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If you are curious about how to style clogs, which have now become the shoe trend of the summer, you have arrived at the right place! This blog delves into the history of the unusual wooden-soled shoe, from its origins as clumsy Dutch workwear to its current status as a divisive fashion favourite. Trust us, luxury clogs are now a real thing!
For a long time, clogs were one of the most controversial shoe styles in the world. Although ABBA, a Swedish pop sensation from the 1970s, had their clog line, Beau Brummell—the original dandy and judge of men's fashion in Regency England—is said to have had "a perfect abhorrence" of the protruding and protective wooden-soled shoe.
Trending clogs – is it time for the revival of the ‘ugly footwear trend’?
Clogs have made a triumphant return thanks to the "ugly footwear" fad. Embrace the new, reject the old. In favour of "ugly" designs, many are ditching their trusty heels for more digestible colours. It's a wholehearted commitment to those bolder, more assertive approaches. What's considered "ugly" in the world of shoes is unusual and confusing, particularly when contrasted with the typical stiletto. Many shoe styles have been labelled as "ugly" because of their contentious nature, including sandals, slides, clunky sneakers, flats, bowling shoes and clogs.
The big wooden platform makes them the ideal summer shoes, and they're particularly great for little women who have trouble walking in flats. Stairs are the only real obstacle; you'll need to hold on with your toes lest they slip off your feet; alternatively, you can choose clogs with ankle straps.
Clogs- a footprint in time
If your social media feeds are flooded with images of trending clogs- Chemena Kamali is to blame. Even if the luxury clog's comeback happened before she became Chloé's creative director, the fashion industry's rekindled love of boho has been unquenched by the designer's flouncy dresses, lace bralettes, and bloomers. Hermès introduced a sophisticated take on the clog last spring, calling it "utility meets sensory pleasure", and it sold out nearly immediately, proving that the shoe's appeal has only grown since then. Sales at Crocs (the OG clog enthusiasts) are expected to quadruple by 2026, according to an announcement made in September 2021. Santa Venetia and No. 6, two independent clog manufacturers, are reimagining the protective footwear that was traditionally only worn by farmers and factory workers in a way that is both modern and surprisingly inventive. So, luxury clogs, are an elevated piece of footwear!
Under Demna Gvasalia's direction, Balenciaga infamously riffed on the clog design, releasing a pair of clogs with extremely high platforms as a nod to Crocs. The Balenciaga-branded charms were similar to Jibbitz and were sold alongside the viral designer phenomenon, which was priced at $850 and included bubble gum pink and brilliant yellow hues.
Although its precise ancestry is a mystery (wooden shoes were great firewood), the clog may be traced back to the Roman calcei (shoe-boots meant for outdoor strolling) and the Japanese Geta (a mix of a flip-flop and a clog that elevates the foot). Conversely, the first known instance of a classic Dutch clog or klomp may be found in early 13th-century Amsterdam, when wooden shoes were widely used by workers as an inexpensive and practical way to stay warm and protected from the elements.
The establishment of the first guild of klomp makers in 1570 in Holland is evidence of the growth of trained artisans whose occupation had evolved to include the production of hewing shoes from individual blocks of split-resistant wood, such as sycamore, beech, or alder. By this time, workers throughout Europe had begun to wear shoes with wooden soles, such as the Spanish albarca and the French sabot. These shoes continued to be the most common type of protective footwear throughout the Industrial Revolution. Some say that the term "sabotage" originated with French factory workers who wore sabots, which could mean either that they were less efficient than their leather-shoed colleagues or that they intentionally damaged machinery with their discarded clogs.
How to style clogs
- Style clogs with structured jackets and baggy trousers: This is the epitome of chic Parisian elegance meeting spare Scandinavian design. A beautiful visual harmony is achieved by contrasting the softness of the textiles with the hardness of the hardwood sole.
- Mix and match with boho styles: The most fearless sartorial personalities are sporting paisley designs, long necklaces, and loose-fitting skirts and blouses with their pair of luxury clogs. They get into the retro vibe of this shoe, and they are showing creative ways on how to style clogs!
- Keep it simply monochrome: By pairing it with complementary neutral tones, one chic interpretation of the trend elevates the clog to the spotlight. Wearing it in simple tones, with a well-structured outfit, is key to winning this look!
- Socks might just be your best friend: One great street-style tip is to pair clogs with socks of contrasting colours or unusual textures; this will give your ensemble an instant facelift.