Wooden Shoe Factory
Wooden Shoe Factory
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
The Netherlands are famous for its wooden shoes, and deservedly so: back in 1800, almost everybody owned a pair (or two). Nowadays only around 200.000 Dutchmen and Dutchwomen wear them daily. Their clogs are no longer handmade, machines have taken over. The production process is a bit like making a spare key: the machine traces the outlines of a clog mould and then carves away the excess wood in a fresh block of poplar. In the Wooden shoe factory you can see how this is done. A movie shows you the old manufacturing process and at regular times, the clog maker is there, in his workshop. Wooden shoes are also part of the traditional Volendam costume. In a small exhibit we explain the dress and its many different layers. The workshop is situated on the second floor of the Wooden shoe factory. Free entry!
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
23 reviews
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THE-TW0-BEES
Phenix City, AL721 contributions
Oct 2021
We came to the Wooden Shoe Factory via a tour. It was SO informative and unique. You associate "wooden shoes" with Holland, but the reason they wore and still wear these shoes is interesting. (I won't give away the details) They also have live demonstrations and again, so interesting, like stepping back into time. We bought a pair, since they were made in the shop, and as a souvenir and we find ourselves telling the story every time a guest in our home asks about the unique find. Enjoy your trip!
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrossingtheUS
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
Jul 2019
This store has the "real deal" when it comes to wooden shoes. I looked at three stores around Amsterdam for wooden shoes and this location was the best. The shoes have an instep and fit properly. The price is lower by about 11 Euros than a popular place north of Amsterdam. They have a variety of shapes and colors. If you don't see what you want in your size, they are more than happy to look for your size. The service is respectful and friendly.
As well, there are a number of authentic, reasonably priced souvenirs available. If you look around, you will see some good items on sale as well. The prices are equivalent or less than souvenirs in a number of other communities around Amsterdam.
Upstairs in the shop, there is a short film that explains how wooden shoes are made. There are some historic items on display for you to look at as well. I recommend dropping in and looking around. It's an excellent little shop.
As well, there are a number of authentic, reasonably priced souvenirs available. If you look around, you will see some good items on sale as well. The prices are equivalent or less than souvenirs in a number of other communities around Amsterdam.
Upstairs in the shop, there is a short film that explains how wooden shoes are made. There are some historic items on display for you to look at as well. I recommend dropping in and looking around. It's an excellent little shop.
Written September 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
feltroneu
George Town, Malaysia2,306 contributions
Dec 2019
An interesting place to learn how the clogs were made. It was always the place we wanted to visit when we were in Holland. We bought a lot of wooden shoes' souvenir key chains and magnets.
Written April 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teo C
Singapore, Singapore345 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Good place to learn how Wooden Shoes and Cheese are made. Great place to take picturesque photos of the Windmills and the river in the background
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kublakate
Blaine, MN166 contributions
Sept 2019
This is a fun tourist shop with a focus on wooden shoes. Upstairs, you can watch a video about how wooden shoes are made. They have some equipment on display which was used to make shoes along with a few examples of antique shoes. It's fine. It's free. But it isn't a 'factory' or a museum. It is a store. Mostly they sell the same touristy junk that everybody else is selling.
This shop fits in well at Volendam harbor, which is essentially a huge gift shop. Enjoy it!
This shop fits in well at Volendam harbor, which is essentially a huge gift shop. Enjoy it!
Written October 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lsbrun
Santa Rosa, CA66 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
It was quite interesting to see a log (like I would burn in my fireplace) become a wooden clog for use by farmers or villagers. Quite informative demonstration,and the walk through the charming village was wonderful
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostInTime
Pittsburgh, PA24,294 contributions
Jun 2019 • Business
This store sells a decent amount of wooden shoes. To lots of tourists. I doubt they are ever worn but it’s a thing to buy when there. It’s a decent size store with a lot of shoes.
Written June 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlene C
Chicago, Illinois, United States21 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
This place is a little shop which actually holds hundreds of wooden shoes. It was very interesting to watch a man making a pair of wooden shoes from a block of wood. He answered as many questions you might have . I didn’t think I’d have 1 for him, and then it was so cool to see I had many . They have a giant pair of shoes you can step in for pictures and ones you can buy if you really wanna wear pointed wooden shoes they sell for about 30-40 dollars. I opted out of that fashion and just went for the mini shoe keychain and they engrave your name for free. I went here as a kid I had to go back with my kids and it’s still in beautiful clean shape. Oh FYI There’s a picture of Mr. Rogers holding a pair of hand made wooden shoes on their wall. Pretty cool for the little shop.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4historyandculture
Charlotte, NC1,550 contributions
Apr 2018
Volendam has a long Main Street full of restaurants and gift, souvenir shops. The amazing fact is this town is 25 feet below sea level. We bought some magnets from this store. The owner was very friendly and polite
Written May 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RLCZ70
Grand Island, NE854 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Interesting demonstration about making wooden shoes, nice souvenir and store, friendly, good prices, saw during windmill tour from Amsterdam
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can I buy traditional dutch costumes for children in Holland
Written March 10, 2024
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