men's clogs

Until just a few decades ago, men's clogs were not among the fashionable trends in men's footwear. They were marketed for women, but weren't even considered when designing shoes for men.

However, as we'll see, this type of footwear has been used by men for hundreds of years. Its use in urban fashion, however, began around the 1970s and, since then, has cyclically appeared and fallen out of favor as style trends have changed. Below, we'll explain everything you need to know about men's clogs.

Brief history of men's clogs

You might find it hard to believe, but the history of this footwear dates back to classical antiquity, specifically to the Rome of the Caesars . At that time, soccus were already being worn by comedy actors . However, as is the case today, they were very popular, and their style was quickly imitated by the common people. Their use became so widespread that an edict of Emperor Diocletian, which set prices, mentions several types of them.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, another type of clog became widespread, worn by rural inhabitants during their agricultural and livestock-related tasks. We're talking, for example, about Asturian madreñas, Cantabrian albarcas, and Galician zocas . In all these cases, it was a wooden shoe with several raised heels that was worn over the shoes to prevent them from getting dirty from the mud on the paths.

However, modern clogs bear little resemblance to their earlier versions. As we will see later, they originated from those worn in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages . In any case, today we use the term "clog" to refer to a type of shoe that is open at the back and typically features a raised insole and a continuous sole. Furthermore, in recent decades, a distinction has been made between different types of clogs.

Types of clogs

More than by gender, the main difference between clogs today lies in their use. We distinguish between clogs for professional use and those for personal use . The former are those worn by workers who must stand for long periods, such as nurses or shop assistants. They are usually made of rubber and have several holes to improve breathability.

Men's and women's clogs, on the other hand, are more elaborate and have been part of urban fashion for several decades. Both men's and women's clogs share a similar design. The colors and decorative elements differ, as do other distinctive features.

As we mentioned, in all cases they are inspired by the so-called klompen , which is simply the type of clog used by Dutch peasants since the 13th century. However, those earlier clogs, like the aforementioned madreñas, were carved entirely from a single piece of wood, while the current ones have several parts.

The sole is usually made of rubber and is quite flexible for added comfort . The rest of the shoe, that is, the part that covers the front of the foot, can be made from different materials. Thus, we find clogs made of fabrics like cotton, but also leather or even recycled materials.

The success of clogs

As for its popularity among both men and women, it began with the hippie movement of the mid-20th century. Those who embraced it championed its use as a return to the natural and simple, in contrast to the more ostentatious classic fashion.

As we mentioned earlier, since then, clogs have gone through periods of popularity interspersed with periods of disappearance from shoe stores. Right now, they're experiencing one of the former. Therefore, we're going to show you some of the best men's clogs on the market.

The best men's clogs in 2023

Despite their intermittent popularity, men's clogs have enjoyed considerable success in recent decades. As a result, major fashion icons have included them in their collections . From the Spanish brand Zara to the luxurious Dior , and including footwear specialists like the British brand Dr. Martens , they all offer their own clog designs. And, of course, they've created their own versions that reflect the characteristics that have made these brands famous. Below, we present several very original models.

Dior Mule Tokyo by Birkenstock

Dior has teamed up with the German footwear company Birkenstock , which has been making sandals since 1774, to bring us the Dior Mule Tokyo. These are low clogs with a flat sole and an adjustable heel strap. All of this makes them a hybrid between traditional footwear and sandals.

Dior's proposal has an anatomical cork sole and a calfskin structure. In addition, in its upper part it includes another adjustable buckle, which also has a decorative function. However, the worst thing about these clogs is their price, as it is around eight hundred euros.

Zara clogs

With a design similar to previous models, it also features a rubber band across the top. The sole is equally low, but serrated for better traction. Additionally, the heel is secured with a strap and an elegant silver buckle.

But this isn't the only clog design the Spanish brand offers. The Molde Track clogs are perfect for work thanks to their ergonomic design. The Moccasin clogs, on the other hand, are almost identical to this type of shoe, only with an open toe. They also offer another style with a buckle, but in this case, it's placed on the instep for decorative purposes.

Hunter Play

If you like to keep up with fashion, we're sure you're familiar with the boots from the Scottish brand Hunter . They've been making them since the mid-19th century. Initially, they were rubber boots for farmers and ranchers, but later, as happened with men's clogs, they became a staple of urban fashion.

They've become so popular that they're now a staple in both men's and women's accessories, especially among those who live in rainy areas. Now, this brand has also ventured into the world of clogs . They offer them in rubber, their signature material, and with classic designs —that is, with wide soles and open backs.

Crocs Salehe Bembury Pollex

Without a doubt, the American manufacturer Crocs is known for designing the most original clogs. It's no wonder, then, that since its founding in 2002, virtually its entire catalog has focused on this type of footwear. In fact, they manufacture what are perhaps the best clogs in the world. They invest heavily in research and have achieved remarkable advancements in footwear.

For example, there are insoles for people with diabetes , which reduce the risk of foot injuries, or a material called Croslite . It's a type of foam that molds to the user's foot and reduces discomfort.

The Pollex line , in turn, is one of the most daring in their production. In fact, we could say that those created by Salehe Bembury have an almost otherworldly design, with their rough outer surface and asymmetrical lines. However, you can also choose a more classic , but equally stylish, pair of Crocs.

Clarks Wallabees Cup Lo

Another major footwear brand that has joined the men's clog trend is Clarks . The famous English brand from Somerset has been making shoes for two hundred years. But it reached its peak of fame with what became known as desert boots . Made from the finest suede with crepe rubber soles , they became very popular because they were worn by British officers during the desert campaigns of World War II.

Wallabees Cup Lo men's clogs offer the same high quality . These are essentially a version of the classic clog with the back support removed and the sole increased in height. Consequently, they are available in premium materials such as leather and suede. Regarding the sole itself, some models feature a special insole that not only cushions impact while walking but also absorbs moisture and odors. This is perfect for hot summer days.

In conclusion, we've explained the most important aspects of men's clogs and shown you some of the best. However, we could mention others. For example, those made by Genuis , which are also made of biodegradable leather; Birkenstock Boston clogs , which are also made of suede; Vagabond clogs , which can perfectly replace shoes at a formal summer event ; or the distinguished George II clogs from Dr. Martens . Give these shoes a try and you'll see how you can achieve a personal style and, above all, walk more comfortably.