Long before the times of the double-denim debate, wooden clogs have created a divide of opinions. Rooted in the working class, the origins trace back to the Medieval period, most notably, in Dutch culture that is still worn by some in rural parts of the country.
It was in 1899, that the clog was turned from traditionally protective work wear to a fashionable item through the interpretation of Dr. Scholl’s, and it’s fair to say the clog has come a long way into 2022, rising above countless trends and opinions over the years. So strong in its cult following, the clogs even found their way into the 60s counterculture; dominating the swinging sixties with their slimmed-down silhouette and maintaining their position comfortably well into the bohemian 70s, on the feet of style icons like Jean Shrimpton. Scholl wasn’t alone in recognising the potential of wooden footwear, catching the attention of Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, who paid her tribute to the “ugly” footwear in 2016 with the release of Diorquake clogs that converted its harshest critics to avid supporters – permanently shifting the clog’s reputation in the world of luxury fashion.
Scholl's iconic silhouette, the Pescura. Image Courtesy of Scholl Iconic.
As much as Diorquake was an impressive milestone for the humble, clunky shoe, it didn’t quite find its momentum in mainstream fashion. Disappearing into the fashion-abyss for a hot second, the clog made moves again in 2019, making runway appearances at Lanvin, Molly Goddard and Miu Miu. Unfortunately, the comeback didn’t last long as one would hope, shut down prematurely by Covid-19 that saw us trade in our best shoes for house slippers.
Left: Balenciaga SS22 Runway Featuring Crocs 2.0 Right: Balenciaga Pool Slides. Image Courtesty of Balenciaga.
During this time, we witnessed the rise of another – the Crocs – the rubbery cousin better suited to the life we were adjusting to. The ambiguous design that makes it difficult to distinguish the shoe as indoor or outdoor footwear created just the right amount of confusion to fit perfectly into our home-clothes-to-the-supermarket lifestyle. It felt like a fading trend back in 2017 when Demna Gvasalia and Crocs made their debut, but in an unexplainable twist of events, the Crocs have officially become his personal signature at Balenciaga and all the trendy kids now have the original clog to thank, as the evolution into the Crocs Madame 8MM, Pool Crocs Slides or the latest Crocs 2.0 couldn’t have happened without it. Even Dior’s new CD 1947 x Birkenstock couldn’t have happened without it!
Dior CD 1947 x Birkenstock Capsule Collection. Image Courtesy of Dior.
Fast forward to 2022, when our favourite Manhattan-ite Carrie Bradshaw aka Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in a pair of Scholls on the set of the SATC remake, ‘And Just Like That,’ it sent the industry whispering again of the OG’s return. Not the first time SJP has been photographed on and offscreen, the actress has proven to be a loyal fan, spotted in various styles over the decades. Real Housewives of NY Kelly Bensimon, Jennifer Aniston, Geri Halliwell and Lily-Rose Depp are also supporters of the clog, reassuring us that this is not an awkward fashion disaster in the remaking (and if it is, we’ll bring a long list of well-known fashion criminals down with us).
Scholl Iconic x Daios Cove collection. Image Courtesy of Dr. Scholl's and Scholl Iconic.
Now in mid-2022, the clog’s presence is steady and well settled in, with the original tastemaker releasing the much-anticipated collection with Ganni and most recently, with the 5-star luxury resort, Daios Cove. The timing seems impeccable to let us live out our coastal grandma aesthetics while envisioning the unobstructed views of the saline sea and fresh Greek platters. Semi-jokes aside, seeing the familiar style is a genuine relief, a sign that we really are heading back to a life once lived and the clog’s timelessness feels metaphoric for the stability that we are (or at least, I) seeking. And after all, if we’re set to celebrate this summer dubbed as the “summer of love,” echoing the attitudes of the 60s, it only feels right to bring back the style that defined the era.