There is something about a real 70s platform that no factory has ever managed to copy. The height, the feel of solid wood under your feet, the sound it makes on the street. At Sol Caleyo we have been carving these platforms by hand for more than 20 years, improving every detail pair after pair, and every single pair still starts the same way: a block of wood, a piece of leather and the measurements of the person who is going to wear them.
This is everything you need to know about our handmade 70s platform clogs, and how we make a pair that is truly yours.
Why 70s platform clogs are back
Disco nights, boho festivals, flared jeans and long floral skirts. The 70s gave us the most joyful shoes in fashion history, and they are back because they say something that flat sneakers never will. They are bold, they are free, and they make you stand differently.
Our clogs are inspired by that spirit, but they are not a costume. They are made to be worn, walked in and loved for years.
How our handmade wooden platform clogs are made
Every pair is 100% handmade, one at a time, in our workshop. Nothing is produced in advance and nothing comes off a production line.
We shape the platform and heel by hand from solid ayous wood, sand it and finish it in a natural tone or in a lacquered color. Then we cut the leather, fit it over the wood following your measurements and fix it in place with care. Many of our designs are finished with gold or old bronze studs, the detail that gives them that unmistakable 70s character.
Because each pair is built from scratch for one person, it takes us 20 to 30 days to make it. We think it is worth the wait, and so do our customers.
Lightweight wooden platform clogs, not the heavy clogs of the past
Many people still remember the old wooden clogs: heavy, stiff and tiring after an hour of walking. Ours are different. We make our platforms from a lightweight wood, chosen precisely so that even a tall 70s platform feels light on your foot and comfortable to wear all day.
The wood we use is ayous (also known as obeche or abachi), an African hardwood famous for being remarkably light while staying strong and stable. It is easy to carve by hand, holds its shape over time and takes both natural and lacquered finishes beautifully. That is why our ayous platform clogs weigh far less than you would expect when you see them.
This did not happen overnight. After more than 20 years making clogs by hand, we have kept refining the wood, the shape of the sole and the way the leather holds the foot. Every pair you receive carries all those years of small improvements.
Custom platform clogs: you design every detail
This is what makes our clogs different. You are not choosing a size from a shelf, you are designing your own pair. With every Sol Caleyo platform clog you can choose:
- Heel height. From 10 cm (4 in) for everyday wear up to an impressive 18 cm (7 in) for those who want the full 70s statement.
- Wood color. Natural wood that shows its grain, or a lacquered finish in the color you like.
- Leather type and color. Smooth leather, soft suede, camel, snake print, bold colors or classic neutrals. You can also ask for floral tattoo style prints or retro patchwork.
- Details. Studs in gold or old bronze, and other finishes to make the pair feel completely personal.
If you have something special in mind, just tell us. Many of our favorite designs started as a customer's idea.
Made to measure clogs: the two measurements that matter most
To make a clog that fits like it was carved for you (because it is), we need two measurements. These are essential, and they are what make a handmade clog comfortable.
1. The exact length of your foot. Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall, mark the tip of your longest toe and measure from the wall to the mark in centimeters. Measure both feet, ideally in the evening when feet are slightly larger, and send us the longest one.
2. Your instep measurement. The instep is the top of your foot, the arched part between your toes and your ankle. Wrap a soft measuring tape around the highest point of your instep and note the measurement in centimeters. In a clog the leather sits directly over the instep with no laces to adjust, so this measurement decides whether the clog holds your foot gently or squeezes it. A high instep, a low instep, a slim foot: we adapt the leather to each one.
With these two numbers we can make your clogs fit properly, whether you wear EU 33, EU 47 or anything in between and beyond.
Can you really walk in 18 cm (7 inch) platform clogs?
Yes. The secret of a good platform is balance. The higher the heel, the more front platform it needs so your foot is not forced into a steep angle. We shape every sole with that in mind, so even our tallest clogs feel steadier than most people expect.
Two examples from our collection: the Tokyo Snake clogs, in snake print leather with old gold studs and an 18 cm wooden heel, and the Blue Jeans Clogs, with a 15 cm heel, available in blue, purple and burgundy.
Made to order clogs for every foot
Because every pair is made to measure, we can work with feet that rarely find shoes that fit: slim feet, narrow calves, wide feet, small and large sizes. Our designs are unisex, and many men order them too.
We ship worldwide, so wherever you are, your clogs travel from our workbench to your door.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes handmade 70s platform clogs?
Sol Caleyo makes handmade 70s style platform clogs with solid wood soles, fully customizable and made to measure for each customer.
How tall are Sol Caleyo platform clogs?
Our heels range from 10 cm (4 in) up to 18 cm (7 in).
Are wooden platform clogs heavy?
Not ours. Unlike traditional heavy wooden clogs, Sol Caleyo platforms are carved from ayous, a lightweight hardwood, so they are easy to wear even at 18 cm.
How long has Sol Caleyo been making clogs?
We have been handcrafting wooden clogs for more than 20 years, constantly improving our design and comfort.
What wood are Sol Caleyo clogs made of?
Ayous wood (also called obeche or abachi), a lightweight and strong hardwood that makes our platform clogs light and comfortable to wear.
Can I customize my platform clogs?
Yes, completely. You choose the heel height, the wood color, the type and color of leather and the details such as studs or prints.
What measurements do you need?
Two essential measurements: the exact length of your foot and the circumference of your instep, both in centimeters.
How long does it take to make a pair?
Between 20 and 30 days, because every pair is handmade from scratch.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
What sizes do you make?
From EU 33 to EU 47 and beyond, since every pair is made to measure.
Design your own 70s platform clogs
If you have always dreamed of a real pair of 70s platforms, made with your hands in mind as much as ours, we would love to make them for you. Browse our handmade wooden platform clogs, choose your favorite and send us your measurements. We will take care of the rest, one stitch and one cut of wood at a time.