FANS:

MEMORIES:

They may have been a descendent of those clunky wooden shoes from the days of Dutch folklore, but the version that worked their way into the annals of fashionable footwear in the 1970’s were decidedly more comfortable.

 

Brands such as Olof and MIA, both imported from Sweden (one of the homes of the wooden shoe) found their niche in the American market and gained popularity throughout the 80s. And while the soles were still made of wood, an additional rubber coating was a little easier on the foot and muted the click-clack sound that one might expect from a wooden shoe. High-heeled versions of this open-backed footwear have also found their share of popularity over the years.

 

Sure, you weren’t going to win any clog dancing contests in the newfangled leather versions with the silenced soles, but you could take solace in the fashion points you were racking up instead.