“Why is it called the Schoenendoos?” a child asks their parent. Today, we will explore the story behind this bridge, the Schoenendoos. While I cannot tell you exactly how it was named, I can share some interesting facts about Dutch icons.
Wooden shoes are as Dutch as tulips and windmills. But, they are more peculiar. The Dutch wore wooden shoes because they were comfortable. They were also durable and cheap. Additionally, they were water-resistant. Wooden shoes provided good insulation and foot protection. This made them well-suited for farmers and manual laborers.
The Dutch did not invent wooden shoes. They adapted a sandal used by the Romans. The Dutch used entirely wooden shoes. Romans shoes had wooden soles with leather straps. Wooden shoes provided more comfort in the colder climate. They protected feet better against water.
The first intact, completely wooden shoes in The Netherlands were dated 1230. They were found during an archeological excavation at the Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam. Completely wooden shoes were most likely produced and worn earlier in The Netherlands.
Wooden shoes are comfortable because they are fitted to the feet. Wooden shoes with leather tops called clogs are the most comfortable. People with physical jobs wear these clogs for comfort. They also help with posture correction and shock absorption. Wooden shoes keep feet warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. The Dutch wear their wooden shoes with socks. This protects their feet’s skin. It also provides more comfort and warmth.
Wooden shoes are associated with the Dutch because Holland has been a trading nation for centuries. The Dutch traveled worldwide to trade goods like wooden shoes. Dutch wooden shoes are known for their characteristic painting and decoration. The traditional Dutch wooden shoe is yellow with decorations. These often include tulips or windmills.
Many Dutch farmers still wear wooden shoes. They are convenient on wet and soggy farmland. Modern Dutch clogs with leather tops are popular. People with physical jobs like nurses use them. They provide maximum comfort.
Making wooden shoes is a multi-step process. It takes about two weeks. First, you select the wood. The best wood comes from poplars and willows. These wood types become water-resistant when dry. Next, the wood is sawn. Pieces are cut to about the length of the wooden shoe. Then, the wood is water-saturated. Water-saturated wood is softer. It can be easier to cleave and drill. The outside of the wooden shoes are then shaped. This can be done by hand or using a mold. The inside of the wooden shoes is drilled. It is hollowed out in the shape of a foot. The wooden shoes must dry for about two weeks. Finally, the wooden shoes are polished. This creates a smooth surface. They are painted with colors and decorations.
If you buy wooden shoes, wear thick socks when you try on different sizes. Slide your feet forward in the wooden shoes. If your index finger fits between the back of your feet and the wooden shoe, you have the correct size. You should be able to easily slip in and out of the wooden shoes. You should also be able to walk comfortably.