Almost Danish Clogs

Posted by Tiffany on March 31st, 2010    1 Comment »

This is the story of not one company, but two… and really more like three. When it comes to clogs, we want style, choices, comfort and quality. So when a hip new offshoot of an old company like Troentorp (already covered here), decides to use their long tradition in clog-making to create something fresh and new, I say bring it on!

Maguba is the name of that offshoot, and their colorful takes on traditional clogs are the work of a group of friends from Sweden (Troentorp), Italy and Mexico. As they put it, their clogs combine traditional Swedish craftsmanship with a touch of latin spice, razzle dazzle and color.

Maguba clogs, photos from here.

Maguba has a great website where you can mix and match colors to your heart’s content (and then order of course)!

But isn’t it nice to have a US counterpart who understands the clogs’ role in Swedish culture but who’s also looking out just for us in the US?

That’s where Almost Danish comes in.

Almost Danish consists of two Swedish expats in San Francisco. No, we’re not crazy about the name either, but those Southern Swedes who grow up in spitting distance of Denmark get a little identity-confused sometimes, what with all the historical back and forth.

Anyway, love these clogs. And love it that Susannah and Sabine are putting together styles just for us, and making sure they get into our local shops.

Perhaps my favorite color combo. These were Almost Danish’s Fall ‘09 special edition.
And here’s the Spring ‘10 special edition.

The clogs I got to test out were these beauties… hello goldie! There’s something so impressive about a thick solid wooden heel. Even high, it feels sturdy, authentic, and quality made.

A little pushed for time, I decided to knock off two birds with one stone and walk a mile while getting some work done. On this particular day, work meant running around to some of my favorite shops in San Francisco to sell independent Swedish design. That’s right… we’re distributing now, have you heard?

Here’s a peek at some of the inspiring people and wonderful shops I saw while walking a mile in my Almost Danish clogs…

Rare Device in San Francisco + a lovely meeting with owners Lisa and Rena… expect to see some From Sthlm here soon!
Back to the pavement for my next appointment…
And wrapping it up at Zinc Details where you can already find our Bantie textiles. Hello Vas! Too bad we missed Junko.

All in all, not a bad day’s work. These shoes were a real conversation starter and they never got uncomfortable… even toting all my stuff around!

I really like these simple traditional clogs with their updated flair, but it’s hard to tell how the bright colors will date… and wear with time. Read: how soon before these brighty brights are ticky tacky?

But then that’s fashion. I guess the key is just to wear them as much as I possibly can now… and that’s no problem!

UPDATE: Were you wondering how to get yourself a pair? Email Almost Danish at info@almostdanish.com.

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