Dutch landscape

A Dutch stereotype : the wooden shoe.

Nowadays, it's mainly on the countryside that some people still wear clogs. They are simply practical in a non-paved or muddy environment, isolate perfectly from cold or heat, and are easily made-to-measure. All local material, so they were cheap.
traditional handmade wooden shoes video Traditional clog making, handmade.
A fairly common sight on country fairs, a craftsman demonstrating the old handiwork. And selling his wooden shoes, of course.
A nice thing is that you can have your clogs tailored on site, adapted to your feet. All feet are different.
traditional handmade wooden shoes video A wooden shoe workshop.
A large part of the yearly production of about 3 million pairs of wooden shoes are for tourists.
Some farmers or gardeners still prefer clogs. They are readily available in all sizes at local tool shops and countryside garden centres.
Industrial wooden shoe production video Industrial clog production.
Also as working shoes they sometimes have an advantage over steel capped protective shoes. When hit by heavy weight they will crack and be easier to remove, without continued pressure damaging the toes.
Wooden shoe dancing video clips Clog dancing or clogging.
Dancing on wooden shoes in many variations. From folk dance settings in the Netherlands, to Dutch emigrants in Michigan, USA, who kept some traditions. Being creative with clogs at school, on workshop or festivals.

to top of pageto top of page

History & Heritage of the Netherlands | GuideHolland © | home | contact | sitemap | Twitter | LinkedIn