How to Care for Your KUNSTEN Clogs: A Simple Maintenance Guide

Handmade shoes last longer when they're looked after, and KUNSTEN clogs are no exception. Between the hand-shaped Aspen wood sole and the suede or leather upper, there are really only a few habits worth building. None of them complicated, all of them worth the two minutes they take.

Caring for the wood sole

Aspen is a lighter, more flexible wood than the dense oak or beech used in old-world clog-making, and it's finished and sealed by hand rather than mass-produced. That finish does most of the work for you, but a couple of habits help it last: wipe the sole clean with a slightly damp cloth rather than soaking it, and let it air dry away from direct heat (radiators and car dashboards dry wood out unevenly and can encourage cracking over time). If the finish starts to look dull after heavy wear, a light coat of natural wood oil or beeswax conditioner restores it.

Caring for suede and leather uppers

Suede does best with a dedicated suede brush. A few light strokes in one direction lifts dirt and restores the nap after a day out. For leather uppers, a soft cloth and an occasional leather conditioner keep the material supple rather than stiff. Both materials are breathable by design, so avoid anything that seals the surface completely (like heavy waterproofing sprays not made for suede or leather specifically), and keep them away from prolonged direct sun, which can dry and fade natural materials faster than normal wear.

If they get wet

Natural materials and a little rain are fine together, but soaking is where problems start. If your clogs get properly wet, stuff them loosely with paper towel to help them hold shape, and let them dry at room temperature, never on a radiator or in direct sun, both of which dry wood and leather too fast and can cause warping or cracking.

Storage between wears

Store your clogs somewhere dry with a bit of airflow rather than a sealed box, and give them a day to breathe between wears if you're rotating pairs. It's a small habit that keeps the wood sole and the upper both in better shape long-term.

Built to last, not to be babied

None of this is high-maintenance. It is the same basic care any well-made natural-material shoe deserves. Treat them reasonably and a pair of KUNSTEN clogs will outlast the trend cycle by years. Browse the clogs collection or the boots collection, or check our Size & Fit guide before your first pair arrives.

Handmade in small batches in Europe — made to be worn for years, not seasons.