July 10, 2017 – Hoorn, Netherlands – I’ve only managed to gather a couple tidbits about wooden shoes or “klompen” – one of the traditional hallmarks of the Netherlands.
Currently really only worn by farm and fishermen, gardeners, farmers, blacksmiths, masons and road workers.
The fishermen’s shoe had more of an upturned and pointed toe. Apparently they could then hook their nets with the tip of their shoe and pull it up without bending over.
For the farmer they were easy to clean, warm in winter and cool in summer and if a cow stepped on your foot, the shoe would prevent serious injury.
