Multnomah Leather Shop: An Update

One of the best things about this blog is...no, not the shoes. It's the people. We've created this fun, little club of like minded individuals (of course we're individuals—we'd just be plopping some old boring pair of flats on our feet if we weren't) who have found common ground together. We "get" the joy of rocking along with a pair of wood soles under our toes. We take secret pleasure in hearing the sound our shoes make most places that we go. (Don't you just hate plush carpeting?) We love the way our clogs empower us to move mountains, to accomplish feats of daring, and to generally put up with all manner of grief that life and our workdays send our way. It's not the shoes, per se. It's the fact that you and I and every other clog lover who waltzes through this blog have connected with one small corner of our passionate selves in loving the shoes we do. And I've seen in my own life how that little release of energy has ignited some pretty significant achievements in my world. And I fully expect you can look around where you live and say the same.

Which brings me to the work of Mark Casperson and his Multnomah Leather Shop once again. To quickly recap, I profiled Multnomah on Every Clog Has Its Day back at the beginning of April. Then at the beginning of June, I posted about a pair of custom clog boots I had Mark create for me. Talk about inspiring! Well, apparently I'm not the only clog fan who fell for Multnomah's charms. Today's blog brings you a glimpse of quite a few innovative designs that have come off of Mark's workbench recently...and one that got a new lease on life.

Regular reader Melissa Krebs wrote in to tell me with excitement in her keystrokes about the pair of saddle shoe clogs that she ordered from Multnomah. (There was a sizing problem initially which I only call attention to because Mark Casperson was the consummate businessperson and made it right no questions asked. Wouldn't this planet be a little more pleasant if more business people had that attitude?) Says Melissa,

My saddle clogs came today and are spectacular. Gad, are they gorgeously made.

Fortunately, photos soon followed. Those she did write to caution

These images are a bit "hot" because the sun was out and the clogs are BLINDINGLY white!

And then called our collective attention to

the wonder that is the red rubber soles!

Does that take you back or what?

 

Melissa, thanks for sharing! Your new clogs RAWK! And you know we're all right there with you in spirit when you wrote

I don't know if I can have just one pair of saddle clogs... yes, I am greedy that way. Since I don't wear heels anymore, I have to find pizzazz in other ways!

I also received word from Pam, a clog fan from the Pacific Northwest, who told me

My Mom and Aunt both had Multnomah's in high school during the 40's. I had a pair made as a high school student back in the 80's. Mark has refurbished my HS pair and they look like new!

Naturally I had to ask for photos. The '40s pairs are long gone, but Pam's high school clogs are back on her fashion agenda. They do do incredible work at Multnomah, don't they?

 

Unfortunately, this is the only pair that has survived in Pam's multiple Multnomah family. She accompanied this photo with a sigh:

Wish I had the REAL vintage ones that were in the family... they were suede with a single strap detail across the front.  We used them as gardening shoes when I was a kid.

Meanwhile, our favorite Oregon based clog maker has had some pretty sweet orders show up in his Inbox. This cream and tan wingtip clog would be perfect for hanging out at Jay Gatsby's place in West Egg.

 

And then there's this whimsical style that Mark has simply labeled "Elf Clog", crafted for a customer who likes "one of a kind clogs."

All in all, you have to admit the Multnomah Leather Shop folks have been busy producing a fascinating set of shoes. But consider the sort of personalities that no doubt go with them! These aren't styles for the timid and retiring. These are clogs for people who like to announce to the world with the knocking of their soles on the pavement, "Hey, I'm here! Deal with it!"

Can I get an "Amen"?

 

 

 

Comments

[Natealine]

Amen!

[Melissa Krebs]

Amen! Attitude clogs. Not for the shy or retiring. If you're gonna hear me coming at ya, I might as well provide a full visual delight!

Lindsey, I am emailing with Mark about another pair in a wild colorway; perhaps hot pink and black patent? Green and navy? Dark purple and white? Oh, the possibilities!

[Lindsey Cochran]

Hey, do you have Photoshop skillz? That was how I sorted out the look and leather of my pair. If not, let me know and maybe I can throw together a quick mockup for you!

You could really think outside the box and have the colorway reversed on each foot.

[Melissa Krebs]

ZOMG! I love that idea! I used to often buy pairs of shoes in two different colors simply so I could wear one of each and make folks look twice!

[Lindsey Cochran]

I knew a girl in high school who had Dr. Scholls sandals in red and blue, and shed occasionally wear one of each. What a simple way to stir things up.

Reminds me of a pair of asymmetrical sandals I saw late last year.

http://theshoegirl.blogspot.com/2009/09/best-jacket-ive-ever-bought.html

[Melissa Krebs]

Yes! I love the asymmetrical shoes made by Melissa of Brazil:

http://www.zaha-hadid.com/furniture-product-design/melissa-shoes

Didn't you blog about these shoes? (I can't wear plastic shoes—blisters!

[Lindsey Cochran]

I DID mention those before as a matter of fact. The British-Iraqi woman who designed them is amazingly accomplished. I was dumbfounded reading about her.

I go gaga over wood shoes as you know. But then I saw those plastic Melissa clogs (mystifyingly named the Clogh), and I fell under their spell. I think its the unbroken, seamless construction that grabbed my eye. Same reason shoes designed with a covered platform also call out my name.