Clogs, A Brief History

Clogs, A Brief History

If there’s one thing we love more than clothes, it’s learning the backstory of how they came to light up our sartorial lives. From loafers to kimonos, there’s a rich history behind every piece. This time, we’re focusing the lense on Danish shoemaker Sanita, maker of clogs since 1907.

Not only is it important to know where your threads come from, but it gives you a newfound appreciation and reverence for them as well. Here’s a crash course on clogs and how they ended up on the feet of trend-setters everywhere.

Tough Sole

The exact origin of the clog, simply defined as a shoe carved from a chunk of wood, is difficult to place. But there is a general consensus the shoe has strong ties to the Netherlands, as the oldest known clog was found in Amsterdam. The clog, or “klompen” in Dutch, dates back to the 13th century and was made of alder wood.

A Shoe With Purpose

Clogs became favored as a protective form of footwear for agricultural workers. The shape of the shoe depended on your profession, such as a pointed clog for fishermen or a square heel if you worked in soggy fields. And when rot made the shoes useless—into the fireplace they went.

More Than Just Wood

Contrary to popular belief, not all clogs are made entirely of wood. This is especially the case today, as there are many wooden-soled shoes made with leather, canvas and rubber uppers. Others come as orthopedics for maximum comfort. Chose a pair of Sanita clogs with painted leather to add a bit of “Old World” charm to your look.  

As a clog maker for over 100 years, you can trust Sanita to uphold the shoe’s rich heritage. Sanita represents its past by making them—it’s up to you to represent their future.

Over 800 years of traditional shoemaking is right here.

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