Saturday, December 01, 2018

Traditional Klompen

A display of wooden shoes at the Kooijman Wooden Shoe Workshop at Zaanse Schans in Holland. 

Although clogs were originally made by hand, the workshop at Zaanse Schans uses antique machines to demonstrate how clogs were made a hundred years ago - they give free demonstrations in 11 languages!

The shoes are made of naturally hard but lightweight wood and we were told they are worn with thick socks, with one finger width of space in the back. They keep your feet warm and dry. We tried on a pair and they were surprisingly comfortable! 


More than 8,000 people worked in the clog-making industry a century ago; now there are only a few dozen. Click HERE to see how clogs are made and explore the website for information on the history of the clog, the history of this family business, and pictures of unique clogs and wooden shoes through the ages. What a great shop!

"Approximately 3 million pairs of klompen are made each year.  They are sold throughout the Netherlands. A large part of the market is for tourist souvenirs. However, some Dutch people, particularly farmers, market gardeners, and gardeners still wear them for everyday use. Outside the tourist industry, klompen can be found in local tool shops and garden centers."




~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2017: 
Kicking It Up For Christmas

2016: Testing Ed's Giant Brain
2015: Practically A Cardinal Red Sin
2014: Drink And A Movie?
2013: Leaving The Blue Skies Behind
2012: One Special Request
2011: Body Language
2010: Move Along, Not Much To Read Here
2009: My Favorite Geek Scores Two Bargains In One Day
2008: Your Beating Heart
2007: All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth
2006: Eddie Opens An Eye In Vegas Friday
2005: You’re Giving Me Agida

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