The original Berkinstocks!

[Katiecooks]

These wooden shoes must be the original Berkinstocks! You realize I don't own a pair (of either kind of shoe) as I can't even spell it correctly......................

This photo is a favourite of mine.

 

[ChileFarmer]

That was some big person for sure, they don't look to comfortable to me. CF

 

[Katiecooks]

Hi, CF - Trust me, they're not! The biggies like that are ornamental and are usually used as flower planters. The kids were just having fun with them and getting their picture taken. If you put on a pair that fit you (more or less) there's absolutely no give whatsoever to them. You literally have to walk flat-footed to move in any direction. I don't believe anyone actually wears them any more for day-to-day wear - mostly for clog dancing and for events like tulip festivals and the like. But they are pretty - sometimes very decorative and hand painted in all kinds of ways. Blue delph is especially popular in Holland.
Can't you just imagine clogging around behind a hand plow, for example, trying to keep up with the oxen whilst trying to keep your wooden shoes on your feet?