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When it comes to the defining characteristics of the Netherlands, the image of a windmill is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind. But besides that, the land of tulips also possesses a cultural symbol full of interesting details: the simple, charming wooden clogs or Klompen.
I first encountered clogs in the village of Zaanse Schans, 20km from the center of Amsterdam. It's a small village with fairytale-like windmills and small factories emitting the aroma of cheese along the picturesque Zaan River. It's also one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can admire a large collection of clogs and directly observe the process by which artisans create a finished product. There, I also heard the stories behind these colorful shoes.
The village of Zaanse Schans (Netherlands) is famous for its windmills and clogs.
SIMPLE ORIGINS
In the peaceful Dutch countryside hundreds of years ago, charming wooden clogs of various colors played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the local people. The oldest pair found dates back to 1230 and is currently on display at the Rotterdam Museum. This is often cited as the starting point for their appearance, although in reality, the history of clogs may have begun even earlier.
Many sources suggest that clogs were inspired by the shoe designs of ancient Rome, which existed over 2000 years ago. Initially, they only had a wooden sole and leather straps, resembling ordinary sandals. Later, to suit user needs, the design was changed to entirely wooden soles as we see today.
The bulky and somewhat clunky appearance of clogs might lead one to imagine them to be heavy and difficult to walk in. However, in reality, the feeling of slipping into a well-fitting pair of clogs is quite comfortable. The contours hug the foot neatly, without being bulky or heavy as imagined. Most enjoyable are the sounds the wooden clogs make on the stone floor, creating a delightful clacking sound.
Clogs are not just a type of clothing; they have been an important companion for rural workers for hundreds of years. The thick wooden sole and closed toe design perfectly keep feet warm, especially in the rainy weather and cold winters of the Netherlands; they also prevent water and mud while remaining breathable. Furthermore, the wooden sole provides slip resistance, and the design, resembling a floating pontoon, prevents the wearer from sinking into muddy areas. Clogs are even recognized by the European Union as a safe type of footwear, capable of withstanding impacts from hard, sharp objects.
That's also why, for hundreds of years, clogs have been so popular in the Dutch suburbs. From young children and the elderly to working-class people, everyone owns their own charming pair of wooden clogs.
The meticulous craftsmanship involved in making a pair of wooden shoes.
Originating in the Middle Ages, clogs were originally made entirely by hand by skilled carpenters. Initially, they would select appropriately sized pieces of wood from poplar or willow; then they would carve and shape them by hand. Carving the insole was always the most complex step, requiring a special drill to create a hole deep enough to fit the foot. Any mistake in this step could easily ruin the entire shoe. Because all the steps were done by hand, this process was quite time-consuming, taking a whole morning, a day, or even several days to produce a finished pair of shoes. Not measured by machines, clogs from that era possessed a unique "imperfect" quality, both rustic and imbued with the dedication of the craftsmen.
Nowadays, clogs are produced using more machinery. However, this does not detract from the charm that tourists experience when watching the crafting process.
In the village of Zaanse Schans, I had the opportunity to witness the shoemaking process firsthand, from shaping the shoes with a cutting machine to create identical pairs, to carefully and skillfully maneuvering the chisel to carve the inner lining, trimming away excess material with a specialized knife, then letting them dry and painting them with countless vibrant colors and designs.
Holding a small shoe in their hands, skilled artisans nimbly manipulate various tools with practiced ease. The whirring sound of the carving machines and the rustic aroma of wood chips fill the air, creating a beautiful, pristine scene of traditional culture. Before long, a simple yet charming pair of shoes is born.
In a wooden house located in the heart of Zaanse Schans village, thousands of clogs, from traditional versions to giant models for tourists to take photos with, or tiny ones on keychains, are displayed in a vast collection. Through the windows, glimpses of meadows, a river, and windmills slowly turning create a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere, allowing visitors to relive the spirit of old Dutch villages.
Today, although clogs are no longer as commonly worn by locals as they once were, they remain one of the symbols of the Netherlands. These shoes, which complete the traditional outfit and are an integral part of the Klompendansen dance, can be found throughout cities and the countryside as a charming souvenir that embodies a rich cultural heritage.
