Every country has its own quirky reputations and traditions that make outsiders raise an eyebrow. Among the Dutch, their culture gained notoriety for wearing wooden shoes called klompen or clogs. Known as the “first safety shoe,” clogs are inextricably linked to Dutch culture.

Do the Dutch really wear wooden shoes? Believe it or not, the practice of wearing wooden shoes is an old tradition that has been a part of Netherlanders’ culture for centuries. Though it’s rare, you can still occasionally see local farmers wearing wooden shoes today. 

To someone who never wore a pair of wooden shoes, the practice might seem confusing. Here’s the truth behind the time-tested tradition that has everyone thinking of Dutch culture…

Do The Dutch Really Wear Wooden Shoes?

The practice of wearing wooden shoes is still done in the Netherlands, but it’s not as common as it used to be. The only place you’ll see clogs in cities is in souvenir shops geared towards tourists. However, among farming communities, you will still see clog-wearers on a regular basis.

Where Did The Tradition Of Wearing Wooden Shoes Come From?

The Dutch first started wearing wooden shoes during the Medieval ages. Wooden shoes were first worn with leather straps to hold feet into place and protect feet from the mud, cold, or insects. 

Since wood was sturdy, the shoes lasted a long time and were impervious to damage from fishing hooks or nails. They worked well with wearers and were easy to maintain. It quickly became a go-to among people who wanted to have a reliable shoe in the Netherlands.

How Old Is This Dutch Tradition?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact time that wooden shoes became a part of Dutch culture, but we do have documentation showing clog-making guilds as early as 1570. Since they were invented, they became a mainstay as a part of workers’ apparel. 

Originally, only the bottom of the shoes were made out of wood, and a leather strap would be nailed to the top in order to keep your foot in place. Eventually, people began to prefer having their feet fully covered and viewed them as year-round gear.

What Wood Are Dutch Clogs Made From?

Traditionally, wooden clogs are made from one of the following types of wood:

• Poplar
• Alder 
• Willow 

All of these wooden types had two major perks: they were breathable, and they also were fairly easy to carve. As a result, these wood types are still used in modern clog-making today. 

Are Wooden Shoes Comfortable?

Considering how tough they might look, it’s hard to imagine that wooden shoes could be comfortable. However, there’s a lot of reason to rethink what you know about clogs–at least if you listen to people who wear them. 

According to current wearers, clogs are surprisingly comfortable, breathable, and even offer a fair amount of support for good posture. People clearly still enjoy wearing them, so they can’t be that hard on your feet. 

Are Clogs Really Good Year-Round Shoes?

It definitely seems to be that way. The Dutch claim that clogs keep your feet safe and stay breathable in the summer. During the winter, the wood protects feet against water and can help keep feet warm. 

Though clogs have been a good standby for centuries, people who are looking for more weather-specific shoes should probably try a more modern option. After all, clogs don’t always grip snow very well, and they can become slippery if you’re unlucky. 

What Is A Dutch Clog Dance?

Though clogs initially were made as work shoes, they didn’t stay as work shoes for long. Clogs actually became a part of folk dances due to their “clompy” sounds. What started off as simple rhythmic dances became something similar to tap dancing. 

This rhythm-based dance style can be seen in most festivals celebrating tulps, food, or other aspects of Dutch culture. The steps are also fairly easy to learn, so if you have the opportunity, give it a try while you’re there. 

The Tradition Of Dutch Clog-Making

Holland’s clog-making tradition is known globally as a sign of the country’s community and culture. Historically speaking, every village and city used to have a clog-maker as part of their commerce. 

Clogs are made out of a single piece of wood and can take several hours to make. The clog-maker would take a sharp knife and carve out clogs carefully, then sand down the interior. The art itself was dying until a strong effort came in to preserve the tradition. 

Where Can Tourists Watch Traditional Clog-Making?

If you want to get a good taste of the Netherlands’ fashion culture, you’re in luck. There are venues where you can see traditional clog-making take place, including:

• Kooijman Wooden Shoe Workshop. Located in the Dutch town of Zaanse Schans, this venue has been a cornerstone in the tradition of making clogs for ages.
• The Clog Museum. This museum is devoted to clogs and their artform, and it’s located right in Zaandam. Though they don’t have daily live demonstrations, you can still see the overall practice in action through videos and more while visiting.
• Frans van Kuijk. Master clogger Frans van Kuijk comes from a line of clog-makers spanning 300 years, and now offers live demonstrations in his hometown of Velddriel. He doesn’t speak English, but you can hire a translator to learn more about the craft fairly easily. 

Are Souvenir Clogs Easy To Find?

As far as souvenirs go, a pair of wooden clogs (or just about anything related to clogs) is going to be a cinch to find throughout the Netherlands. Since clogs are such a huge part of the culture, it’s going to be very hard to find a store that won’t have clogs.

Are Souvenir Clogs Wearable?

Let’s say that you went to Holland and found a cute pair of clogs at a gift shop somewhere. It happens pretty commonly, and unsurprisingly, some people get a little curious about trying them on. But, are souvenir clogs safe to actually wear?

It all depends on the make of the shoe, the material, and fit. Here’s what you need to know before you slide on those shoes.

• Size (or even having a sizing present) matters. If you try to wear a pair of clogs that aren’t your size or have an opening that’s too small, you won’t be able to wear those comfortable. Moreover, if your clogs don’t have sizes posted on them, it’s safe to say they weren’t meant to be worn.
• When they are labeled as souvenirs, listen. Poorly made clogs, especially those that have a rough interior, are generally sold as souvenirs and may even be labeled as such. They aren’t a good match for people who actually want to wear their goods. 
• If you have doubt, ask. Most souvenir shops will tell you whether or not the clogs are suitable for wearing. 
• Birth clogs are not meant to be worn by infants. In Holland, it’s customary to offer up a clog (or pair of clogs) as a way to congratulate a family on a new baby. These are meant to be decorative, not actual shoes for babies!
• Non-wooden clogs should stay off feet. Though clay or ceramic clogs might look beautiful, they are not meant to be worn!

If you are set on buying some wooden clogs that you can walk in, it’s a good idea to ask around for a specialty shop or to seek out a guide. If all else fails, you can always order ready to wear clogs online.