EXPERT - HISTORY & FACTORY - Vol. 2

This time, we'd like to focus on the wooden sole, which is used in EXPERT and is the origin and most distinctive feature of clogs and sabots.

EXPERT clogs primarily use birch for their wooden soles.

Birch is a deciduous broad-leaved tree belonging to the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae.

As exemplified by Finnish birch wood, it is often used for Scandinavian furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.

Currently, it is also used for shoe lasts, making it a material with a deep connection to shoes.

The material is characterized by its hardness, water resistance, and fine, even grain.

It is less prone to warping and distortion compared to leather soles, making it an ideal material for shoe soles due to its strength and resistance to deformation.

Additionally, like flooring, it retains heat and absorbs moisture,

keeping feet warm in winter and providing a dry, comfortable feel in summer, making it an excellent material for sandals worn barefoot.

Many people might think that wooden soles are very heavy, but

they are surprisingly light, comparable to leather soles.

The unique expressions of wood and the distinct grain of each piece offer a different kind of charm and warmth compared to leather.

Another appeal is the dedication to hand-painting the sole color to match the leather and model, ensuring the wood grain remains visible.