clog blog  - “Every Clog Has Its Day”.


Lindsey Cochran
 

Clogmaster interview

Clogs are often championed for their health benefits: 

good for posture, good for back support, guard against fatigue, promote circulation.  Doctors, nurses, chefs, and other professionals who are on their feet all day sing the praises of clogs.  But Clogmaster clogs in particular take this a step further by stressing the benefits of a pair of custom crafted clogs.  How do your shoes take fit to the next level in terms of the benefits and comfort?  (And where do other makers' clogs fail at this?)

 

Our clogs are custom made for each individual customer.  You can't enjoy all of the health benefits, if the clog is not properly fitted. You should never have to grip with your toes to keep them on, and you should not be floating around in them, like a boat on the ocean.  "Old School clogs" are made from wooden bases, because rubber and plastic soles, do not get you off of the ball of your foot, and they don't have a proper rolling motion. Rubber bases have too much lateral give, and people are always telling us they roll their ankles’, in the rubber bases. 

You don't sell clogs off the rack, but insist on creating shoe designed specifically for a customer's feet.  How did Clogmaster choose to become
America's bespoke clog maker?

 

We don't make the clogs, we make sure the clogs fit properly.  The Owner and President is from Sweden, and has been wearing clogs all of her life. She knows how they are supposed to fit.  Customers can pick from dozens of colors, and color combinations, to create their own clogs. 

I've read on-line that you sometimes travel outside of
Portland to measure and fit customers in other parts of the country.  How does a potential customer find out more about your upcoming itinerary?  

 

Sign up for the Clogmaster Monthly Newsletter. Trips are always announced weeks in advance, and posted on the website.  http://www.clogmaster.com/

What's the best way for a potential customer to assess the quality of your shoes?  Often for me, seeing and feeling the craftsmanship is an important part of my decision to buy.

 

Talk to our existing customers, or take a trip to Portland. You may also read customer reviews on our website. 

(If you haven't responded to this in the preceding question, what is Clogmasters' relationship with Sven Clogs?  They're listed on your label as the maker of your shoes.)

 

They make a line exclusively for Clogmaster, that you can only get from us.

Clogmaster has been around 33 years.  Who started the company and why?

 

Cecilia Tidlund started Clogmaster in 1976, because a friend told her, "She would never get Americans to wear clogs”.   For 33 years of doing only that, has proved her friend wrong.

Who are the people behind the designs and styles you sell today?  

 

Our customers, and the factory (Svens).   We are also very proud to say, "Made in the USA."

How has Clogmaster been able to weather the many changes of fashion over the years?  Clogs were popular when your shoes first appeared on the market.  How did you make it through the lean years?

 

We see our clogs as "work shoes",  We have never cared about fashion trends.  Our clogs may have been made 'fashionable' because some of the biggest names in Hollywood, wear them. 

You used to be located in
California.  The recently you packed up and moved to Portland, Oregon.  That's an awfully bold and courageous decision.  Why did you move?  And more importantly, how did you come to decide you could move and still maintain your customers?  

 

We moved to Portland, because there too many reasons to list here.  Let's just say Portland offers a much better quality of life, than Los Angeles.  We maintain our customers because once you have been fitted, you can order our clogs, from almost anywhere in the world.   

You've got some fun styles in your catalog:  clogs printed to look like denim or camouflage; bright patent and metallic leathers; and a range of clog boots.  You seem to go to great lengths to offer more than just a simple, traditional clog.  How did you decide to offer customers such a wide variety of choices?  

 

Because it allows people to have more choices, and the ability to be creative.

What are you most proud of at Clogmaster?  Are there customers' letters that you've found especially gratifying?  Is there feedback you've really appreciated?  At the end of the day, what gives you the feeling of a job well done?

 

We have helped thousands of people that have to spend countless hours on their feet, that need good supportive footwear.  Cecilia Tidlund is also Medically trained.  She has also helped countless people with all types of foot problems, and has been getting referrals from Orthopedic Surgeons, and Podiatrist for years.  We have done only one thing, and we have done it for 33 years and counting. 

 

Thank you,

Marketing
WWW.CLOGMASTER.COM
Ph. 503.
227.2296
Clogmaster
SE ML King Blvd.- By Hawthorne Bridge
Portland, OR 97214   e-mail: clogs@clogmaster.com