Wooden Shoes
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Dutch wooden shoes small and large are a great way to have a piece of Holland as a Dutch-themed decoration, tourist souvenir clogs, magnet, or miniature ornament to add to an existing collection of delft windmills or wooden tulips. Buy clogs and shop USA’s largest selection of wooden shoes in different sizes and colors. Dutch wooden clogs are a great Dutch gift idea or if you are looking for a gift for your Dutch Oma or Dutch Opa, what better way to recognize one’s Dutch roots than with a pair of Dutch clogs? After all, “wooden shoe rather be Dutch!” 😊
The Difference Between Dutch Wooden Shoes and Clogs
What’s the difference between a pair of wooden shoes and clogs? Well, the difference is almost insignificant, depending on just a few details. Clogs are usually backless and closed at the toe with a small heel. It is hollow and clogs are made entirely made of wood. However, if it has a leather strap over the instep, is not a clog but a wooden shoe!
Where do wooden clogs come from?
The history of Dutch wooden clogs is originally from the Netherlands and has spread across Scandinavia over time, although they are still widely considered as a typically Dutch item.
Since medieval times the Dutch have been wearing wooden shoes or clogs, or as the locals would say “Klompen”! To this day, people still wear clogs. Originally, they were made with a wooden sole and a leather top or strap tacked to the wood. Eventually, the shoes began to be made entirely from wood so as to protect the entire foot.
What material was used? Unfortunately, leftover wood from fixing up the house won’t make the cut! Alder, willow or poplar woods were used to make the shoe sturdy, protective, and even comfy. The first guild of clog makers dates to around 1570 in Holland. The avid wooden shoe wearers claimed that the shoes are warm in winter and cool in summer and protect the feet. The wood even absorbs any sweat making the wooden shoes completely breathable. They could also provide excellent support to improve posture.
Who typically wears wooden shoes?
In Holland, wooden shoes made in the Netherlands are worn by people who work in all sorts of fields…from farmers to fishermen, factory workers to artisans, and many more. Why? As work shoes, to protect their feet along with a thick sock! Nails, fishing hooks, and sharp implements that might pierce a regular boot will not go through a wooden shoe keeping the feet perfectly safe. On boats, tulip fields, docks, a garden, and in muddy, wet fields, wooden shoes also keep feet dry.
The Dutch wooden shoe would be shaped differently depending on the profession. The shoe shape of fishermen had a sharp point on the nose, so the clogs could help sort through the nets. If a person’s work was in the wetlands digging out peat or turf, the bottom of the clog was formed into a large square. This way the workman’s weight was better to spread offer the soggy surface.
For wearing around the house, going to church, or attending special events like weddings, the clogs were painted or carved making them beautiful and unique in appearance. A typical painting would be to decorate with yellow with red and black.
However, Dutch wooden shoes really were a poor man’s shoe. Despite that, each clog maker had their own design, making it completely unique to the wearer.
Are Dutch wooden shoes difficult to make?
It would normally take around 3 to 4 hours to make one pair of plain and undecorated wooden shoes by hand and from scratch for traditional clogs. Modern clogs that have special wooden shapes or designs will require more time.
First, you would need to slice the tree trunk to get the desired wood. Then give it rough shape with a special small axe. After, with a sharp knife the clog maker would smooth out the shape of the clog on the outside before carefully scooping out the wood from the inside. Dutch Clog makers always work with wet wood as dry wood would splinter and be difficult to mold.
The final step is to dry the carved clogs and that takes about 3 weeks and is done by the wind!
Conclusion
When you think of Holland, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the iconic Dutch wooden shoes. Also known as clogs, these little wooden shoes are an integral part of Dutch culture, and over the years they have become a symbol of the Netherlands.
But it’s not just Dutch people who love these shoes. Dutch wooden shoes have become popular all over the world, and are often used as decorative items and souvenirs. They’re a great way to bring a little bit of Dutch culture into your home. The traditional Dutch wooden shoes, or clogs, have been around for centuries. Originally made from wood and leather, they were designed to protect the feet from wet, muddy conditions while working outside. Nowadays, they are mostly used as fashion items and souvenirs. Most Dutch clogs are made from poplar wood, which is light and durable. The shoes are often decorated with colorful designs, floral patterns, or even hand-painted pictures.
And of course, traditional wooden shoes are also a popular item for decorations. Miniature wooden clogs, or “mini clogs”, are a great way to bring a bit of Dutch culture into your home. These tiny replicas of traditional Dutch clogs are a popular souvenir from The Netherlands. You can find mini clogs in all kinds of styles, from classic to modern designs. For a more traditional Dutch souvenir, look for wooden clog magnets. These little wooden shoes are the perfect size to stick on your fridge, and they’re a great reminder of your trip to the Netherlands.
Delft Blue is another traditional Dutch souvenir. This beautiful, hand-painted blue and white porcelain is a popular souvenir from Holland, and it looks great as a decorative piece in your home. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not try a wooden clog keychain? These make great gifts, and they’re also a reminder of your trip to The Netherlands. No matter which item you choose, Dutch wooden shoes are a great way to bring a little bit of Dutch culture into your home.
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, a decorative item, or just something to remind you of your last trip to The Netherlands, Dutch wooden shoes are a great option.
