The origins of clogs, or wooden shoes, dates back to 1570 in Holland. Dutch people initially wore clogs because they were necessary for specific industries: farmers, fisherman, factory workers and artisans all wore clogs to protect their feet. Wood was solid protection against fish hooks, nails, rough terrain and various sharp objects that posed a threat to these occupations. Clogs were seen as a functional rather than fashionable shoe.
Clogs were also necessary for ‘clogging’, a style of dance popularized during the industrial revolution in which rhythms are created by tapping the wooden shoes on the floor. The soles of the shoes were traditionally made from ash wood which sounded pleasant again the wooden floor. Clogging was invented as a result of workers tapping their feet on the factory floor to pass the time.
The traditional-looking clogs we know today have not changed much in the last 700 years since the Dutch began wearing them. The 1970s really showcased the clog as a trendy, fashion statement. Initially only women wore the clogs in the 1970s, that is until Swedish supergroup ABBA popularized the clog for men and even partnered with a European shoe company Tretorn to introduce their own line of clogs. As a result of the shoe’s success, the band released a song called "Träskofolket", which translates roughly into "The Clog People”.
The clogs were re-embraced in 2010, when high end designers like Chloe and Dolce&Gabbana updated the style, creating four-inch heeled clogs. Clearly, the clog was no longer a shoe meant for its functionality. Chanel introduced fur embellished clogs while Louis Vuitton answered with their own version adorned with tassels and suede.
It’s understandable if you can’t afford Chanel’s version of the wooden shoe, but don’t hesitate to dig up your parents old clogs because this trend is still hot today. There’s even a wooden shoe museum in the Netherlands you can visit if you happen to need some inspiration.
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