities, they are quite affordable. The wide variety of options only makes the deal sweeter as it ensures that you can buy that perfect pair of clogs within your budget.

Thus, if you are thinking of buying a pair of clogs, look no further- head to the nearest outlet or you can even order them online.

Sunday 8 November 2020

Finding the Shoes That Fit You Perfectly

For every woman, the real struggle lies in finding the perfect shoes that are gentle on the feet and are great to look at. Women seek the style and looks of a nice pair of high-end designer heels, along with the comfort of a pair of plush slippers.


Finding an apparel of choice is quite easy, but the same cannot be said for women’s footwear. There are a lot of factors that have to be considered before a woman can deem a pair of shoes as great.

Moreover, a major fraction of the female adult population (and sometimes, even the teen population) complain of back, spinal and heel issues. So, if the shoes can help with these issues or if not help with the issues, then at least not aggravate them, the shoes will be a blessing for all women.

Women’s clogs are a type of footwear that should be mentioned here as they have all the qualities desired by women in a pair of shoes

These are versatile shoes that can be worn to work as well as for parties and outings of all sorts. Teamed up with the right outfit, a pair of tan or black clogs for women can literally take a woman places.

They can be worn to dress up and dress down, depending on where one is going and when.

Clogs are commonly made of wood and leather, but of late, there are synthetic ones made of rubber. These are not the ones we are talking about. The clogs we are referring to are the more traditional ones that have a wooden base or footbed (as they are known), with firmly stitched or nailed leather uppers.

In terms of design, the variety available for women is exhaustive- there are heel sizes that vary between not too high ones to high ones. Structurally, they may have a closed front and open back design (inspired by the classic old clogs worn by the factory and mine workers centuries ago) or they may also have a more updated design with straps, buckles and metal studs.

As far as colors are concerned, there is no dearth of colorful clogs in the market as manufacturers create these sturdy shoes in a variety of colors to cater to the tastes and preferences of all the women out there.

However, the most popular ones are the classic ones- the tan, beige, burgundy, olive and black clogs for women.

Thursday 5 November 2020

Swiss Clog: A Footwear That Everyone Needs

 Swiss clogs are one such fashion footwear that has been around for a very long time now. One of the reasons why they are so acceptable and famous form of footwear is the legacy that they carry with themselves apart from the plethora of benefits that they offer.


The very first of the Swiss clogs can be dates back to at least 850 years. Mine workers and farmers previously used Swiss clogs, as they were sturdy alternatives to any other kind of footwear. Clogs are made of wooden sole and leather uppers that make them the most durable option to be worn in places like mines and farms.

While making the Swiss clogs, the choice of wood for the sole was very important. It was required to use wood that did not chip off easily in rough conditions. For this purpose wood like Alder, birch, sycamore, willow or beech were commonly used. The best part about this footwear was the fact that both men and women wore it equally.

In the later years Swiss Clogs were rediscovered as fashion footwear. After 1890, the flourish of industrial shoe manufacturers incited a negative trend in the demand for wooden shoes. Merely the breakout of both World Wars derived short periods of revival. Leather shoes became scarce, thus wooden shoes emerged as substitutes. Until after World War II, almost every village bore its own wooden shoemaker, resulting in a variety of styles, colors, carvings and decorations. In general, one had plain wooden shoes for the working days and painted ones for Sundays.

Until recently they became the raging choice of designers who thought clogs were worth walking the ramp in. The whole peasant look was sucked out of Swiss clogs and they were given a completely designer look for women to adorn them as a fashion accessory.

There are a number of benefits that work its way into making Swiss footwear a coveted option. They help in keeping the posture of the body in alignment with the spine and hence termed as a healthy footwear option. Swiss clogs are made of wooden sol that is uniform and thus does not arch the foot while standing or walking in it. Moreover, it is environmentally sustainable footwear as both the raw material (wooden and leather) can easily be reused or disposed off without causing any harm to the environment.

Eco-conscious Swedish clogs for every occasion

 

In the past, not so many people would think about how the items they buy and wear were made, but that is no longer the case. Educated consumers of today expect products they use are made responsibly. In the era of global and climate challenges, more and more people, particularly young, are very concerned with how their purchases are affecting the environment. So, if you spent some time thinking about a way to make more sustainable shopping choices, you are probably a potential clog enthusiast. Yes, clog. Humble shoes typical for Nordic countries have big come back in the era of responsible shopping. 

Why choosing Swedish clogs?

Most clog brands started with a simple mission: to make their products in an old-fashion way, in small collections, and using only natural materials such as leather, wood, and sometimes wool or shearling. The recognizable minimalistic vintage design of Swedish handmade clogs make them a brave addition to one’s wardrobe. Swedish wooden clogs are best known for their popularity among medical workers and chefs because of their anatomically shaped footbed that softens the impact of walking and provides even support across the foot. Swedish clogs are often made in small family-owned factories from natural and ethically-sourced materials, including leather, wood, and wool. From classic clogs and clogs boots to more fashionable sandals, platforms, and wedges, clogs for women come in a range of styles.

What about style?

The Swedish clogs design gained popularity because of its focus on comfort and distinctive style. Clogs for women provide a comfortable, anatomically shaped, and durable treat for feet, as well as an original addition to the wardrobe. And what is best about wooden clogs is that they are still handmade. The color palette of Swedish style clogs features basics such as white, black, grey, or nude, as well as the bright and cheerful seasonal additions. The selection of leather and patterns are also impressive (nubuck, suede, pull-up, patent, shearling, vegan, etc.). What this means is that you can wear your handmade clogs with practically everything: jeans, skirts, sweaters, dresses, jackets, pants, etc. The best part about the Swedish clogs is that they are in most cases customizable and are available in sizes for both women and men (some brand have kids collection, too). In short, comfortable footwear for the whole family, and for all seasons.

Eco-friendly choice

Even if you are not a particularly conscious shopper (although you should be), Swedish clogs have a distinctive minimalistic design and retro appeal that you’ll love to match with your favorite outfits. Swedish clogs are made with simple and natural materials such as wood and leather that are kind to feet and very durable. The production methods (small workshops, family-owned brands, and fine crafting) guarantee you’ll wear them for years. Also, locally sourced materials from European suppliers mean less transport and therefore a lower carbon footprint. With these kinds of sustainable practices and contemporary materials (for example, vegan leather and recyclable materials), far less waste is involved too. With a focus on functionality, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship, the contemporary Swedish style clogs found their loyal customers worldwide. Besides the fact they are affordable and practical for all people, in an era where products are mass-produced, old-school wooden clogs remind us to think about how and where products we purchase are made.