In the Netherlands, the main thing to remember is that comfort is key because you’ll be spending a lot of time walking or riding a bike. One of the questions you might want to find answer to when planning your next visit to the Netherlands is “How do I pack for the Netherlands?” We’ll provide an answer to this as we look at the different shoes to wear in Netherlands.
To keep your feet happy, wear flat shoes, like strap sandals or fabric shoes. As always, make sure your footwear is comfortable for lots of walking and cycling.
Wherever you go in the Netherlands, you’ll be walking and cycling. It’s a very pedestrian- and bike-friendly country. Skip the high heels for the daytime, as there are a lot of cobblestones in the cities and you’ll be walking a lot.
What Are the Best Shoes To Wear In The Netherlands?
The weather in the Netherlands can be quite changeable, with mild summers and cool, damp winters. Given the varying weather conditions, the best footwear for Dutch weather would be versatile and able to handle both rain and colder temperatures.
Here are some recommendations for footwear that would be suitable for the Dutch weather:
1. Waterproof Boots
Investing in a good pair of waterproof boots is essential, especially during the rainy season. Look for boots that are made of waterproof materials like Gore-Tex or rubber to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
2. Comfortable Sneakers
Sneakers are a popular choice for everyday wear in the Netherlands. Opt for a pair that is comfortable for walking long distances, as biking and walking are common modes of transportation in Dutch cities.
3. Leather Shoes
Leather shoes are durable and can withstand various weather conditions. They are a good option for both formal and casual occasions.
4. Sandals
In the warmer months, a pair of comfortable sandals can be a good choice for keeping your feet cool and allowing them to breathe.
5. Wellington Boots
Wellington boots, also known as rain boots, are a practical choice for particularly rainy days when you need to keep your feet dry.
6. Winter Boots
In the colder months, insulated winter boots with good traction are essential to keep your feet warm and prevent slipping on icy or snowy surfaces.
It’s also a good idea to have a few different types of footwear to suit the varying weather conditions throughout the year. Additionally, it’s important to consider comfort, durability, and style when choosing footwear for Dutch weather.
Why Do Dutch People Wear Clogs?
Most people in Holland wear clogs in the garden and around the house. It’s a water-resistant walking shoe that’s easy to get on and off and provides protection. And it keeps your feet at the right temperature.
Along with tulips and windmills, they are strongly associated with the country and are considered to be a national symbol of the Netherlands. Dutch (poplar) clogs for everyday use. The red painting on top makes the clogs look like leather shoes.
symbolizing not just Dutch heritage but also embodying practicality, craftsmanship, and resilience.
The advantages of a wooden shoe include:
- They are water-resistant; you’ll never get wet feet.
- The wood provides isolation, keeping the feet warm in the winter and cold in the summer.
- You’ll never get sweaty feet.
- They are orthopedically shaped, resulting in good support and healthy posture.
- It’s a safety shoe (has a CE quality mark, and is tested to resist a pressure of 300 kg / 661 lbs) dropping tools or heavy animals is no problem.
- Sharp objects on the ground can’t pierce your shoe.
- They are easy to get on and off.
- You can give your shoes a second life as a planter.
What is the difference between shoes and clogs?
While clogs and sandals expose more of the foot than other shoes, the key difference between the two is that clogs cover the tops of the feet, while sandals have minimal coverage. Clogs can be more versatile than sandals.
Their coverage makes them wearable throughout the year and they can be both fashion-forward and practical.
Overall, clogs and sandals differ in their coverage, support, and seasonality. Let’s get into the details to discover more about the similarities and differences between clogs and sandals.
Clogs are still summer-appropriate with their practical slip-on and slip-off ability! While they’re not as breathable as sandals, the easy slip-on/slip-off design of clogs is wonderful for warm days when you want the option to be barefoot!
Clogs can easily transition to cooler weather with the addition of a cute pair of socks. This allows the clog to keep your feet warmer on chilly days.
They are not the best choice for snow due to the exposed ankles, but they are great shoes for both the spring and fall months. And don’t think we’ve forgotten about socks and sandals! This pairing is also a fun and quirky way to style your summer shoes to head into fall.
Conclusion
Note that you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while in the Netherlands, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. A pair of sneakers or walking shoes are a great option, but if you plan to spend a lot of time outside, consider bringing a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes.
