The Best Clogs of 2024 That Boast Function and Style
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With the viral takeover of the Birkenstock Boston, clogs are one of the biggest shoe trends of the year
People / Kristin Kempa
Clogs have been around for hundreds of years, dating all the way back to the 1300s in Europe. Since then, they have carved out a cyclical spot in the fashion zeitgeist, gracing our presence every few years with a trendy revival. As one of the most popular shoe trends the past couple of years, clogs are back in the spotlight with even more style variety than ever before.
“Clogs are so trendy and everywhere at the moment,” says Jeni Elizabeth, a network and celebrity wardrobe stylist. “They are a staple shoe for someone in the health industry as they are easy and quick to slide on." She notes how the shoe type is also breathable and comes in wide sizing — but people who work in healthcare aren’t the only ones devoted to this iconic shoe style. With the return of 2000s fashion, style moguls are also embracing the trend for its classic and versatile design.
Whether you’re seeking practicality or are going for a trendy, more fashion-forward look, clogs are a wardrobe must-have. From classic wooden clogs to comfortable rubber clogs to clogs you can wear around the house, here are our the best clogs of the season.
Best Lined: Birkenstock Boston Shearling Suede Leather 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).
Perfect for everyday looks, these casual clogs come in narrow and wide sizing and boast a style loved by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Kristen Stewart, and Rachel Bilson.
Construction: Suede, cork, EVA | Size Range: 4-12.5 | Colors: Brown, black
Best Budget: Cushionaire Women's Hana Cork Footbed Clog with +Comfort
If you’re shopping for clogs on Amazon, a pair of classic Birkenstock Boston clog lookalikes is a must (especially considering how the Birkenstocks can often be sold out).
The Cushionaire Women's Hana Cork Footbed Clog is strikingly similar to the popular Birkenstocks in terms of looks, with comparable features for comfort and support. These shoes boast a short 1.25-inch platform heel, have a real suede insole, and offer lots of support for both regular and wide sole variations.
Construction: Suede, ethylene vinyl acetate, EVA | Size Range: 6-11 | Colors: Black, brown, stone | Heel Height: 1.25 inches
Best Casual: Crocs Classic Clogs
Crocs are another incredibly versatile clog style that are also a celebrity favorite. Constructed from Croslite, which is a resin-based material sometimes called injection-moulded EVA, crocs are 100 percent waterproof both inside and out, making them easy to clean after wearing them outside, whether it be to tend your garden or run some errands.
Additionally, they’re ultra-lightweight and very comfortable and provide enough support and cushion to the soles for hours on end.
Construction: Croslite | Size Range: 6-12 | Colors: 23
Best Rubber: Merry People Billie Clogs
For a pair of rubber clogs that are waterproof and easy to clean, consider Merry People's Billie Clogs. These durable shoes are inspired by the brand's Bobbi rain boots and designed for both indoor and outdoor non-slip needs.
Constructed from high-quality natural rubber with flexible neoprene lining, these clogs are ideal for every activity from gardening to cooking to walking the dog. Due to the enhanced traction, they are a good choice for those who live in soggy areas or anyone simply looking for a shoe that has comfortable arch support and come in unique color options.
Construction: Natural rubber, neoprene lining | Size Range: 5-12 | Colors: 5
Best Work Clog: Dansko Women's Professional Clog Slip-On
The Dansko Women's Professional Clog Slip-Ons are the best clogs for work because they boast a mix of style and utility that is versatile enough for multiple different work settings. Whether you work in an office and are looking for a casual and comfortable shoe that still looks good with your work clothes, or need a pair of clogs to wear with your scrubs at a hospital or doctor’s office, these timeless clogs are perfect for the job.
In addition to their function, they also come in over 75 different colors and patterns, so there’s something for everyone, plus they have a shock absorption that is similar to athletic sneakers, making them one of the most comfortable options on our list.
Construction: Polyurethane, leather | Size Range: 5-14 (regular, wide) | Colors: Black patent, leopard suede, honey distressed, and 75 additional colors and patterns | Heel Height: 0.75 inches
Best Work Clog, Less Expensive: Birkenstock Super-Birki
Aside from the classic Bostons, there is another pair of Birkenstock clogs that are popular in the workwear industry: the Super-Birki — and "super" is in the name for a reason. These clogs are dirt-repellent and water-, oil-, and grease-resistant. Not to mention that if they do actually get dirty you can throw them in the washing machine up to 140 degrees. The polyurethane material is incredibly durable and lightweight, while the cork/latex footbed offers the support you need to get through the day.
Construction: Polyurethane, cork/latex footbed | Size Range: 4-12.5 | Colors: 10
Best for Wide Feet: Bella Vita Motto Clog
The best clogs for wide feet are the Bella Vita Motto Clog from DSW. These clogs come in a variety of widths, including medium, wide, and extra wide, as well as narrow in sizes 5 through 12.
Constructed from a mixture of leather and synthetic materials, the clogs feature a classic wood clog look with a low heel that can easily be worn dressed up or down. They also have a padded insole for added comfort and support, plus a sole with lots of traction to help maintain stability and prevent slipping.
Construction: Leather, synthetic | Size Range: 5-12 (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) | Colors: Black suede, black leather, camel leather, almond suede | Heel Height: 1.5 inches
Best for Walking: Clarks ClarksPro Clog
Clogs aren’t the best shoes for walking in, but these ClarksPRO Clogs make commuting or walking about much more comfortable than other styles. The clog shoes are highly comfortable and flexible, helping to support the foot with every step.
Plus, the slip-resistant rubber sole has ample traction to keep your legs stable on uneven ground or wet conditions. Because they are made by Clarks, you can count on them being ultra-comfy and supportive, too, thanks to the Contour Cushion footbeds.
Construction: Leather, rubber | Size Range: 5.5-10.5 (plus wide sizing) | Colors: Black, burgundy, gunmetal, navy | Heel Height: 2.25 inches
Best Trendy: Simon Miller Vegan Leather Bubble Clogs
As seen on Bella Hadid, the Simon Miller Vegan Leather Bubble Clogs are the best way to make a statement with your soles, while keeping it simple. The retro design has a minimalist feel that is reminiscent of the '60s with their chunky platform and bubble-shaped round toe.
While these clogs are constructed from vegan leather, they have the same look and feel as high-quality leather material. However, the style is also available in faux shearling and calf hair leather if you prefer a different texture.
Construction: Polyurethane, polyester, rubber | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: 21 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches
Best Leather: FitFlop SHUV Leather Clogs
Leather is a common material used in clog construction, but not all leather clogs are created equal. The FitFlop Shuv Leather Clogs are the best leather clogs, thanks to their minimalist design, impressive comfort, and how versatile they are when it comes to styling.
The uppers are constructed from a single-piece leather, which gives them a slick style, and the shoes feature 'Microwobbleboard' midsoles, which helps diffuse pressure, reduce impact, and give them a more ergonomic feel.
Construction: Leather, rubber | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Black, light tan
Best Wooden: Swedish Hasbeens Husband Clog
For a classic clog look, a style with wooden heels is a must-try. Our top pick for this category is the Swedish Hasbeens Husband Clog, which is made from vegetable tanned leather, rubber, and lime tree and features a 1.85-inch heeled wooden sole with excellent tread on the bottom for additional support and stability. These clogs are on the dressier side but still boast tons of versatility as they can easily be worn with dresses, jeans, and office attire.
Construction: Vegetable tanned leather, rubber, lime tree | Size Range: 4.5-9 | Colors: Black | Heel Height: 1.85 inches
Best Wooden, Runner-Up: Charlotte Stone Martino Clog
For another classic wooden clog option, we couldn't resist recommending these shoes by Charlotte Stone. Not only do they have the charming wooden sole, but they are upgraded with a memory foam insole, a comfortable heel height, hidden elastic bands for flexibility, and feature gorgeous Nappa leather.
Construction: Nappa leather, rubberwood, memory foam insole | Size Range: 4-13 | Colors: 8 | Heel Height: 2.5 inches with a 1.25-inch pitch
How to Pick the Right Clogs
Sizing
Like any shoe, proper sizing is important for comfort and the health of your foot. When shopping for clogs, board-certified podiatrist Nelya Lobkova says to consider your foot size as well as foot width to find the proper fit and style. Clogs, in general, are typically a good shoe style for wide feet since they run a little wide to begin with. For the best clogs for wide feet, try the Bella Vita Motto Clog, which comes in wide and extra wide as well as medium and narrow versions.
Purpose
Since clogs come in many different styles and some are more practical than others, Lobkova says to also consider where and how you’ll wear clogs. “For healthcare workers and chefs who work in hazardous environments, look for rubber and solid uppers from brands like the Dansko Women's Professional Clog Slip-On and Crocs Classic Clog,” she explains.
For everyday casual wear, she recommends leather upper material from brands like Birkenstock and Swedish Hasbeens (such as the Birkenstock Boston Shearling and the Swedish Hasbeens Husband Clog). Another fantastic choice for rubber clogs is the Merry People Billie Clogs, which work well for rainy weather and slippery work environments. We also love the FitFlop Shuv Leather Clogs for a comfortable and sleek everyday clog option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is best for clogs?
As far as the best brand for clogs is concerned, there are several to choose from. First and foremost, Birkenstock is always a good choice as many podiatrists recommend the brand for proper foot support and comfort.
For a comfortable Birkenstock clog, consider the Birkenstock Boston Shearling, which has the same design as the viral (and often sold out) Birkenstock Boston clog with added warmth thanks to a shearling interior.
For a splurge-worthy designer clog, consider Simon Miller as the brand’s Vegan Leather Bubble Clogs is not just trendy but also boasts a timeless design that is comfortable, chic, and stylish.
For a more classic look, you can’t go wrong with a Swedish Hasbeens clog. Its Husband Clog has a dressy yet classic feel that is perfect for more put-together situations like the office or dinner with friends.
Are clogs good for your feet?
According to Lobkova, clogs are considered a form of comfortable slip-on footwear — but they are not for everyone. “When wearing clogs for long walks, the gait adjusts by lifting the knee higher off the ground and increasing knee mobility,” she explains. “This may be detrimental for someone with knee problems; however, it reduces stress and strain on the foot overall and improves overall foot health." Another reason why clogs are good for the feet is that they break in over time, which can further increase comfort and support and thus improve foot health over time, too.
Clogs are also considered a must-have for those who stand for hours at a time, since the shoe has an elevated platform heel. “The benefit of an elevated heel or platform when standing for long hours is to add shock absorption and minimize stress and strain on the calf, specifically the achilles tendon,” Lobkova explains. She adds that those with heel and arch pain can also feel relief in clogs because the elevated heel reduces stress on the foot’s heel. “Those with midfoot and forefoot arthritis — such as big toe arthritis (hallux rididus) — will also find relief with clogs since the wooden block soles are rigid and they have minimal sole flexibility,” Lobkova says.
Should you size up or down in clogs?
When shopping for clogs, Lobkova recommends remaining true to size. However, it is important to try on and confirm proper fit as some clog options might run small or large and, therefore, require sizing up or down. “Ideally, even though there is an elevated heel, the toes and toenails should have a comfortable amount of space around them,” Lobkova explains. “Also, since clogs often have a stiff upper material, make sure there is no friction or rubbing over the top of the foot."
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best clogs for women, Jessie considered a variety of styles, heel heights, and materials to find the best of the best. She also considered function and versatility as well as those that could withstand the cyclical nature of the shoe trend. Additionally, Jessie tapped top fashion and foot health experts Jeni Elizabeth and Nelya Lobkova, DPM to learn more about what makes a clog the best in terms of function, practicality, and style.
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