Though clogs were once considered an “ugly” shoe, the clog is recognised today for its stylish and comfortable design, which can seamlessly blend into both formal and casual attire.
Clogs are suitable for almost every occasion, which is why they’ve become a go-to piece of footwear. However, men’s clogs date back to the 13th century, as it first appeared as a wooden flip flop in medieval Japan, then was later linked to 19th-century Dutch farmers. In the 60s, they burst onto the scene again, becoming known for their signature bohemian style.
When it comes to buying clogs there are two or three main forms of function.
- Professional – Doctors, nurses, butchers and chefs.
- Fashion – Purely for looks and comfort
- Home / recovery – A house shoe of sorts, made from soft materials and just to be worn around the house.
In this guide, we cover all three types to ensure the information provided is helpful and gives you enough information to pull the trigger on your next clog purchase.
Dansko
1/11
Pros
- Perfect for professionals like doctors and chefs
- Very competitive pricing
- Offer wide sizes
- 60-day return window
Cons
- More for outside than lounging inside
In 1990, Mandy Cabot and Peter Kjellerup’s mission was to improve the quality of footwear through their innovative and stylish designs, so they created Dansko.
Dansko clogs offer nine styles perfect for work or cruising the streets and are made from premium materials, including leather, rubber and nubuck. Like most clogs, they have a minimalist design that’s extremely comfortable and durable, suitable for work, especially for those on their feet all day such as chefs or doctors.
Their most popular model is the Dansko Professional Leather Clog which comes in over 32 different colours. Yes, 32! This clog is designed for those in the medical profession and has over 5,000 4-star reviews. It has a reinforced toe box for protection and comfort and a raised back to keep your feet snug. The non-slip sole on the XP2.0 range will keep you from slip-sliding on blood and guts if that’s your chosen line of work. If you prefer an easier slip-in and out vibe, then the Dansko Kane Clog Mule is the way to go – love the camo version made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).
Dansko offers a very handy ‘Clog guide’ so you can see all the various functions of their clogs, such as removable footbeds, slip resistance, and their patented arch technology.
Dansko offers free shipping on all orders with a 60-day return window, so you can purchase online with confidence.
Popular Products from Dansko
Birkenstock
2/11
Pros
- Ultra comfortable foot bed
- For professionals and home
- Well-priced
Cons
- Popular with German tourists in Thailand
If you don’t know Birkenstock, then you’ve been living under a rock. Founded in 1774 in Hammersbach, Germany, Birkenstock is one of the top five footwear brands in the world. Birkenstock has always been a leader in casual footwear as it invented the footbed, which has been commonly used and adapted by other brands worldwide.
Birkenstock is well-known for its Boston clogs. If you’re looking for a style a little more refined and polished, definitely opt for this footwear as it’s made from the finest materials, including superior leather and soft suedes. The Boston comes in 71 different variations, so there should be something that tickles your fancy. They’re easy to slip in and out of with the low back and of course, they come with Borkenstock’s proven comfort.
If you’re looking for something more hardy for working in a kitchen or hospital, then the Super-Birki Polyurethane is going to be more your style. The Super Birki comes in over 12 colours and has a high-grip sole for slippery surfaces. Check out their dedicated professional section for more work-ready clogs.
Shipping in the US and other places starts from just $4.95 with a 30-day return window.
Popular Products from Birkenstock
Crocs
3/11
Pros
- 61 different shapes and styles for men
- Crocs™ products are covered by warranty
- Free shipping on orders over $100
- Committed to reducing environmental footprint
Cons
- Still seen as daggy or just for kids, although that's changing
Everybody knows Crocs, but what you probably don’t know is they’re becoming a fashion-forward brand that’s not just for kids.
Crocs is an American company located in Broomfield, Colorado, famous for manufacturing foam clogs, initially designed to be a boat shoe. Crocs are pioneers for casual footwear, creating designs geared to be functional and durable, as they can sustain all types of weather with their waterproof finish. They were shortly adopted by ugly children and the rest is history.
Fast forward to 2023 and things have come a long way.
Crocs has over 61 clog styles for men as they feature everything from all-terrain rubber clogs, baya lined clogs to the cosiest foam clogs, with a generous and roomy fit. The most famous clog is the Crocs Classic Clog which comes in 23 colours with over 35,000 reviews it’s hard to go past the classic as an everyday casual clog. If you’re looking for something for more around the house or recovery, then the Crocs Mellow Clog will be your pick. Loosely based on the Yeezys or Fear of God clogs, they’re a less aggressive design for home or hitting the sauna.
We love how Crocs now allow you to personalise your clogs with badges and other fun things. This has put them in a league of their own when it comes to fun shoes. The brand is committed to reducing their environmental footprint, so you know you’re buying plastic but they’re doing their best to stay sustainable. They’ve won countless awards like ‘America’s Most Trustworthy Companies’ and ‘Best Companies To Work For in Asia’, so you know they’re doing good.
Popular Products from Crocs
Merrell
4/11
Price: From $55
Sizes: 7-15
Material: EVA
Merrell was founded in the early eighties by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer in Vermont. Merrell quickly cultivated a reputation for manufacturing performance footwear geared to last a lifetime. With designs perfect for the outdoors, Merrell ensures your shoes will sustain in all kinds of weather conditions.
Merrell men’s hydro moc hiking shoe is one of the most ground-breaking clogs on the market as it fuses a distinct style and high technology. These shoes are highly functional as they offer arch support and an articulated heel with a strap to fit securely. These men’s crocs are also waterproof.
Haflinger
5/11
Pros
- Lovely refined design
- Made from 100%
- Slip resistant rubber sole
Cons
- Made for casual use, not professional
- Not waterproof
Haflinger clogs are not only good for your feet but good for the planet too. This company has handcrafted footwear in Europe since 1898 while using natural fibres to create stylish, long-lasting slippers. Haflinger clogs are constructed out of light and breathable fabrics, allowing flexibility and freedom of movement.
With over 25 styles in their range, these hard-soled clogs have wool inserted into the base and a rubber sole that’s slip-resistant, making them suitable for the outdoors. Its thick footbed is a cork-latex mixture shaped to cushion your steps. You’ll struggle to find a finer clog than Halflinger’s.
The Haflinger GZ clog is their premium design that’s their most comfortable its 100% pure wool felt and ensures your feet breathe when it’s warm inside. The anatomically contoured footbed (cork) will support your arches and keep your feet comfortable.
One thing we really like about this brand is they’re fashion forward. Small design touches like different colours and embroidery on some models make them unique without looking tacky.
Keen
6/11
Keen is an American footwear and accessories brand based in Portland, Oregon. The company, founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst sells high-performance shoes guaranteed to protect you in every outdoor environment. The first Keen sandals featured a protective black-toe bumper, initially launching them into a niche market of selling outdoor and lifestyle shoes.
If you’re looking for the ultimate terrain clog, then look no further than the men’s PTC slip-on, as these shoes are extremely well crafted. These clogs include a slip-resistant outsole, water-resistant materials and leather lining. This shoe is made to feel like the perfect fit as the inside moulds your feet through its blend of recycled PU, cork and memory foam that contours to feet while providing extra cushioning.
Hunter
7/11
Pros
- Fashion forward
- Waterproof
- Handcrafted
Cons
- Limited range for men
Founded in 1856, Hunter is a British brand renowned for its iconic style while manufacturing some of the smartest, fashion-forward designs. For more than 160 years, Hunter has become known for its fine menswear, geared for outdoor performance and ultimate protection.
Hunter has a vast selection of clogs on offer as they have everything from slip-on clogs for the hotter climates to soft mesh neoprene shoes. These clogs are ideal for Summer as they’re easy to slip on and off while featuring a high-end supportive structure. Hunter’s clogs are available in multiple styles, colours and styles, so you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for in a shoe.
If you’re looking for something more functional then the Neoprene Gardener Clog is the pick of the bunch. It’s handcrafted from natural rubber, and designed for gardening.
KLOGS
8/11
Pros
- PURGrip® - non slip sole
- TRUBase® Outsole for extra support
Cons
- For professionals only, not exactly fashion forward
KLOGS is a third-generation, family-owned company in Missouri. Their big point of difference is most of their clogs are made in the USA. Which means more jobs for the locals. The brand is very much focused on the professional (Nursing shoes) and hospitality (Kitchen shoes) space with their best sellers being designs for those on their feet all day.
Their clogs are incredibly comfortable and stylish as their lining and upper are made of soft leather, made from either gel foam (TRUComfort® Insoles) or a combination of polyurethane and wood.
The most popular collections are the Bistro Black and the Edge Black. Made with the TRUBase® Outsole they offer superior arch support for those who spend many hours on their feet. The PURGrip® sole also ensured you won’t slip on your ass. Which is an added bonus.
BAABUK
9/11
Pros
- Perfect for around the house
- 12 great colours
- Free tote bag with orders over $150
- Offer up cycled clogs
Cons
- Not suitable for professional use
- Hand wash only
BAABUK creates their footwear out of natural wool, making them water-repellent, antibacterial and breathable – an excellent option for winter. Each product is designed in Switzerland and responsibly sourced from raw materials from Portugal and Nepal. These shoes are also super trendy as they’re classic designs with a modern twist.
Baabuk’s clogs come in five different styles, from slip-in to a higher back for added snugness. They have an upcycled range for sustainable loving people.
Their Mel clogs are one of the most well-crafted shoes around as the shoe is 100% natural wool and features crepe rubber. These slippers are incredibly durable and comfortable, easy to slip on and off while making walking smooth. If you’re looking for a great practical shoe that will keep you warm, definitely grab yourself a pair.
Whilst technically not clogs, we feel it’s semantics around naming. We feel these are definitely clogs.
Camper
10/11
Pros
- Known for high-quality shoes
- On the more expensive side
- Free shipping
Cons
- Limited range of clogs
Camper’s clogs are nothing but bass-ass. Headquartered in Inca, Spain. This family-run business, founded in 1975, uses its rich shoemaking heritage to create its unique design.
Camper makes more fashion-focused clogs, so keep scrolling if you’re looking for kitchen shoes. Our favourite is the Camper Traktori Clog. The Tracktori is made from vulcanised white leather and features slingback straps. Whilst it only comes in blue or white, it’s like nothing else in the clog space right now.
If you’re looking for a more cosy clog, make sure you check out their Wabi range as these shoes are mainly made entirely from wool, a perfect choice for winter. They come in 6 colours and are inspired by Japanese minimalism as they’re simple, ergonomic and highly flexible. Camper clogs also feature a rubber outsole for extra grip.
Stegman
11/11
Price: From $140
Sizes: 8-13
Material: Merino wool, rubber, cork, latex
Stegmann is a premier footwear brand manufacturing the world’s finest and sustainable clogs. Since its origin in 1888, the brand has aimed to create high-quality shoes from superior raw materials that don’t harm the planet. If you’re looking for a highly comfortable shoe built to keep you warm in the colder months, make sure you check out Stegmann’s range as the feature cosy wool clogs. These shoes are anatomically shaped from sustainable cork/latex footbed with contoured arch for ultimate support. These shoes also have a rubber textured outsole, providing you with extra grip.
