The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Recommend If You Stand A Lot
These are great for people with flat feet, heel pain, or lower back issues — and they have a whole fanbase behind them.
Most footwear trends come and go, but one style that's garnered a community of lifelong enthusiasts? The ever-practical, stylish, yet quirky clog. The comfort! The ease! The support!
But of course, the best person to ask about whether clogs are really worth their salt is a professional — namely, a podiatrist.
We spoke to podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule about her professional take on clog fandom. Tulpule is based in Washington, D.C. and Maryland and is active on Instagram as @thesoledoctor.
Tulpule explained that folks who spend a lot of time on their feet often enjoy clogs because of their built-in arch support, their frequently added comfy cushioning and the easy-on, easy-off slip-on style. That's why 'clogs are traditionally worn by professionals who stand all day: nurses, teachers, doctors, chefs, etc.,' she wrote. Clogs are also often slip-resistant and waterproof, an added benefit for active professionals, Tulpule added.
The beloved shoes can also be beneficial for those with certain medical conditions. In particular, 'Clogs can be comfortable for people who suffer from flat feet, heel pain, tendonitis or even lower back issues due to the degree of arch support and cushion,' Tulpule said.
That said, you may want to avoid fashion clogs with high heels over three inches, which can lead to tripping and potentially strain your Achilles tendon, Tulpule noted. In addition, clogs with overly firm wooden soles will not provide the same cushiony support and thus can 'aggravate flat feet,' she added.
As long as you stick to a practical style without high heels and wooden soles, clogs are one of the best comfy, supportive all-day shoes you'll find. The best ones to stick to, according to Tulpule? Those from Dansko, Birkenstock and Sanita brands. She noted that the Dansko brand also carries the American Podiatrist Medical Association's Seal of Approval.
Based on Tulpule's recommendations, we rounded up some of the bestselling Dansko, Birkenstock, and Sanita clogs for you to check out below. And, if you do fall in love with the clog as I once did, congratulations — you're now part of one of the best footwear fandoms around.
1.
Amazon
"The brands that I advise my patients to research are Dansko [which has the] American Podiatrist Medical Association's Seal of Approval, Birkenstock and Sanita," Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist based in Washington, D.C and Maryland, told us.
"For my patients that are professionals, I [recommend] a closed back clog for additional support and minimal risk to 'coming out of the shoe,'" Tulpule added.
Based on Tulpule's recommendation, we selected this bestselling slip-on, closed-back Dansko clog. I own and have walked miles upon miles in this clog. Once sufficiently broken in, this thing proved unparalleled to any other shoe I've owned due to its long-lasting comfort and built-in arch support (which I especially appreciate for my wide, flat feet).
This classic Dansko style is available in dozens of designs and colors at Amazon, but I love its oiled black and antique brown styles; they provide a put-together vibe that's served me well everywhere from formal work environments to running errands and drinks out. I even wore these clogs out clubbing once, and while admittedly I was the only one there in clogs, I'll bet I was the happiest and certainly the most pain-free. Needless to say, these Danskos have been a true love affair for me.
The style also sports a two-inch heel, which gives my 5'2" frame a fun height boost.
The shoe, pictured in oiled black is available in women's sizes 4.5–13 and in wide and narrow sizes. Even though I have wide feet, I opted for the regular sizing and was just fine. For the best fit, aim for a pinky-length gap between the back of your foot and the shoe's heel.
2.
Amazon
This quintessentially ugly-chic clog (a compliment, according to clog lovers!) is as resilient and practical as it looks. It's designed to literally repel dirt, oil and grease, plus is water-resistant. The clog's squishy cork-latex footbed is designed to anatomically match the foot for maximum comfort and support. The shoe is also lined with moisture-wicking fabric to minimize stench. You can even throw this in the washing machine up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Even I, a longstanding Dansko lover, am impressed. This might just be my next pick for myself.
The Birkenstock Super-Birki clog is available in up to 10 colors, including neutrals and vibrant brights like yellow, green and pink, in women's sizes 4–12.5 and in men's sizes 6–15.5.
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Amazon
If you prefer an open-back clog, that's just fine, according to Tulpule. "It's really one's preference whether to wear a mule-type clog vs a closed toe," Tulpule wrote. "A backless clog will be easier to slip into and reduce chances of friction at the heel counter."
Folks are absolutely obsessed with this open-back Birkenstock style, which you'll find everywhere from college campuses to startup offices and your favorite local walking trail. Birkenstock admits it's the brand's "most sought after clog," no doubt due to the pillowy soft footbed which molds to your foot as you wear it. Plus, the shoe is notoriously lightweight, so you'll feel energized instead of weighed down as you go about your day.
The Birkenstock Boston clog has a soft suede leather upper and a luxurious suede leather lining. It's available in mutiple colors, regular/wide and medium/narrow widths, women's sizes 4–12.5 and men's sizes 6–17.5.
4.
Birkenstock
Completely lined with real shearling, Birkenstock's Tokio clog is like if your favorite slippers turned into actual shoes. The clog's deliciously cozy lining — paired with the brand's notoriously comfy contoured footbed — will make you never want to take these off.
Equipped with a suede upper and adjustable front and back straps, the clog comes in three colors, men's sizes 6–13.5 and women's sizes 4–12.5, and regular/wide and medium/narrow options.
Amazon
Dansko's Ingrid clog balances functional versatility with a classically stylish look. Its chic strap can be worn across the shoe's front (as pictured) for an understated professional vibe, or swung behind the heel for extra support while you're on the go.
Plus, as with Dansko 's other footwear, the open-back clog has great anti-stub protection thanks to its reinforced toe box, a comfy padded instep and a shock-absorbing bottom that conveniently helps propel you forward as you walk. (I love the rocker-bottom feature in particular: I find it does help propel me forward when I'm getting tired from walking!)
Grab the Ingrid clog in three colors and in women's sizes 4.5–12.
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Amazon
With a thick shearling cuff and a sweater-like lining, Dansko's Magda clog is a great choice for folks looking for the arch support clogs are known for — with some extra warmth and comfort.
The cozy clog is made with a bouncy cork midsole and a nonslip rubber outsole that'll stand the test of inclement outside weather.
Grab it in two colors and in women's sizes 5.5–12.
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Amazon
These fun Sanita hues let you express your bold personality without saying a word — while delivering all the comfort and arch support that makes clogs so beloved.
They're available in up to six colors, including bright red, fuschia and shimmer gold, and in women's sizes 4.5–12.
Get them from Amazon for $84.90+.
9. A stylish Sanita clog with a chic outlined strap
Amazon
This closed-back, patent leather style from Sanita offers a shock-absorbing outsole and a comfy cushioned footbed. It also sports built-in arch support designed to prevent foot and back fatigue, plus a moisture-wicking insole to help cut down on sweat and foot odor.
The fixed strap adds some understated personality and style to this foot-loving style.
It's available in four colors and in women's sizes 3.5–12.
10.
Amazon
This Sonja mule from Dansko sports a reinforced toe to protect you from stubbing your feet and a unique rocking-bottom sole that's designed to propel you forward as you walk. The clog helps minimize heel friction due to its backless style, plus is made with a wide heel for added stability and a comfy padded instep.
To no one's surprise, I also wore this backless Dansko for many years. Beyond its practical features — of which there are delightfully many — I loved the laidback vibe its open-back style provided, plus the opportunity to show off my collection of fun socks (which are usually obscured by closed heels). I also found that the shoe did propel me forward as I walked — a great feature for when you get tired!
It's available with leather and fabric uppers, in up to five colors and in women's sizes 4.5–12.
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