In case you missed it, clogs for women are making a serious comeback. Previously categorized as part of the “ugly shoe trend,” clogs are now welcomed by high fashion with open arms. Since their breakout in the Spring of 2018, Crocs’ Classic Clogs set the scene for a new era of ugly-cute. As a result, trendsetters like Prada, Simon Miller, Isabel Marant, Clarks, and of course, Birkenstock took note and rose to the challenge to create modern iterations that took the internet by storm.
Image: Crocs Classic Clog
Women’s clogs are nothing novel. Their silhouette dates back to the 13th century in Europe, where they were carved by hand from wooden blocks and characterized by their clicking sound when worn. However, today’s designs mix the traditional clog style with more modern materials, such as leather and cloth. What makes them so coveted is that there are many options that suit any mood, occasion, and season. They can be worn in the summer in place of a women’s sandal, in the fall with a mini skirt, or in the winter with leather pants.
Recently, clogs have been feeling the celebrity love when Zaya Wade wore a pair of platform clogs in Paris, Hailey Bieber styled Puma bubble clogs with her chic workout uniform, and Hoyeon Jung wore a pair in Paris for Fashion Week. The effortless slip-on has also garnered significant attention on TikTok. Search the term “Style clogs,” and you’ll discover it has 90.6B views, or “Boston clogs” and learn that it has 9.6B views. Beloved by millennials, it’s no wonder designers love them too. Major footwear brands continue to create simple and avant-garde clogs. Recently, New Balance is the latest brand to join in on the popular clog trend with their foam clogs. Additionally, Crocs released new echo clogs to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Now that we know clogs can fit various tastes, are fashion-forward, and are a safe year-round option, consider this your sign to shop. Keep scrolling to check out 23 styles that range from the trendiest clogs to the best works shoes for women, the most comfortable shoes for standing all day, and even clogs for nurses to express their personal style.
What Are Clogs?
The style we refer to as clogs today are most like the wooden Dutch “klompen” shoes worn by farmers and factory workers as far back as the 13th century. Other cultures around the world had their versions, too, like Japan’s wooden platform “geta” sandals or Turkey’s wooden platform “nalin” bathing sandals.
Like the Dutch versions, modern clogs have a closed toe with a roomy toe box. A clog typically consists of one or two materials — one material comprising the entire base and upper of the shoe, or one material for the sole and one for the upper.
Clogs are often confused with a mule because they’re similar. However, while every clog is a mule, not every mule is a clog. To make that less of an S.A.T. riddle, just remember that a mule means a backless style. So, a backless loafer is a mule, as is your favorite pair of high heel sandals that don’t have straps to go around your ankles.
Since the majority of clogs are backless, they’re mostly mules, but plenty have a back strap — like Crocs — or an entire back to the shoe.
Top Clogs for Women
- Best for Arch Support: Crocs Classic Clogs
- Best for Nurses: Dansko Kane Molded Clogs
- Best Garden Clogs: FitFlop Shuv Leather Clogs
- Best for Flat Feet: Birkenstock Boston Clogs
- Comfortable Clogs With Heels: Kork-Ease Darby Clogs
- Best Fashion Clogs: Bottega Veneta Rubber Flash Clogs
- Most Comfortable for Walking: Oofos Oocloog Luxe Clogs
- Best Platform Clogs: Jeffrey Campbell Lugged Platform Clogs
- Best for Weekends: Softwalk Amber Clogs
- Best for Bunions: Drew Savannah Clogs
- Best Slip-Resistant Clogs: Skechers Amreli Clogs
- Best Clog Heels: Korks Nora Clogs
- Best Embellished Clogs: Marni Crystal-Embellished Leather Clogs
- Comfortable Waterproof Clogs: Ugg Tasman X Waterproof Clogs
- Best Colorful Clogs: Sleeper Matilda Clogs
- Comfortable Clogs for Flat Feet: Dansko Professional Translucent Clogs
- Best Vegan Clogs: Matisse Bella Platform Clogs
- Best for Standing All Day: Merrell Jungle Clogs
- Best All-White Clogs: Crocs Mercy Work Clogs
- Best Wooden Clogs: J. Crew Convertible Leather Clogs
- Best for Winter: Hunter Play Sherpa Insulated Clogs
- Best for Work: Saint Laurent Le Maillon Clogs
- Best Clog Slippers: L.L. Bean Wicked Good Clogs
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