käerauad

Käerauad are a type of Estonian folk footwear, specifically a type of clog or wooden shoe. They were traditionally made from a single piece of wood, typically birch or alder, and were worn by both men and women. The design was simple, characterized by a curved sole and a rounded toe. Käerauad were often worn for everyday tasks, particularly in rural areas, and were valued for their durability and protection.

The making of käerauad involved a skilled craftsperson who would carve the wood using specialized tools. The process required careful selection of the wood to ensure it was free from knots and cracks. Once shaped, the wood was sometimes left natural or treated with oil to protect it from moisture. Decoration was minimal, though some might have featured simple incised patterns.

While largely replaced by modern footwear, käerauad remain a part of Estonian cultural heritage. They are sometimes displayed in museums or recreated as historical crafts. Their existence highlights a period when clothing and tools were predominantly made from natural, locally sourced materials. The term "käerauad" itself is descriptive, relating to the hand-crafted nature of their creation.