15 Freaky, Functional Clogs to Cradle Your Aching Feet (2024)

The best clogs for men feel like a small revolution. For one, they mean never tugging at an untied shoestring again. For another, they mean completely bypassing the inevitable ick factor involved in flip-flopping through the city. But, most importantly, they mean reveling in summer's delights exactly as Mother Earth intended—heels exposed, with the balmy late-July breeze nipping at your skin. It's hot out there and we've all got places to be: the right pair of clogs makes slogging around town battling humidity and exhaust fumes tolerable—maybe even enjoyable.

The Best Clogs Shopping Guide

• The Best All-Around Clog: Birkenstock "Boston" Clogs, $158
• The Best Water-Resistant Clog: Crocs Classic Clogs, $50
• The Best Cool-Guy Clog: Plasticana "Gardana" Clogs, $48
• The Best Fancified Clog: Grenson "Dale" Leather Clogs, $305
• The Best Designer Clog: Bottega Embossed Rubber Clogs, $600

The original clogs were wooden backless slip-on shoes, and they trace their origins to the Netherlands of the 14th century. In the time since, the genre has evolved to include leather and suede versions with grippy soles, along with the all-rubber iterations you clock by the dozen today. And while clogs and mules might be used interchangeably, it's worth noting there is a difference between the two styles: while both allow for easy slip-on access, clogs tend to have a little more heft to their silhouette thanks to sturdier, more defined soles.

That being said, plenty of brands like to take liberties with those definitions. How strict you are with your own clog classification is up to you, but we can tell you that the style has outgrown its Dutch origins and found its way to the feet of fashion gods like Pharrell, Rihanna, and Seth Rogen—as well as basically every stylish person you know. From Birkenstock's best-selling Boston clogs to Plasticana's cult-loved Gardana clogs, there's a style out there (and probably on this list) that works with your vibe.

Below you'll find the absolute the best clogs for men—from new arrivals to OG heavyweights—that’ll have you slippin', slidin' and stompin' around in no time flat.

The Best All-Around Clog

There's a shearling version for when temps get brisk and the water-resistant Super Birki for when you find yourself in a wet situation, but when it comes to the creme de la creme of clogs it doesn't get better than Birkenstock's classic Boston. This unisex, closed-toe, buttery-soft shoe is backed by over a hundred years of science and is the stuff of orthopedic dreams. The cork footbed is designed to adhere to your sole through repeated wear, giving you a custom fit while keeping your feet properly aligned. You can go for the classic footbed if you're looking for a sturdy base that'll last you for years to come, or opt for the Boston soft footbed, a more cushioned alternative that'll have you walking on cloud nine.

The Best Water-Resistant Clog

Crocs' classic clogs were made for comfort and water-side hangs. Their supreme squishy-ness makes them insanely cozy and the hole-dotted uppers means you'll never get water or sand trapped inside. They've enjoyed a re-positioning in recent years from ugly-ugly to ugly-cool, and have been spotted helping guys like Post Malone and Justin Bieber get from A to B. There's no shortage of colors and prints to choose from, from hi-lite brights to rugged-passing camo, our favorites fall along the neutral palette—like these bone-colored gems. If you're in need of a little more coverage, you can opt for Crocs' low-key Bistro clog, but the classic silhouette has got you covered in pretty much any other situation.

The Best Cool-Guy Clog

Made in France with hemp-derived rubber and under $50? Francophile or not, your interest is probably piqued. While Plasticana's waterproof work clogs, fitted out with an extra grippy, lightweight sole, were made for getting dirty in the garden, you can easily swap these into your rotation as your city wellies and your style-obsessed friends would be none the wiser. Just a few years ago, you would have been hard-pressed to find these versatile clogs stateside, but it looks like the US market is catching up. That said, they tend to sell out quick, so get 'em while you can (or mope around waiting for the next restock).

The Best Fancified Clog

Like the look of a leather sandal but itching for something with a little more, uh, traction? You're in luck. Grenson's Dale clogs give the appearance of a fisherman sandal on top paired with a contoured footbed and extremely hefty outer sole. If you were torn between going for the sandals you can wear at the cabana or the ones that can withstand a trek across town, you no longer have to choose.

The Best Designer Clog

You don't need to spend a whole lot of cash on a pair of great clogs, but if you're in the market for something a little more luxurious there are, of course, options. We like Bottega's rubber clogs because they boast the IYKYK trademarks—Bottega's signature intrecciato motif, gently curved lines, squared-off toe—that take them from a regular walking shoe to a bona fide fashion statement. $600 ain't cheap, but if you're looking for clogs that will add some panache to your rotation of sturdier fare then you know where to find 'em.

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