Trending: Clogs
Clogs. They’ve been around a lot longer than you probably think. I just looked it up, 1300’s. That’s some old fashion. My first memories of clogs were my mom having an incredible pair of wooden platforms. I remember asking her if it was comfortable to walk on wood and her response was surprising. Sort of like Birkenstocks. They’re slightly uncomfortable at first, but as you continue to wear them, they mold to your feet. Not sure how wood molds, but my mom insisted they were her most comfortable shoes.
Luckily, these days, clog design has made huge progress in comfort and function. Take for example, my first pair of clogs. It was 1996 and Victoria’s Secret released a line of brightly colored clogs. Through the mail (because we were still ordering things from catalogs back then), I ordered a pair of soft pink clogs, wooden platform and the new technology of a rubber sole. Although they were adorable, the functionality of them wasn’t great. They flopped around, fell off and gave me blisters.
Fast forward to now… And check out these clogs from Target. Under $40, they come with a rubber sole, a traditional wooden platform, a cushioned insert and a back strap. Boom! Function and fashion. We call that, Clog Progress.
Another struggle I’ve had with clogs is that they are normally worn without socks, so they can be a bit cold on your feet. Your toes are all nice and snuggy, but your heels are completely exposed. Now the question, to sock or not to sock. Personally, I grew up in the era where birkenstocks were all the rage and the style was to wear them with thick wool socks. My sister had the clog style and I was always envious. They were SO 1997.
Luckily, I found the solution to the sock crisis. My Steve Madden leather clogs are lined with shearling. They have the rubber bottom, so there’s no slipping, they fit like a glove, so they stay on my feet when I walk and they’re soooo comfortable.
Old Navy also has some affordable clogs, if you’re not sure you’re ready to commit to a higher end designer. They don’t have the highly functional back strap, but with a padded sole and rubber bottom, these clogs are a perfect shoe to transition to Spring.
You may be wondering, how do I style my clogs? The possibilities are endless. I styled my clogs with a rust colored denim skirt from ZARA and a floral top I got at Macy’s a couple years ago. I’ll probably layer a denim jacket on top until it warms up here in Maine, but you don’t have to pair clogs with skirts or shorts. They look great with a straight or flared denim. I’d even be so bold as to wear clogs with long socks and legging, for a more casual looks.
Clogs are totally trending this Spring. With unlimited styles and price points, anyone can wear this trend. I would recommend trying them on before buying. Clogs can be a bit fussy, so it’s okay that you’re fussy about them too. I’d also recommend starting out with a pair that has the back strap. It takes a little while to get used to wearing a mule without anything holding on in the back, so unless you’re a clog pro, opt for function.