Are clogs good for your feet?

According to Dr. Rilling, this depends on the type of clog and materials used to make the shoe. While many clogs are designed with comfort in mind, some are not. For instance, clogs with features like wooden platforms and heel height can be major sources of discomfort. “The harder the material, the less shock absorption it would provide, which means the clogs could cause more stress to the feet and therefore more pain,” he says.

How do you style a pair of clogs?

Tomasi Hill loves pairing clogs with baggy, cropped denim bottoms or stirrup leggings and an oversized blazer for an effortless look. “Oh, and socks. I’m a big proponent of the socks-clog combo,” she says. Tomasi Hill recommends this pair by RE/DONE .

Which exercises would help prime the feet for wearing clogs?

“Walking barefoot on soft, dry sand is a good way to stretch and strengthen the feet and calves,” says Dr. Rilling. “Due to the nature of the sand, it makes walking more physically demanding. Try to increase the distance slowly over time to avoid overexerting the muscles in the feet and legs.” Otherwise, fashionistas should work out their toes for less pain. Below are Dr. Rilling’s instructions for toe curls: Sit up straight in a chair, with the feet flat on the floor. Lay a small towel on the floor in front of the body, with the short side facing the feet. Place the toes of one foot on the short side of the towel. Try to grasp the towel between the toes and pull it toward oneself. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times before switching to the other foot.

The 17 Best Clogs of 2023

It’s official: Clogs have clomped their way out of hiding and might I be so bold to say, into our hearts. With less of a reason to wear formal shoes since the onset of the pandemic, the visibility of clogs, a shoe with utilitarian roots and major slip-on, slip-off appeal particularly to those staying close to home, has grown immensely. Of course, clogs also relay an aesthetic message. A streetwear version of your favorite pair of slippers, clogs aren’t trying too hard to be cool; they’re subtly subversive, proponents say.

“I’ve always thought of clogs as the ugly shoe that challenges the style of any fashionista, but in the best way possible, of course,” says style expert and influencer Ryan Gale. “They are easy to slip on, which makes them great go-to shoes.”

According to Taylor Tomasi Hill, Creative and Fashion Director of AI shopping platform The Yes, clogs sales were up by 83 percent on The Yes in November 2021, mostly driven by Fabrizio Viti, Loeffler Randall, and Madewell. And given the style’s popularity, coupled with the nature of post-pandemic dressing thus far, she predicts that clogs will remain in style for seasons to come. “They’re so effortless to wear—very much how we’re all dressing now,” Tomasi Hill says.

Here, Byrdie’s guide to the best clogs the Internet has to offer right now, with styling advice from these experts, as well as information on how to best care for your feet in one of fashion’s clunkiest creations from podiatrists Dr. Nelya Lobkova and Dr. Dustin Rilling.

Meet the Expert

Ryan Gale is a stylist, editor, influencer, and founder of by colby_.
Taylor Tomasi Hill is the Fashion Director of The Yes, a platform that uses AI to build a personalized shopping experience for each user.
Dr. Nelya Lobkova is a Certified Surgical Podiatrist with the ABPM (American Board of Podiatric Medicine) and founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City.
Dr. Dustin Rilling is a graduate of Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and practices at Los Feliz Foot & Ankle in Los Angeles.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

TroentorpClogs Smithy Original Leather Clog at Etsy

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

OOFOS OOClog Clog at Amazon

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Best Designer:

Chloé Joy Shearling-Lined Suede Clogs at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Value:

J.Crew Convertible Leather Clogs at Jcrew.com

Jump to Review

Best for Comfort:

Crocs Classic Bae Clog at Amazon

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Best for Wide Feet:

Madewell The Layne Leather Clog Mule at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Leather:

Ancient Greek Sandals Classic Closed Clog at Matchesfashion.com

Jump to Review

Best Sheepskin-Lined:

RE/DONE 70s Shearling Clog at Saks Fifth Avenue

Jump to Review

Best Wool:

Haflinger Grizzly Clog Slipper at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Garden:

Hunter Garden Clogs at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

TroentorpClogs Smithy Original Leather Clog

Etsy

View On Etsy

For a simple but stylish pair of clogs with a low heel, the Swedish brand Troentorp has some great options, with the Smithy Original style being our top pick. Reviewers on Etsy say the unisex style is well-made and comfortable, and they’re affordable, so you get everything you’d want in a pair of basic clogs.

Price at time of publish: $99

Heel Height: Approximately 2 inches | Size Range: EU 35-42

Courtesy of Oofos

View On Amazon View On Oofos.com View On Zappos

OOFOS makes a cushy clog that’s both versatile and very affordable (a pair typically runs under $80). We love that the style's machine washable foam technology absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear and, as a result, reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and back, according to data supplied by the brand.

Price at time of publish: $80

Heel Height: Approximately 1 inch | Size Range: US 6-14

Neiman Marcus

View On Nordstrom View On Matchesfashion.com View On Neiman Marcus

For a luxurious, warm, and rustic appeal, Chloe has you covered. This shearling-lined clog with chunky midsole toes the line between classic and kittenish. “[They’re] major and will look chic with wide-leg trousers,” says Gale.

Heel Height: 2 inches | Size Range: EU 35-41

J.Crew

View On Jcrew.com

Comfy and classic clogs can be hard to find at reasonable price points, which is why this pair by J.Crew is worth spotlighting. Details like the convertible strap, genuine wood sole, and rubber outsole for better traction in wintry conditions make the pair a great bang for your buck.

Price at time of publish: $198

Heel Height: 2 inches | Size Range: US 5-12

Crocs

View On Amazon View On Zappos

Crocs’ Classic Bae Clogs take things to the next level. It’s the brand’s original clog reimagined with extra height and compelling lines from a contoured outsole. For extra personality, the backstrap is customizable with the Crocs’ signature Jibbitz™ charms.

Price at time of publish: $80

Heel Height: Approximately 2.5 inches | Size Range: US 4-11

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Madewell.com

The Layne Clog Mule is casual, comfortable, and great for wide feet, according to reviewers on Madewell. It’s constructed with a small elastic gusset for flexibility, a cork footbed that molds to the wearer, and “low impact” leather that demands less energy and water than the standard tanning process.

Price at time of publish: $56

Heel Height: 1.25 inches | Size Range: US 5-12

Ancient Greek Sandals Classic Closed Clog

Net-A-Porter

View On Matchesfashion.com View On Net-a-Porter

The designers of Ancient Greek Sandals craft a pair of clog mules fit for the ancient Greek gods with the wing-buckled strap, which can be worn across the vamp or as a slingback, serving as a subtle reference to the flying shoes worn by Hermes. The clogs are handmade in Greece from smooth leather, which the brand assures is chemical-free but still wears well over time. It’s also embellished with polished gold hardware and set on a wooden platform.

Price at time of publish: $490

Heel Height: Approximately 3 inches | Size Range: EU 35-42

Saks

View On Saks Fifth Avenue View On Shopredone.com

“One of my favorite styles comes from RE/DONE, a nod to clogs of the ‘70s with a retro vibe,” says Tomasi Hill. “I missed their first release, so I’m glad they’re finally back in stock.” The current version offers leather uppers lined with shearling, all grounded on a natural wood platform with a rubber outsole. It also comes without shearling for those who favor versatility, in a style called the 70s Classic Clog.

Price at time of publish: $495

Heel Height: Approximately 2 inches | Size Range: EU 35-41

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Zappos

As a general rule, wool is a natural fiber that will keep you warm, so if you’re looking for a pair to keep you extra toasty both indoors and out, look to Haflinger. The brand’s Grizzly Clog Slipper offers everything from comfort to coziness and great construction, like arch support.

Price at time of publish: $145

Heel Height: Approximately 1.25 inches | Size Range: US 5-10

4.5

Courtesy of Terrain

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Anthropologie

In and around the garden, the right tools make a world of difference, be they shears, gloves, or clogs. Hunter, an iconic British rain boot brand, understands the importance of keeping your feet protected from the elements with a well-made pair of gardening shoes, which is why it made a waterproof slip-on style with a good grip just for the occasion.

Price at time of publish: $74

Heel Height: Approximately 1.5 inches | Size Range: US 5-11

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Shopbop.com

In terms of Swedish clogs, Swedish Hasbeens is probably the most well-known amongst American fashionistas. The brand’s Swedish Husband style is equal parts classic and commonsensical because you can wear them with virtually anything.

Price at time of publish: $260

Heel Height: Approximately 2 inches | Size Range: EU 35-43

The Yes

View On Intermixonline.com View On Neiman Marcus

A veteran of Gucci, Prada, and Tom Ford and director of women’s shoes at Louis Vuitton for nearly two decades, Fabrizio Viti knows what it takes to design iconic footwear. The style mixes a classic appeal with striking gems. Opt for the shearling version if you’re looking for a pair to keep you warm in the winter; otherwise, the brand offers a similar version that's leather-lined for maximum versatility.

Heel Height: Approximately 2 inches | Size Range: EU 35-42

Veronica Beard Hannalee Suede Clog Sandal

Saks

View On Nordstrom View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue

For a sandal that nods to the sensibility of a classic Swedish clog, there’s Veronica Beard’s Hannalee style. The style, which features a wide suede band, polished gold hardware, and a chunky high heel, is striking in its simplicity. We have no doubt it will carry you through spring (and summer, too).

Price at time of publish: $300

Heel Height: 3.5 inches | Size Range: EU 35-42

Lisa Says Gah

View On Lisasaysgah.com

Fashion boutique Lisa Says Gah recently adapted its popular Dakota Flatform for year-round wear as a clog. We love it because it's sleek and sophisticated enough for the office without being boring. The shoes are made from faux leather and ethically produced in a female-owned factory in China.

Heel Height: 2 inches | Size Range: US 5.5-11

ShopBop

View On Amazon View On Shopbop.com View On Zappos

Birkenstock clogs made a comeback in the pandemic, no doubt for their comfortability and affordability. More specifically, the Boston clog fits perfectly into the “ugly” shoe trend without grabbing the attention of a pair of chunky New Balance sneakers.

Price at time of publish: $135

Heel Height: Approximately 1 inch | SizecRange: US 4-12.5

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean makes the ultimate clog-style slippers, according to dozens of reviewers on L.L.Bean. They cite great support, warmth, and ease of wear as top reasons why the premium price tag is worth it. Design-wise, these slippers are shaped to follow the contours of the feet for stability. Plus, they’re crafted from felted wool to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and the leather soles are sure to keep you light on your feet.

Price at time of publish: $100

Heel Height: Less than 1 inch | Size Range: EU 36-47

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

In terms of boots, you can’t go wrong with Loeffler Randall’s clog-meets-Chelsea style in rich cognac leather. It’s been crafted with a wooden heel, elastic gussets, and staple detailing, with the rubber outsoles providing good traction to the wearer.

Heel Height: Approximately 2.25 inches | Size Range: US 5-12

What to Look for When Buying Clogs

Purpose

In the most traditional sense, clogs are chunky shoes with a wooden sole. But given that the definition has evolved, clogs have a wider set of criteria these days. Many unfussy slipper-like shoes fall into the category as well, and these are pretty popular because they have the potential to look cool as well. For doctors, nurses, teachers, and anyone else who stands at work all day, the design and overall comfortability of many clogs offer safety from workplace hazards and ward off pain that you’d be likely to get from a different kind of shoe.

Design

Many classic clogs are characterized by a low heel or a platform, which are critical for comfort and overall foot health. People with ailments from back pain to big toe arthritis can benefit from clogs with platforms because they “add shock absorption and minimize stress and strain on the calf, specifically the Achilles tendon,” explains Dr. Lobkova. “People with heel and arch pain may also feel relief in clogs because the ones that have an elevated heel, or a heel height of at least five centimeters, reduce stress on the heel.”

However, this is tricky because too high of a heel can also pose an issue. Clogs with a high heel and arch, as opposed to a platform, don’t allow for even weight distribution, which is bad news for the rest of the body. “When certain parts of the feet hurt, the body may try to compensate,” says Dr. Rilling. “One might alter the way they walk by trying to put less pressure on the painful area and unintentionally more pressure [on] other areas of the foot. This can then cause a chain reaction and negatively affect the ankle, knee, hip, lower back as well as the other foot.”

FAQ

Are clogs good for your feet?

According to Dr. Rilling, this depends on the type of clog and materials used to make the shoe. While many clogs are designed with comfort in mind, some are not. For instance, clogs with features like wooden platforms and heel height can be major sources of discomfort. “The harder the material, the less shock absorption it would provide, which means the clogs could cause more stress to the feet and therefore more pain,” he says.
How do you style a pair of clogs?

Tomasi Hill loves pairing clogs with baggy, cropped denim bottoms or stirrup leggings and an oversized blazer for an effortless look. “Oh, and socks. I’m a big proponent of the socks-clog combo,” she says. Tomasi Hill recommends this pair by RE/DONE.
Which exercises would help prime the feet for wearing clogs?
“Walking barefoot on soft, dry sand is a good way to stretch and strengthen the feet and calves,” says Dr. Rilling. “Due to the nature of the sand, it makes walking more physically demanding. Try to increase the distance slowly over time to avoid overexerting the muscles in the feet and legs.”
Otherwise, fashionistas should work out their toes for less pain. Below are Dr. Rilling’s instructions for toe curls:
- Sit up straight in a chair, with the feet flat on the floor.
- Lay a small towel on the floor in front of the body, with the short side facing the feet.
- Place the toes of one foot on the short side of the towel. Try to grasp the towel between the toes and pull it toward oneself. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times before switching to the other foot.

Why Trust Byrdie

Hayley Prokos is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor focused on fashion and lifestyle. She contributes regularly to Byrdie’s commerce section and has a passion for sourcing chic and practical pieces with long-term wearability. After hours of researching and chatting with our experts, she’s gathered enough insight to determine which clogs are the best to buy this season.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any clogs from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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