Comfort Guide: Clogs
Posted by Pavers Blog Team on
If you are looking for effortless wear and on-trend style, then look no further than the unsung hero of the footwear world: the clog. As stylish as they are practical, clogs are set to rule the summer, and we can totally see why. After months and months spent at home wearing mostly slippers and house shoes, clogs are a comfortable progression into the outdoor world again. Perfect for pairing with everything from three quarter length trousers to garden-ready summer dresses, our selection of slip-on clogs will keep you comfortable at home or take you out and about, whenever you wish.
Are clogs comfortable to wear?
Clogs prioritise not only comfort but utility too. Despite being seen across the fashion runways in recent seasons, clogs are just as comfortable as they are fashionable. Due to the nature of the open heel cup and elevated heel, the shoes offer a comfortable all-day shoe, especially appropriate for those who may have slightly swollen feet and prefer less coverage than a full shoe. With many clogs designed with a generous toe-box, it also allows for a roomy fit at the front of the shoe, too.
Are clogs bad for your feet?
The main reason for any shoes being ‘bad for your feet’ is poor fit, poor quality and high heel elevation. For anyone, the healthiest footwear you can wear is shoes that fit well and support the foot. High heels can become painful when worn for a long period of time due to the heel elevation, so a flat or low heel shoe, such as a clog, is a more comfortable choice for long days on your feet.
Due to their shape, clogs reinforce and support your foot’s natural arch and profile, all whilst keeping your feet in proper alignment. Most traditional clogs have a closed-toe design and a low heel, which is important for all-day wear and potentially reducing straining. A lot of clog designs are also shock absorbing, which offers protection through the ankle, hips and other joints which can be impacted.
We always recommend that you ensure that you regularly rotate your footwear to give your feet a break and prevent muscles from overstraining, and wear higher heels in moderation. This isn’t limited to just high heels either, it is recommended for both your feet and your shoes that you do not wear the same pair every day as you are not varying the demands placed on your muscles, bones and joints. In addition, wearing shoes every day does not give them ample time to dry out completely and may result in them losing their shape quicker.
How are clogs supposed to fit?
Because everybody’s feet are different, clogs will fit differently on everyone’s foot form. It is vital that you find your personal perfect fit, but there are some good general rules of thumb to consider. Your heel should be able to lift freely, without the shoe slipping off your foot. If your heel is cemented to the insole, the shoe fits too tight and doesn’t have enough room for flexibility. The clog should feel supportive and snug around the instep of your foot, but not tight. Finally, your toes should not touch the very end of the toe box, and there should be some ‘wiggle room’, if they do touch the end of the toe box you should consider sizing up.
How long does it take to break in clogs?
Depending on what your clogs are crafted from, they can take a longer time to ‘break in’ and adapt to the form of your foot. We recommend wearing your clogs around the house initially to ensure that they are comfortable before embarking on a big day out. They will loosen up slightly and start to mould to your foot profile with time, and regular wear will allow them to maintain that shape. In addition, you can always pair your clogs with thick socks in the ‘breaking in’ stages of wear, which will allow for slightly more stretching, but bear in mind that socks can be slippier than bare feet so please tread with caution. It’s also worth cautiously putting plasters over problem areas where you think there could be some rubbing, for example at the sides of the toes. These will hopefully just be preventive, but they offer protection should your new clogs rub in the early days. Catch up on our extensive guide on how to break in your new trainers here.
Which clogs are the most comfortable?
When looking at which clogs are the most comfortable, you need to analyse what comfort factors are the most important to your feet. If you have a wider foot, it is best to look for a Wide Fit style which will offer a roomier fit than the standard clog silhouette, such as our Fly Flot Slip On Clogs and our Fly Flot Wide Fit Anatomic Lightweight Clogs. If you are looking for something with a little more protection that may be suitable for work, our Fly Flot Wide Fit Coated Leather Anatomic Work Clogs have hygienic wipe clean surface which is easy to look after, and feature an adjustable strap so that you can find a comfortable fit every day. For those with a higher instep, why not opt for a style of clog which is anatomically shaped to support the pressure points of your foot, such as our Wide Fit Lightweight Anatomic Clog, which also boasts in-built anti-shock and anti-slip in the sole.
What should I wear with my clogs?
Clogs have had a huge revival throughout 2021. After countless months at home making us realise the importance of relaxing comfort, clogs have become a go-to style post-pandemic. Clogs lend themselves best to casual looks, due to their utilitarian, off-duty ethos. For gents, try styling your clogs with jeans and a short sleeved shirt, or pair them with your favourite gardening shorts for an effortless look which will keep you cool in the afternoon heat. For ladies, clogs are a perfect partner for a floaty sundress or house dress, the slip-on style combined with a wide, breezy hemline allows for a comfortable daytime look. Or, try styling your slip-on clogs with floral capri trousers and a short-sleeved top for a sweet summer pairing.