At Sandgrens, it is clear – the components of a pair of clogs travel through stations, not an assembly line. At our stations, each pair is touched by hand, one by one – as opposed to an assembly line where it's touched by a machine. It’s this personal touch that imbues each unique set with a personality unlike any other. After the leather is cut and stitched, and married to a meticulously prepped pair of bases, the components are stapled together into shape. Once the bases have dried, the middle is marked. There are different guides for locating this key spot, and it depends upon the size and style being created. This is important, as it helps ensure a straight line of staples. Pressure is calibrated depending upon the leather type. The Nubuck leather pieces are soaked in water, how long depends upon its color. Black Vegetable Tan is soaked starting the day prior because it’s a hard leather, and this makes it easier to shape. Then, with a speed indicative of skill, the staples are applied. A few styles in our collection are assembled with rivets, which are more challenging than staples, as more care is necessary. The most challenging are boots, the easiest are the traditional styles. Once stapled, the clog moves forward to Christer, our clog master; to be lested. The clog is steamed, then a mold is inserted to create its iconic shape. There are different molds for each different size, and then Christer nails it into place. Each lest must be straight, perfect – the slightest deviance affects its result. Racks of lested clogs must then dry, and dry times and temperatures vary based on the type of leather. Typically, it’s done overnight. Each clog must pass Christer’s keen inspection, before the lests are removed. The nail hole is sanded down to ensure a smooth, even surface then our signature heel pad is applied. The pairs are prepped, staples hammered, and leather brushed. Final shipments are prepped and staged. When the work is complete, the most important station the clogs pass through is our customers. It’s you, who brings each pair to life.
