Wooden shoes have a long and multi-cultural history! They are known from Japan (great for snowy days), Italy (Renaissance courtesans wore really tall ones under their dresses), Holland (all those Dutch children) and Germany (think Hummel) and France (they are called sabots, and the word "sabotage" comes from throwing the sabots into the machinery, as though they slipped off by accident). Made right, with a bottom slightly curved for walking, they are comfortable. Made poorly, and you'll regret every step. Carolly