Clog Power Ranking
The following piece is written by our resident Nurse, known affectionately as Alice. Using a fashion perspective that considers form against function, Alice breaks down the top 5 clog styles in a way that can appeal to anyone, from your grandmother’s hospice care nurse to your favorite influencer’s favorite influencer.
5. Crocs, Dawgs, etc.
If I catch you wearing the open toe with open-top version of these, it’s on sight. You don’t care for your feet and have decided to mistreat them instead. They may be lightweight and breathable, but they aren’t even remotely safe to be used on the floor. The rubber that is used to make them depletes faster than the ozone layer and becomes soft enough to make them a huge slipping hazard. In addition to the poor rubber used, the strap on the back isn’t safe either. If your heel slips out the back, or off to the side, you’re going over on your ankle or tripping over the dumb clog. Health & Safety hates these for good reason. I know they come in a different version that has a closed top and heel - but avoid those as well. In a Clinic maybe, but nowhere else. These are the entry-level of clogs due to their low price but I would not recommend them.
4. Birkenstock Boston
Let’s get this out of the way: your Health & Safety rep hates the Boston Model. It’s the sports car model. You know it isn’t safe, but do you care? It has a closed toe and top of foot design with an open back heel. That makes it safer than open top or open-toe Crocs, and they are much more comfortable. These are more slip-resistant and are a great choice for any Healthcare setting. The leather design does impede the airflow of these, however. What Boston’s lack in breathability, they make up for in comfort. Their cork bottom design is perfect for molding to your feet and ensuring a comfortable 8-12 hour day on the floor.
Your feet will sweat and are going to hate you if you skimp out on socks while wearing these or the London’s. If breaking in for work, start with socks like Swedish Stocking Company’s Ingrid Sock while first breaking them in. They are lightweight and won’t stretch your clogs like wool socks do when you’re breaking them in for general use. Those lightweight socks are great for initially molding the cork soles because we know you’re going to end up stretching them anyways with cheap ankle socks or knee-high compression socks once broken in.
Like all Birkenstock’s, if you spend the time to care for them and look after them, they will last you for a while. You can replace just the rubber sole for 25% of the cost of a brand-new pair and Birkenstock encourages it. They are commonly found on the feet of most nurses and allied health professionals for a reason. Much more expensive than Crocs, but worth the investment. (Author’s Note: I have Size 16 feet, so these are my go-to clogs when I’m working the floor as a Staff Nurse)
3. Birkenstock Birki
These are like Crocs, but with Birkenstock level design quality and comfort. I owned a pair of these when my feet were smaller and I loved them. They don’t have that floppy rubber feel of Crocs but have a similar design to them. The closed heel and toe design make these a choice pick for any Health & Safety Rep. If you want something rubber and easier to clean than Boston’s or London’s, go with these. These are also much more breathable than the Boston. The Birki comes in a few different designs, but try to cop a pair of the closed heel version if you can. Not super common, but I have seen a few pairs in the wild. These will run you more than Crocs, but they’re worth it.
2. Birkenstock London
If you want the look and feel of the Boston with the safety of the Birki, then these are the pick for you on the floor. They are resolable and slip-resistant like the Boston, but not non-slip like the Birki. Your feet are going to sweat. These aren’t great for breathability, but their comfort level makes up for it. You’re a healthcare professional though, you should be looking after your body already. Pick good socks to go with these. You will want a sock that is lightweight and breathable, yet comfortable enough to get through your shift. Take the sock recommendations from the Boston section, but these will also work with ankle socks and compression socks, as well. The closed leather heel and toe design is also a safe option that will help to prevent any heel or sharps injury you may encounter. These are just as common to see as a pair of Boston’s on most floors. These are a bit more expensive than the other options, but also worth it if you can deal with the sweating.
1. Dansko
The Rolls Royce of Clogs. These are going to set you back, but your feet are going to love you for it. These are the clogs people truly think of when they think Nurse Clogs. These are 100% Health and Safety approved for a reason. Their premium complete leather design is easily recognizable and unique. They come in various colorways and patterns and make for a bit of a flex on the floor. Unlike Birkenstock, these are much more breathable and don’t cook your feet all day. The rocker heel design helps with the natural walking motion to relieve foot fatigue and they boast a non-slip sole as well. Their clunky design is the only downside. You probably aren’t turning on a dime in these, but they are worth wearing and should be encouraged to wear on any unit and in any field of practice. You’re going to be shelling out more for these than Birkenstock’s, but you should be investing in your feet anyways. With a bit of care, you can get quite a few years out of these before replacing them for another pair. Nurses that are in the know are rocking these. Solid purchase, best in class.
