Clog Lovin’
Eva Chen photo: Who What Wear
With 1970s-inspired fashion still swinging its loon pants this season (and next), it’s no surprise that foot-stomping shoes are making a resurgence. Rather than wobbling around in precariously high platforms or taking the safer option of the “royal tour” wedge, my footwear of choice is currently the wooden sole clog.
Originally worn as protective footwear in heavy industries, the clog has flounced in and out of fashion across the centuries. This year I’ve been relentlessly wearing a pair of khaki leather Swedish Hasbeen boots (with a lovely thick pair of socks) – and much like Instagram’s Eva Chen in this photo, I prefer to team them with a pair of cropped slim fitting jeans (J Crew’s Toothpick style, available in white denim, classic indigo, grey and black denim). But now it’s time to make the transition to summer, I’m considering swapping my boots for the more traditional mule style. And I’ll probably be adding some khaki to the equation…
Ana Gimeno Brugada – love her style. Photo: Vogue
On my radar is the clog collaboration between footwear designer Penelope Chilvers and star of the British Fashion Council’s New Generation programme Molly Goddard. There’s a lovely ponyskin clog in watermelon pink that would look fabulous with a tea dress or faded jeans.
Penelope Chilvers x Molly Goddard clogs
Needless to say this popular centuries-old shoe has also popped up in designer collections this summer. Gucci’s horsebit detail leather clogs (available HERE), come in red, camel or black leather. Though to a vegetarian like myself, the natural goat-hair version, feels a bit too hairy – this season’s take on last year’s fashion crowd-pleasing kangaroo-hair mule?
For more reasonably priced wooden-soled shoes, Toast sells Swedish clog brand Moheda (available HERE); and for year-round Hygge Chic there’s the Birkenstock leather Boston clog (available HERE) and FitFlop has a mule style in linen, leather, felt and suede (available HERE) – my favourite is the indigo blue colour that looks like denim (available HERE):
I’ve written about clogs for the FT’s How To Spend It (read the full feature HERE). And here’s a collection of clogs:
Discussion (17 Comments)
Wanda says:
I hadn’t thought of dr scholl’s as clogs, but I was intrigued and think I might try a pair this summer ! Definitely remember them as a staple from the 70’s! My daughter fears I’ll break my neck, haha. Does anyone remember the whole thing about exercising your calves whilst wearing them.
laura says:
I didn’t know that they went out of style, explaining recent shunnings, but I’m pleased that I am now au courant. BTW, I believe that instead of “flounced” might I suggest “hoved?” 🙂
Marika says:
Oh yes, Wanda! I most certainly remember the Dr. Scholl’s claim about exercising your feet and calves whilst wearing those things, but I much prefer that they bring back the old Woolworth’s sandals that came in several solid colors and a wonderful floral pattern. An inexpensive, 70s style, but very comfortable and quirky cute. I’d buy those things again in multiples!
My clog of choice when in high school was Olaf Daughters clogs. I remember taking the train into Greenwich Village and purchasing the most beautiful pair of red leather ones. That pair was my first. I had navy blue suede, white, brown leather. And they were all so comfortable. Now I am going to search the net to see if Olaf Daughters is still around. I need me some old-school clogs!
Oh..and about the Dr. Scholl’s–I purchased a pair of the “new” excercise sandals from Amazon last year. The bottom is now a plastic/resin type. Not wood. The strap’s buckle is horrific. I hardly wear them.
Rochelle says:
When I was in my 20s, I could RUN in my skyhigh Corkies. I tried a low pair a few years ago and yes, I nearly broke my neck. Podiatrists have warned me against wearing clogs because they don’t allow the foot to flex and are therefore hard on my knees and hips. Clogs are very cute, and I wish I could wear them. This is just a warning for those who may need it.
Lana says:
I bought a pair of clogs recently. They are very cute; pink with hand painted flowers. I wore them every where until
one day, while getting the mail in AZ I stepped on a rock and twisted my ankle. Because they don’t “give” I don’t
feel that wearing them is safe anymore. But, I too grew up with some as a teenager in the 70’s and just love them!Nice roundup. I work on my feet so I need to wear clogs for comfort. I love the clog boot trend. I wish Sanita and Dansko would try to make even more versions of popular trends — like I could really use an oxford shoe top on a comfortable clog bottom.
Maudie says:
Clogs hurt your feet like hell. Dr Scholls especially. I wore them in the 70’s and now have dire problems with my spine and the podiatrist told me never to put my feet near anything with a wooden sole (including the very gorgeous Hasbeens).
Lea says:
I lived in my Dr Scholls summer after summer. The ones with the single strap across – it made your eyes water if your foot went one way and they went the other!
Karen says:
Alas, I put clogs in the same category as UGG boots and the 70’s ” earth ” sandals. Ugly. Although the wooden clogs are the most uncomfortable of the trio. Being petite, they make me look like a Hobbit. Not the elegant chic I am looking for, I’m afraid. Also, makes me have to shuffle my feet to walk. I, too, was warned by a dr. That they are not only bad for the ankles, but the instep, as well.
Sadly I have narrow feet so have a painful tendency to “walk” out of the back of clogs. Really not a good idea.
I think they look fab though.[…] That’s not my age […]
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I don’t see me renewing my acquaintance with clogs after numerous uncomfortable hours in the 70s. Also: the noise.