All the Best Clogs That We’ve Ever Written About (2024)

one stop shop

By Liza Corsillo, Sanibel Chai, and Anna Yeo

All the Best Clogs That We’ve Ever Written About (1)

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

We’re kind of known for finding comfy, kind of ugly, kind of stylish shoes —and none fit that bill more than clogs. They function like a slipper (comfortable and easy to get into), but with elevated style (and height) — and soles sturdy enough to wear for hours. Doctors and nurses rely on them for long shifts, as do chefs and anyone else who stands at work all day. They look cool, giving off equal parts art teacher, with-it parent, and fashionable ceramicist. We’ve written a lot about clogs over the last few years — from the stylish ones worn by famous people to the hippie-ish ones preferred by men. So to help you decide which clogs are right for you, we gathered up a list of our favorites from the archive.

Best clogs under $100

Former Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno bought these OOFOS OOcloogs in preparation for a trip with a lot of walking. Initially, Rotunno says, the soles’ thick cushioning “felt somewhat uncomfortable but in a good way that made me wonder just how not ergonomically designed my other shoes might be.” After the initial wearing-in period, he says “they feel great — stable, supportive, and so easy to wear (especially for travel).” Veteran journalist and Strategist “Auntie Approved” columnist SuChin Pak also found the recovery-focused foam footbeds “a little wobbly” when she tried the slide version since they alleviate joint pain by forcing you to put pressure on different points of your foot. But after getting used to the feeling, Pak confirms that “it’s like walking on two duvets, and this is the duvet of slides.”

From $94

Most people winterize their clogs by adding a pair of thick wool socks, but designer Sandy Liang prefers these fleece-lined clogs to keep her feet warm in cold weather. Plus, Liang says “the shoes’ Beluga whale-shaped area around the toes is strangely flattering on my wide, flat feet, which also appreciate their slight heel. It’s added support that keeps my feet happy, even if I’m standing on a shoot all day.” She loves them so much she has them in two colors: black and stone. The Q2 style Liang recommends is no longer available, but apart from slight differences in stitching and logo, the updated Ice 4 is very similar.

Sweetbitter author Stephanie Danler tipped us off to Swedish brand Troentorp. She in turn was tipped off to them by Jody Williams, a James Beard award winner and the chef behind Buvette and Via Carota in the West Village. The brand makes basic clogs like these as well as a handful of more decorative styles with cutouts, laces, and braiding. They’re a favorite of the editors of our Secret Strategist newsletter, too — which, incidentally, you should subscribe to!

Strategist editor Maxine Builder found out about these less expensive Swedish clogs from a friend she assumed was wearing Swedish Hasbeens (see below). In terms of style, Lotta from Stockholm clogs are nearly identical to Swedish Hasbeens, but at half the price, so you can rest easy if they get a little beat up or it rains while you’re wearing them. They come in tons of colors and styles including some very eye-catching metallics.

Inour search for the best slides, Drew Romero, a floor manager at Dover Street Market New York, recommends these rubber Sloggers as a less expensive alternative to Chillbies (see below). Easy to slip on with a heavy-duty lug outsole, the Sloggers are waterproof, scratch resistant, and “great for the indoors or gardening,” Romero says. Whereas the Chillbies are offered only in black and brown, the Sloggers come in eight colors.

Writer and clog enthusiast Erika Veurink wrote an impassioned ode to these UGG clogs. She’d been ambiently thinking the UGG Tasman X after seeing them on an Upper West Side mom on TikTok, but it was after noticing her server at Fort Greene restaurant Margot wearing a pair that she ordered them for herself. Her verdict: They’re amazing. As she wrote, “My favorite part of these clogs, other than the washable inserts, is the subtle cut below the ankle. I’ve worn them on after-work walks and to Friday night movies with friends. I keep waiting for a pain point, but instead, these clogs have taken up permanent residence next to my front door.”

In the past few years, the Plasticana jelly clogs have replaced the No. 6 as the clog of choice among a certain subset of fashionable ladies. Brooklyn Heights shop Salter House and its owner Sandeep Salter are to thank. As Chantal Tattoli wrote, Sandeep and her husband Carson were responsible for bringing this French brand to the States and were long the U.S.’s sole retailers. Emily Bode sent her models down the runway in a pair in 2020, and the rest is history. Features editor Katy Schneider, who loves her Plasticanas, wrote, “They remind me of something my mother would have worn gardening in the ’90s, and they’re just really pretty and unusual and perfect.” (Note: They don’t run true to size; you might need to go down one or two from your usual.)

A Croc is a classic for a reason!

From $44

A Croc cousin, if you will. As we’ve written, “Fans include art adviserRyan Simons, along with a couple Strategist editors, andChris Black, who calls them a ‘shoe-sandal hybrid.’”

Best clogs under $200

Dansko clogs are so popular with medical professionals and restaurant workers they’re part of the uniform. But they’re also popular with non-doctors too. At least four Strategist staffers own these matte black Dansko clogs. Strategist writer Lauren Ro got her pair when she was eight months pregnant and desperate for comfortable shoes. In addition to liking the way they look, Ro says that in her Danskos she doesn’t miss the custom orthotics she wears for bunions. “When I got them, they became the only shoes I wore for a really long time. They’re easy to slip on and off and don’t require bending over or stooping down. I also really appreciate the lift they provide, which actually makes them more comfortable for walking in,” she says. It should be noted that Strategist editor Maxine Builder has them in a lovely shade of honey brown.

Like Danskos, Calzuro clogs are loved by people who work on their feet for long periods of time. The Italian brand has a cult following that includes surgeons, nurses, artists, and cheesemakers. But a few years ago, we began noticing them on people like a woman going into her Pilates class in Bed-Stuy and a waiter at Achilles Heel in Greenpoint. They’re made of super-durable plastic that can be sterilized in an autoclave or thrown in a dishwasher and each pair has a series of tiny massaging nubs on the inner sole. Because they’re waterproof, Calzuros are also great for gardening, and you can choose to get yours with or without ventilation holes.

Strategist contributor Kate Branch recommends this Calzuro model that features ventilation holes on the upper. She brought her pair to Montenegro, where the rubber soles and slight heel made for an enjoyable stroll on the rocky beaches along the Adriatic Sea and kept her feet “comfortable while wading in the water.”

“They last forever,” says chef and farmer Pheobe Cole-Smith of the wool Haflingers she first bought back in the early ‘80s at Barneys New York. These wool clogs have a cushy cork sole and rubber bottom so they’re great for wearing as house shoes but won’t fall apart if you wear them outside. “I asked for them for Christmas to wear as slippers, then wore them pretty much everywhere I went,” she says.

Of the many Swedish clog brands, Swedish Hasbeens is probably the most well-known among American clog enthusiasts. They have the same cool ‘70s appeal as No.6 and are priced about the same too. Strategist editor Maxine Builder says she bought a pair to wear with wide-leg pants and jumpsuits. “They have not disappointed on the style front,” she says but cautions that they are finicky and not meant to wear in the rain or on wet grass.

Before Birkenstock Bostons were dubbed “the official cool-girl shoe of fall” by cool girls on TikTok, they were mostly seen on menswear enthusiasts, as gorpcore and nouveau Deadhead trends prioritized comfort and casual, chunky silhouettes. Of all the clogs available to men, including Crocs and their high-fashion doppelgängers, these Birkenstocks (which you may recognize from their mid-’90s heyday) are by far the most popular. And they were mentioned most by the stylish men we polled too.

While Chris Black also gives his stamp of approval to the suede Birkenstocks above, he insists this leather pair is just as much a must-have. He says the “black natural leather is an ideal footwear choice,” opting to wear them for school pickup, while running errands, and through TSA security for convenience.

If you spend hours on your feet, Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo recommends Birkenstock Tokio Super Grips for their extra-grippy rubber outsole, adjustable ankle strap, and cushy EVA midsole. The professional-grade shoes are designed for people who spend hours on their feet and are worn by doctors and service-industry folks (including both Carmy and Sydney on The Bear). Corsillo prefers them as an elevated alternative to the popular Bostons if you’re looking for “a sleeker, less expected shoe and therefore a less basic, more statusy choice.”

Romero, the Dover Street Market employee we mention above, loves these industrial Hathenbruck Chillbies for their durability and comfort. The rubber galosh “definitely appeals to my utilitarian fetish,” says James Bailey, a creative director who has worked with clients such as Rihanna and the Weeknd. At once rugged and sleek, the aesthetic aligns with Bailey’s love of “anything that looks like it’s an offcut on the factory floor or that will only get better as it’s beaten up.”

Best clogs over $200

It’s the brand worn by Claire Danes, Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, and Maya Rudolph, who wore several pairs in her Amazon show Forever. Although No.6 clogs are no longer quite as trendy as they once were, they’re not passé either. They’re not cheap, but they do last a long time. Plus, once a year No.6 hosts a sample sale with lots of deep discounts.

Photo:

“The danger of working at the Strategist is that all my colleagues have incredible taste and it’s their job to find the best and nicest-looking things around,” Corsillo says. “That’s how I ended up buying these Beklina buckle clogs at 3 p.m. on a Thursday.” She ordered them in off-white for her wedding, and since then, she says she has found the low wooden platforms suitable both for everyday and for special occasions like her baby shower. “They keep getting more comfortable, and surprisingly they are still clean,” she says. Corsillo also loves how the leather-wrapped buckles dress up pants while the block heel keeps the shoe functional. “They’re sturdy-feeling, so I wouldn’t be nervous to wear them to a picnic or while holding my baby,” she says.

Photo: Charlotte Stone

As comedian Bridget Everett told us, “It’s hard to find cute shoes when you have big-girl feet.” She loves these size-inclusive Charlotte Stone clogs—so much so in fact that she owns 12 pairs. “When you find something in your size and a nice color, I do like my mom and I buy multiples.”

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All the Best Clogs That We’ve Ever Written About
All the Best Clogs That We’ve Ever Written About (2024)

FAQs

Which clogs are the most comfortable? ›

I would say for women get a pair of Dansko clogs. They aren't cheap however, they are comfortable to wear and last a long time. Best shoes for walking of if you are a chef or nurse the most comfortable and good for your tired feet.

What was the point of clogs? ›

Wooden shoes or clogs were originally worn by male and female peasants throughout Europe. These types of foot coverings originated in the early 1300s. Wooden clog shoes were designed as practical foot coverings that provided protection and comfort from harsh elements such as snow, mud, manure and water.

What is the difference between clogs and Crocs? ›

What's the difference between Crocs and Clogs? - Quora. The main and the only difference is that Crocs is a brand and Clogs are one type of shoes that is produced by Crocs. Clogs are the most comfortable, soft and top comfort level footwear available in various attractive and different colors and designs.

What clogs are trending? ›

Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

One of our top picks for clogs is unsurprisingly the Birkenstock Boston Shearling. This style is a cross between a clog and a mule with plush and warm shearling lining and comfortable cork footbed that offers lots of incredible support (and gets comfier and comfier with every wear).

What clogs are better than Crocs? ›

13 Best Croc Alternatives of 2024:
  • Best All-Rounder: Chacos Chillos Clog.
  • Most Comfortable: OOFOS OOCANDOO Sandal.
  • Most Versatile: Hoka Hopara Sandal.
  • Best Upgrade: Merrell Hydro Moc.
  • Best Strapless Option: Oboz Whakata Coast Slip-On.
  • Most Funky Croc Alternative: Keen Yogui Arts.
Jun 21, 2022

Are clogs good or bad for your feet? ›

You won't hear this truth about clogs from many other sources, which is why it's so important to heed this warning: Clogs, like other types of conventional footwear, cause or contribute to many foot and toe problems, including neuromas, plantar fascia pain, and ingrown toenails.

Are Crocs good for your feet? ›

Lack of Support – While they may be comfortable, Crocs are far from the most supportive type of shoe. They provide very little support to your ankle and your arches, which can lead to soft tissue injuries. If your foot isn't supported in the midfoot area, you'll be at an increased risk for heel pain.

Why do they call Crocs clogs? ›

Why Are Crocs Called Clogs? The main reason the two are so closely related is that Crocs were based on Clogs. Crocs were created by three friends, George Boedecker, Scott Seamans, and Lyndon Hanson who set out to design a new boating shoe.

Does anyone still wear clogs? ›

Even today they remain popular with farmers and agricultural workers in some rural areas of Holland, although you're unlikely to see city folk wearing them except for gardening. Historically, clogs were primarily worn by working people and the poor who couldn't afford leather footwear.

Do you wear socks with clogs? ›

Socks, paired with clogs, can do so much more than keep your feet warm. We love wearing clogs with socks for many reasons. Socks can elevate your overall look, increase your comfort in your clogs, and even make them easier to walk in.

Why do podiatrists hate Crocs? ›

Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told HuffPost. While she granted that they "offer nice arch support," she added that the real reason you shouldn't wear them over long periods of time is that "these shoes do not adequately secure the heel.

Why do nurses wear Crocs? ›

Unlike leather running shoes, however, Crocs are easy to clean. "You just throw them in the washer with a little bit of bleach, and they're perfect," Ms. Hatton said. For nurses who work 12-hour shifts, the lightweight shoes are easy on the feet, like walking on "little pillows," she said.

What is the most expensive clogs? ›

The most expensive pair of Crocs ever sold were a collaboration with luxury fashion brand Balenciaga, priced at $850. Crocs Inc.'s net income soared to $319 million in 2020, partially driven by collaborations with high-profile brands and celebrities like Justin Bieber and Post Malone.

What pants look best with clogs? ›

Clogs are great for a casual look. They pair incredibly well with wide-leg dress pants, denim and linen trousers due to the heftier nature of the shoes. But cropped dress pants or slimmer styles can also look great with clogs, with the right styling.

Are clogs in style for 2024? ›

Clogs are on-trend! And people are clearly searching for them, according to Google. Prepare to see a lot more of the clunky shoes in spring 2024.

Can clogs be comfortable? ›

We're kind of known for finding comfy, kind of ugly, kind of stylish shoes — and none fit that bill more than clogs. They function like a slipper (comfortable and easy to get into), but with elevated style (and height) — and soles sturdy enough to wear for hours.

Why are Dansko clogs so comfortable? ›

Superior Comfort and Arch Support

These shoes are created with the understanding that consumers often need footwear to support long hours on their feet. Thus, Dansko equips its clogs with exceptional arch support, aiding in the prevention of arch and back pain.

What makes Dansko clogs so comfortable? ›

High-Tech Midsoles - The midsole is the layer of your shoe between the inner and outer sole that provides shock absorbency. Dansko nursing clogs are made with unique lightweight, anti-fatigue EVA midsoles that help provide essential shock absorption during all-day wear.

How do you comfortably wear clogs? ›

Your heel should be able to lift freely, without the shoe slipping off your foot. If your heel is cemented to the insole, the shoe fits too tight and doesn't have enough room for flexibility. The clog should feel supportive and snug around the instep of your foot, but not tight.

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