Oh, the preconceptions of the Dutch – clogs, tulips, weed, and a fixation with the color orange. Only the Dutch do not typically shuffle around in the large wooden shoes that have come to symbolize Dutch culture internationally. But do they?
1. What is a Dutch clog?
Three items stand out in any tourist shop in the Netherlands: socks with weed plants printed on them, (fake) Delft blue porcelain cups, and brightly colored wooden clogs.
The Netherlands has a long history with clogs, called klompen in Dutch. These Dutch shoes have been shielding workers’, fishermen’s, farmers’, and artists’ feet from the dangers of daily life since the 13th century.
In fact, the clog has been formally recognized as a safety shoe by the European Union. That is certainly extreme.
Particularly in light of the fact that it’s hardly ever worn. No modern farmer or construction worker would ever think that clogs are the proper footwear for erecting scaffolding or plowing a field.
However, the stereotype—that women wear blue gowns, clogs, and white bonnets—remains. The males are attired in clogs, suspenders, headgear, and wide black pants.
- Do you know Why Did the Dutch Wear Wooden Shoes?
2. Do Dutch people still wear clogs?
The Dutch no longer wear clogs because there are more sensible, warm, and stylish alternatives available today, such as platform Doc Martens boots or dirty white Airmax sneakers.
A Dutchie might wear a plushy houseshoe variant of the clog or some kind of garden shoe that resembles the clog in size and shape on a daily basis.
The bulky wooden shoe has nevertheless insinuated itself into the mysterious world of haute fashion. Hermès allowed their models to walk down the runway in leather klompen in 2020.
Since then, other clothing companies have released their own iterations of the clog. Even while it’s not fully constructed of wood, we like to imagine it pays homage to traditional Dutch clothing.
3. Why is it peculiar?
Despite how awful clunky wooden shoes are, this century-old footwear tradition just won’t go away. It’s yet another characteristically Dutch thing that everyone outside of the Dutch seems to adore.
4. Should you participate?
To be quite honest, you don’t need to purchase the inexpensive yellow clogs that you can find in tourist shops all over the place to experience Dutch culture.
Try to locate the houseshoes, though, if you truly want to bring a Dutch clog home. They can be worn inside the house away from prying eyes because they are cozy and soft.
- Related post 10 Fun facts about Dutch clogs will blow your mind!
