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Why Clogs?

Fascinating Facts

  • It is claimed that the first pair of clogs were made in Bolton in 1326.
  • Cokers is the name given to the metal protection used for clog soles.
  • Clogs were popularised In Lancashire by Flemish weavers who came here during the Industrial Revolution.  
  • Red Rose cloggers changed the full wooden clog to include a leather upper.
  • In the past, clog-makers had to make 36 pairs a week – by hand – to make a living.
  • In 1900 a pair of men’s clogs cost 2s 11d.  (approximately £45 in today’s money) Now they cost £58 for handmade clogs and £65 for boots.
  • The art of English clog dancing is not to show any facial expressions, torso or arm movements so that the focus is on the feet.
  • Different clog designs include Derby Wellington, Brewers, Blucher, Garden Clog, and the luxury felt-lined two buckle clog.
  • Many modern industrial factories such as metal foundries, still provide their workers with industrial safety clogs, rather than boots.
  • Clogs are still made in Yorkshire today, by Walkleys, who can trace their heritage back to 1946
  • In 1911 Maud’s Clog Sole Factory (later Walkleys) in Hebden Bridge, made 862,164 pairs of soles.
  • Steel factories often employed their own clogger to re-sole workers shoes.  A worker walking over the hot metal in the rolling mills could burn through four pairs in a day!
  • Northampton Town Football Club are nicknamed ‘The Cobblers’ because of the amount of shoe factories in the area.