Archival Footwear - Clog Boots

Clog traces

Probably not for the faint of heart, clog boots are the polar opposite of those ghastly five-toed shoes. I'm fond of my worry-free Muck Boots for wet and cold conditions while working or playing outside. But upon revisiting the much-missed little log cabin, I was reminded of a more archival option - the clog boot.

Archival options from Barbour (not in current line). via Thornproof.

Clogmaster boots

The Clogmaster herself - a staunch clog advocate.

Phil Howard boots with tin toe tips.

Phil Howard's Gibson Lace.

Walkley Brogue Boot

The Walkley Farmer's Clog (my optical favorite)

The Walkley Safety Clog

Walkley Para Boot

Jeremy Atkinson handmakes everything to order (even the wooden soles).

Archival Field Trip: PDX March 2010

Quick trip up to Portland to meet Patrick Long (Chester Wallace) and check in with our friend Jordan over at Winn Perry. We've been admiring Patrick's bags from afar and wanted to share information on supply sources and manufacturing processes. Patrick toured us around his Hawthorne area studio where we works on both Chester Wallace products and original freelance illustrations. Patrick was a total delight. We'd ask him a question and then, before he could respond, we'd get distracted by something in his studio (a sample book or a photo). We're hoping he'll visit us in Eugene so we can finish our conversations. A favorite moment was when Patrick showed us a Chester Wallace bag prototype he had sewn 20 years ago. I love seeing historical evidence of dedication to a single design, concept or project.

Afterwards, Patrick directed us to a top notch taco cart on SE Division. In the middle of our meal, he reappeared by bike bearing two macaroon cookies he had baked that morning.

Additional visual notes from our visit to Winn Perry and the not-to-be-missed Clogmaster.

Chester Wallace studio

Taqueria Lindo Michoacan

little t american baker

Winn Perry

Clogmaster of Sweden

Archival Clogs

Troentorp Pablo Clogs w/Alpendale Knickers

Dansko Professional commuter clogs

Riding the rollers in clogs and corduroy trousers

Dansko Professional and Troentorp Pablo tread marks

Sanita Pro closed back clogs (as worn by the Metrofiets creator)

Ever since I saw this picture of Aspen Gent, I've revised my attitude towards clogs as everyday footwear. My own brand preference is for Bastad Troentrop "Pablo" wood clogs with a full a closed heel and steel toe. In my friend circles, the Dansko professional is a wardrobe staple. One user adds that in wet climates like Eugene, Oregon, the Danskos are ideal because they permit you to walk above--rather than around --most standing water.

A lesser known fact about clogs is that they make perfect footwear for fixed gear bicycle riding. I have found that clogs act like the stiff sole of a cycling shoe (something like duegi keiren 103 shoes), providing additional power transfer to the pedal. The downside, of course, is that you lose the ability to add clips and leather toe straps to the total stylistic system of your bicycle.

If you're in the market for a handmade pair of clogs, I found a shop in the UK, The Clog and Shoe Workshop, manufacturing clogs in workboot and lace-up styles. I suggest a visit to the company website if only to see the antique clog work boots from 1943.