More History of Walkley Clogs

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A large percent of clogs today are still used for the industrial market. Large companies such as Corus take regular supplies, as does heavy industries such as glass works and foundries. In fact the company regularly supplies around a hundred different industrial customers throughout the U.K . The requirements are stringent, so all Walkley Clogs Industrial Clogs are tested up to the EN 345 standards. This gives the firm a strong marketing advantage, which has helped it penetrate the Netherlands market: Dutch clogs do not meet the required European standards. The safety clogs are at least twice as strong as a normal safety boot, and are designed to protect worker's toes and soles. They are made from locally-sourced leather and, typically, beech wood. Different soling materials are attached to the wood according to the environment in which the safety clogs will be worn. Traditional horseshoe shaped irons are still screwed onto the bottom of clogs, but more often now a full rubber is glued and screwed onto the wood soles, or the traditional shod is used. Clogs of the traditional British design, a leather upper on a wooden sole have actually been worn since at least Roman times. Some historians suggest their origins may go back further still. Walkley Clogs still use the traditional tools for clog making such as clog hammers and lasting pincers which would have been used by all clog makers for century’s, in towns and many villages through out the country. Although usually associated with the folk of Lancashire and Yorkshire, clogs were actually worn throughout the country, indeed around the world.

A pair of Walkley clogs being used in the foundry.

Other outlets for the company included the famous Lakeland Bear brand teddy bears, all of which were dressed in wooden clogs supplied by Walkley Clogs. Members of the new model army pop group and consequently many of their fans are also traditional clog wearers whom Walkley Clogs supplies.

Walkley Clogs, Unit 10, Mount Pleasant Mills, Midgley Road, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 5LR. Tel: 01422 885757

Walkley Clog history continued

Email:Walkclogs@aol.com