Clog Stop
No, not the clog you may be thinking of. This clog is a slip on shoe or sandal originally made of wood. They are also called sabot. Still worn by some workers in mines farms and factories as protection. They have passed European standards and are officially labeled safety shoes.
Technically clogs are only wooden but most people call any shoe with that shape and characteristics one. Like rubber ones for example.
Willow and poplar are the traditional woods used. Sweden, Holland and the Netherlands are associated with these wooden shoes seen as a type of national dress. Wearing them is considered by some to be healthy for your feet.
Finding handmade ones might be hard unless you are in Holland and even when there it might be difficult. They are now made by machines because of its efficiency. Think about it, they have to make each pair mirror each other.
Some clogs are left undecorated to show off the nice wood used while others can be painted or carved. More modern types have patterns on them.
Clog dancing was widespread during the 18th and 19th century in England. Now they are not used for dancing as much but are part of everyday fashion. Made of leather(some with wooden soles), rubber and other materials.
They are worn by both men and women and some like to wear them during the winter months and then switch to flip-flops during the summer. A popular brand is Birkenstock, also Dansko and Papillio are as well.
