Why do clogs suddenly feel like the shoe of the moment? Maybe it’s because practical shoes have a grounding effect in times that feel anything but steady. Maybe they’re the natural evolution of the so-called “ugly” fashion shoe, that rebellious category where functionality meets irony. Or maybe clogs are simply too charming to ignore, with their chunky silhouettes and unapologetic comfort. Whatever the reason, clogs are having a renaissance—and it feels long overdue.
From Fringe to Front Row
For years, clogs lingered at the edges of fashion, beloved by a niche crowd but often dismissed as too clunky, too earnest, or too granola. Now, they’ve stepped into the spotlight. Cult favorite brand No. 6 has transformed from a small clog operation into a full-fledged store—a destination for those ready to embrace the clog lifestyle wholeheartedly. And clog culture isn’t just about the shoes themselves; it’s about the ethos that comes with wearing them: relaxed, a little irreverent, defiantly un-fussy.
Fashion archive marketplace Heroine even highlighted the Olsen twins’ longtime devotion to clogs, with particular attention to the shearling-lined Birkenstock Bostons they’ve worn into icon status. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching fashion’s most elusive tastemakers stroll around in shoes that practically define anti-glamour. It’s like a wink, a reminder that style doesn’t have to scream to be chic.
The Cool Factor (With a Side of Humor)
Clogs are inherently funny shoes. They’re a little oversized, a little awkward, and they make that unmistakable clomp when you walk. But that’s part of the appeal. Wearing them says: I don’t take myself too seriously.
One of my forever-style references is a paparazzi shot of Sarah Jessica Parker from years ago: Swedish Hasbeens clogs on her feet, socks peeking out, a chunky cardigan layered over cuffed jeans as she picked up her kids from school. The whole look exuded effortless cool, but it was the clogs that sealed it. They gave off what I can only describe as IDGAF energy—the best kind of confidence.
That’s what makes clogs special. They aren’t trying to be perfect. They aren’t chasing trends or begging for validation. They’re comfortable, practical, and a little odd—and in that, they feel truer to the spirit of fashion than many of the so-called “it shoes” that cycle in and out each season.
The Cult of Clogs
If you think I’m exaggerating, there’s even a community dedicated to the obsession. Author Lauren Mechling founded @TheClogLife, an Instagram haven where people share their love of clogs and all the feelings that come with them. It’s both lighthearted and strangely profound: a reminder that the things we wear can shape not just how we look, but how we move through the world.
Because that’s the secret of clogs—they make you feel grounded, literally and figuratively. There’s something about stepping into a pair, feeling the solid wood beneath your feet, and knowing that no matter what chaos the day brings, you’ll walk through it with a steady rhythm.
Why Now?
So why are clogs finding their moment now? Fashion often mirrors the cultural mood, and right now, many of us crave a sense of stability. Sensible shoes resonate in uncertain times—they root us. At the same time, clogs are playful enough to inject a little levity into the everyday. They’re not austere or minimalist in the way that, say, a sleek black pump is. They’re shoes with personality. Shoes that announce themselves when you walk into a room.
And maybe that’s what we need—a reminder that fashion doesn’t always have to be serious to be powerful.
Living the Clog Life
If you’ve ever been on the fence about clogs, this is your sign to give them a try. Start simple with a shearling-lined Birkenstock Boston or a classic wooden pair from No. 6. Style them with jeans and cozy knits, or lean into the irony and pair them with something unexpectedly polished, like a tailored coat or a flowing dress. The beauty of clogs is that they adapt—they can be quirky, chic, practical, or all three at once.
Because ultimately, clogs are more than shoes. They’re an attitude, a lifestyle even. As the saying goes in certain corners of the internet: it’s a clog life, and someone has to live it. Why not us?
