The Return of Clogs: A Story of Comfort and Style

Explore these five everyday clogs and elevate your style instantly

Clogs have been cycling through fashion ever since they appeared in Scandinavia centuries ago, but they’re definitely having a moment as this year’s style darling. They were worn by every single model walking the Hermès Spring 2021 show and made appearances throughout fashion week from shows by Chanel to Louis Vuitton to Dior.

Long the friend of quirky-yet-undeniably-cool Alexa Chung, clogs have been a staple in her wardrobe for years. And other celebrities including Michelle Williams, Ashley Olsen and Kristen Stewart have occasionally made these iconic shoes a part of their look. Even Sarah Jessica Parker, whose own eponymous shoe label promotes sky-high heels, has shown love for these comfy shoes. The New York Times has called Dansko clogs “aggressively unfashionable”, in the very best sense—many nurses, doctors and other professionals who need to be on their feet all day swear by this specific shoe to keep their feet happy.

Even Birkenstock has shed its hippie, cottage-core profile, with collaborations with seriously fashionable designers like Jil Sander, Valentino, Proenza Schouler and Rick Owen, and recently dropped a new collaboration with California brand Stüssy, based on the Boston clog silhouette.

If you’re looking to add a pair of these delightfully clunky shoes to your wardrobe, lean into their best features: thick platform sole, low heel, round toe box and open back. Anything else and you’re probably looking at a mule (no platform, higher heel), which will give a completely different vibe to your look. If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s that we deserve to be comfortable, from head to toe.

Here are some of our favourite everyday clogs, for real life (not just runways)…

1. Liliana Suede by Cougar, $100

With its thick one-inch platform sole and faux curly shearling-lined interior, these are the epitome of slipper-shoes. They definitely look (and feel) extraordinarily comfy like slippers, but they can absolutely be worn outside. They’re made with a flexible, anti-slip, thermoplastic rubber outsole, are water repellant and stain resistant. They’ll comfortably accommodate a range of foot width, due to its plush interior, while the back rises just enough to cup the bottom of the heel and keep feet nestled in place while walking. These come in a range of dreamy, neutral colours but the camel shade with its classic, warm, earthy tone is a perfect goes-with-everything slipper…. I mean, shoe. Fits true to size.
Available online

2. Boston Clog by Birkenstock, $179.95

Imitations of this iconic shoe are frequently spotted on sidewalks everywhere. The classic Birkenstock EVA sole and anatomically-shaped, suede-covered cork footbed anchor this gender-neutral shoe. The more you wear these clogs, the more they conform to your individual feet, giving them a custom feel over time. They ground any outfit, making more tailored pieces cool and effortless chic, and lending a little polish to more casual ensembles. These are beyond classic… legendary by now. Fits true to size.
Available online

3. Kanteen Clog by Keen, $130

The Kanteen leather clogs from performance footwear brand Keen are a favourite among people who tend to work in slippery environments, on their feet all day. These clogs are workhorses for chefs and nurses, as they’re incredibly supportive and comfortable, are non-slip and are actually lightweight. The rounded toe provides plenty of room even for wide feet and while they’re easy to slip on and slip off, their slightly higher back keeps the clogs snugly in place. These fit small, so order a whole size up (if you’re normally a size seven, order a size eight and so on).
Available online

4. Patio Clog by Baffin, $50

These lightweight all-rubber clogs were made for West Coast living. It’s no wonder these Canadian shoes are a best seller for Baffin. These unisex clogs make it so easy to slip on and off for any outdoor activity from gardening to camping to lounging on the patio (as its name suggests). They’re incredibly easy to rinse clean with a hose or in the sink, and they offer moderate arch support and a wide toe box for all-day comfort. Fits true to size.
Available online

5. Polary by Aldo, $100

For the fashion forward, these vegan clogs with lug EVA soles catch the light with their tiny metallic stud embellishments. With fuzzy lining, these cozy shoes perfectly combine fashion and function. If the thought of wearing bold, clunky (in the best sense) clogs is intimidating, these—especially in the toasted almond or light beige colour—might be a gateway clog. The neutral tone and subtle sparkle from the scattering of gold studs will slip as easily into your wardrobe as they do onto your feet. Fits true to size.
Available online