Most footwear trends come and go, but one style that’s garnered a community of lifelong enthusiasts? The ever-practical, stylish yet quirky clog. This stalwart group — of which I am a proud member — can rattle off a plethora of reasons for our devotion to the clog. The comfort! The ease! The support and understated functional chic (which many of us lovingly refer to as “ugly chic”)!
But of course, the best person to ask about whether clogs are really worth their salt is a professional — namely, a podiatrist.
Huffpost spoke to podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule about her professional take on clog fandom. Tulpule is based in Washington, D.C. and Maryland and is active on Instagram as @thesoledoctor.
Tulpule explained that folks who spend a lot of time on their feet often enjoy clogs because of their built-in arch support, their frequently added comfy cushioning and the easy-on, easy-off slip-on style. That’s why “clogs are traditionally worn by professionals who stand all day: nurses, teachers, doctors, chefs, etc.,” she wrote. Clogs are also often slip-resistant and waterproof, an added benefit for active professionals, Tulpule added.
The beloved shoes can also be beneficial for those with certain medical conditions. In particular, “Clogs can be comfortable for people that suffer from flat feet, heel pain, tendonitis or even lower back issues due to the degree of arch support and cushion,” Tulpule said.
That said, you may want to avoid fashion clogs with high heels over three inches, which can lead to tripping and potentially strain your Achilles tendon, Tulpule noted. In addition, clogs with overly firm wooden soles will not provide the same cushiony support and thus can “aggravate flat feet,” she added.
As long as you stick to a practical style without high heels and wooden soles, clogs are one of the best comfy, supportive all-day shoes you’ll find. The best ones to stick to, according to Tulpule? Those from Dansko, Birkenstock and Sanita brands. She noted that the Dansko brand also carries the American Podiatrist Medical Association’s Seal of Approval.
Based on Tulpule’s recommendations, we rounded up some of the bestselling Dansko, Birkenstock and Sanita clogs for you to check out, below. And, if you do fall in love with the clog as I once did, congratulations — you’re now part of one of the best footwear fandoms around.
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The bestselling, ultra-comfy leather Dansko clog
“For my patients that are professionals, I recommend[] a closed back clog for additional support and minimal risk to ‘coming out of the shoe,'” Tulpule added.
Based on Tulpule’s recommendation, we selected this bestselling slip-on, closed-back Dansko clog. I own and have walked miles upon miles in this clog. Once sufficiently broken in, this thing proved unparalleled to any other shoe I’ve owned due to its long-lasting comfort and built-in arch support (which I especially appreciate for my wide, flat feet). It’s available in dozens of designs and colors at Amazon, but I love its oiled black and brown styles; they provide a put-together vibe that’s served me well everywhere from formal work environments to running errands and drinks out. I even wore these clogs out clubbing once, and while admittedly I was the only one there in clogs, I’ll bet I was the happiest and certainly the most pain-free. Needless to say, these Danskos have been a true love affair for me.
The style also sports a two-inch heel, which gives my 5’2″ frame a fun height boost.
It’s available in women’s sizes 5-15 and in wide and narrow sizes. Even though I have wide feet, I opted for the regular sizing and was just fine. For the best fit, aim for a pinky-length gap between the back of your foot and the shoe’s heel.
Amazon
A popular open back Dansko style
We think this Dansko clog is a great option for folks wanting an open-back design. In addition to minimizing heel friction, this has a padded instep for maximum comfort, a reinforced toe to protect your feet and a wide heel for added stability as you move around. It also sports a rocker-bottom sole that’s designed to propel you forward as you walk. To no one’s surprise, I also wore this backless Dansko for many years. Beyond its practical features — of which there are delightfully many — I loved the laidback vibe its backless style provided, plus the opportunity to show off my collection of fun socks (which are usually obscured by closed heels).
It’s available with leather and fabric uppers, in six colors and in women’s sizes 4.5-12. It has a two-inch heel.
Amazon
A timeless sling-back Dansko clog
It’s available in three colors and women’s sizes 5.5-12.
Birkenstock
The cult-favorite Boston clog from Birkenstock
It has a soft suede leather upper and a luxurious suede leather lining. It’s available in five colors, regular/wide and medium/narrow widths, women’s sizes 4-12.5 and men’s sizes 6-17.5.
Birkenstock
Or the impressively durable Super-Birki from Birkenstock
It’s available in 10 colors, including neutrals and vibrant brights like yellow, green and pink, in women’s sizes 4-12.5 and in men’s sizes 6-15.5.
Amazon
A stylish Sanita clog
The fixed strap adds some understated personality and style to this foot-loving style.
It’s available in four colors and in women’s sizes 4.5-11.
Amazon
Or some extra-colorful Sanita clogs
They’re available in nine colors, including bright red, fuschia and lilac, and in women’s sizes 3.5-12.