clogs

Clogs are a type of footwear characterized by a thick, often wooden sole and, depending on the style, a leather, fabric, or wooden upper. The term commonly refers to Dutch wooden shoes known as klompen, but it also covers modern clog-style shoes made from plastic or foam. Traditional clogs are designed to protect the feet and provide durability in work environments.

Wooden footwear first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages as simple protective shoes for peasants and laborers. The Netherlands became famous for its wooden klompen, carved from a single block of hardwood, typically willow or poplar. Other European traditions include the Swedish wooden shoe and the French sabot. The English word clog derives from the Dutch klomp, while sabot is linked to sabotage as wooden shoes were used in factory protests.

Traditional Dutch klompen are carved from one block of wood and hollowed to fit the foot, often with a closed toe and heel and a design suited to outdoor work. Modern variants include clog-style shoes made from polyurethane, EVA, or other plastics, sometimes with removable straps and ergonomic footbeds. Some clogs incorporate safety features such as slip resistance, anti-static properties, or reinforced toes for use in kitchens, healthcare facilities, and industrial settings.

Today, wooden clogs remain a cultural symbol of the Netherlands and are produced as decorative or tourist items, while many people wear modern clog-style shoes in work environments. In rural parts of Europe, clogs are still used for farming or forestry, and the image of the clog persists in folk art, festivals, and regional costume.