'I should only wear them inside' and other myths about Stegmann Clogs...
Stegmann has been around since 1888. That’s a long time to develop a myth or two about our well loved wool shoes. Our cozy wool clogs and wool lined boots and shoes are more versatile and enduring than you may think. You can wear your Stegmann shoes without socks, they can get wet, the unique materials they’re made from make them last, and they relieve back and foot pain like plantar fasciitis.
Myth #1) You Can’t Wear Wool Shoes in the Rain and Snow
Answer: False
Both wool and cork are built for getting wet. Wool can absorb about 30 percent of its weight in moisture. That means when your wool clogs are splashed by a little rain or even snow, they just need a little time to dry out and they are good as new. Keep them away from artificial heat sources to protect the adhesive and give them ample time to air dry and you should be just fine!
The biggest thing you need to think about when you get them wet is the potential for 'delamination.' In Stegmann clogs, the wool upper is adhered to the cork sole and sometimes excessive heat or too much moisture can weaken this bond and cause them to separate (delamination). A Stegmann fan who lives in rainy Portland, Oregon tells us that she has been wearing her Ecowool Clogs outdoors, rain or shine for several years says she has had no problems with either delamination or water damage. However, if it does happen to you, we sell a shoe repair cement that will allow you to re-adhere your cork and wool.
The cork sole is also naturally water resistant--the major comfort feature of our shoes that relieves plantar fasciitis pain. To further protect the cork sole, there’s a textured rubber outsole on our wool shoes. The extra grip helps with stability when things turn wet. We wouldn't recommend wearing them on icy or slippery hills however, as that would challenge the limit of the textured outsole. If you live in a wet climate, you may want to pick up a bottle of our cork sealer to give your cork soles maximum protection.
Myth #2) Wool Shoes are Hard to Clean and Maintain
Answer: False
With the proper tools, wool clogs and shoes are actually really easy to keep clean. Over time, the wool on your shoes will attract debris, pet hair, and pills just as your nice wool sweaters may do. Your shoes are not machine washable, but they will look fresh after some time with a felt care brush. To remove any debris, hold the brush firmly in your hand and begin brushing in one direction to push signs of pills and more away. Repeat until they are clean!
Myth #3) They’re Ruined if You Get Food or Mud on Them
Answer: False
As we mentioned before, the wool and cork materials of your Stegmann shoes actually repel water and food. If it’s more than debris you need to brush off–say your dinner or drink–you can still make them like new. Get out a stain that a felt brush can’t handle by reaching for some gentle soap and warm water. Spot clean by dabbing the area with a wash cloth until the stain is gone. Try not to totally saturate where the cork meets the wool, but if you need to run the wool under some water you can do so. A little water won't hurt them. Be sure to let them air dry before you wear them.
Myth #4) Cork Is Stiff and Uncomfortable
Answer: False
“Cork will help with shock absorption and is lightweight, which is a great natural material for shoe gear,” said Dr. Bradley Schaeffer of TLC's "My Feet are Killing Me. He goes on to say in this blog post that those shock-absorbing qualities can reduce ongoing distress to the foot’s muscles. The extra bounce, therefore, alleviates pain attributed to common foot ailments including plantar fasciitis.
Stegmann’s wool shoes go a step farther because our cork soles have latex blended in for extra cushioning and flexibility. Then, in between the cork sole and your feet, your wool clogs have ¼ inch of wool. Our wool lined boots and shoes also have a memory foam insole.
Myth #5) They Aren’t Meant to Be Worn During the Summer
Answer: False
Stegmann shoes are for all seasons! You can even wear your wool clogs and wool lined boots and shoes without socks. The wool fibers let air into the shoes for ventilation, so your feet can breathe. This reduces moisture build-up inside the shoe, which prevents bacterial growth and skin breakdown that often leads to smelly shoes. Confidently wear your cozy wool shoes all seasons to help relieve your achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis pain.
Myth #6) You Can Only Wear Them Inside
Answer: False
We recently took our wool clogs on a ski trip. They were the perfect cozy companions before and after a day on the slopes. Why? Let’s start with where the wool comes from–the Alps! The wool in our Ecowool clogs are made from the wool of hardy sheep who thrive in tough alpine conditions. They’re designed to take a little bit of playtime indoors and outdoors. Paired with an orthopedically shaped sole and generous toe box, they wrap your feet in supportive comfort wherever you are. Additionally, the rubber traction sole creates a safe grip outdoors in the elements.
Learn More About How to Care For Your Wool Shoes:
Learn how to repair your shoes after you’ve worn them.
Learn now to protect your shoes before you wear them.
