Dutch wooden shoes, or klompen, are a true Dutch symbol. They can be found on mugs, keychains, magnets, and just about anything related to The Netherlands. But where did they come from?
While wooden shoes have been worn all over Europe throughout the ages, the Dutch were the ones who made them famous. Klompen were born out of necessity. Early 13th century farmers struggled to find footwear that would help them navigate muddy fields. Originally, only the sole was made of wood, usually willow or poplar, and leather straps made up the top. It wasnāt long before it became clear that this style did perhaps keep people from sinking into the mud, but the leather was hardly protective, so the entire shoe was then made from wood.
Not only did this work out in the muddy fields, but sharp objects could not penetrate them, and the wood was impervious to being damaged by the ever-present mud, manure or acids. Today, the European Union even has approved klompen as an official safety shoe! As time went on, the shoes caught on with other professions as well, the style adapting to the particular needs of the wearer.
How are klompen made? Traditionally, a piece of wood was soaked in water (wet wood doesnāt splinter as much) and the outside was carved with an axe. A sharp knife was then used to hollow out the inside. It would take about 3 weeks for the shoe to dry, and then they could be painted and decorated. The decorations could become very elaborate, and fancy klompen became something of a status symbol, often worn to church, weddings and other social occasions. Young men would even propose to their beloved with an ornate pair of wooden shoes! Today, the process is streamlined with the use of machinery. The largest manufacturer is Nijhuis Klompen, located in the village of Beltrum. The factory produces over 2000 klompen per day.
The Dutch love their parties, and wooden shoes became a big part of dancing due to the sound they make against the floor. Tap dancing derived from the original wooden shoe dances. Today these dances are still performed at festivals and markets.
Are wooden shoes comfortable? Well, as with any new shoe, the wearer needs to break them in. They do not bend, so there is a bit of a trick to being able to walk easily in klompen, and it can take time to learn to walk comfortably. Being made of wood, they are very durable, but donāt last forever. What do the Dutch do with worn out klompen? Being Dutch, and ever practical, they use them for firewood.
If you visit Holland today, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone wearing klompen. Some farmers will still wear them, since the mud is still out in the fields, but for the most part, wooden shoes are decorative. They are an important part of Dutch history and will continue to be equated with Holland.
