Clogs date back to the early 13th century in the Netherlands. They were designed to protect the feet of factory workers, artisans, farmers, fishermen, and other trade jobs. Clogs were originally not made entirely from wood but had only a wooden sole with leather strapped over the top.

What are clogs worn for?

Traditional clogs remain in use as protective footwear in agriculture and in some factories and mines. Although clogs are sometimes negatively associated with cheap and folkloric footwear of farmers and the working class, some types of clogs are considered fashion wear today, such as Swedish träskor or Japanese geta.

Do the Dutch still wear clogs?

Today, most of the Dutch do not wear clogs and it is mostly tourists who buy them to take home as souvenirs. So you are unlikely to meet someone wearing clogs on the streets. Farmers do still wear them sometimes however.