The Resurgence of Clogs: An Argument for the “Ugly Shoe”
Written by Clara Dellenbaugh
At the onset of Middlebury fall, the vibrant, changing foliage and increasingly crisp air are impossible not to notice. Almost as noticeable this year is the omnipresent clog. Whether from their unique, platformed shape, or the “thud, thud” footsteps of a passerby donning the shoe, it seems impossible to avoid their resurgence in student fashion. This is not just a campus-wide trend either: in recent years, clogs have undeniably infiltrated popular streetwear and have even made their way into high fashion. After being deemed “ugly” or “purely practical” for much of recent history, they have become more widespread than ever. But how exactly have clogs evolved into the increasingly popular shoe they are today, and have they overcome their past unflattering stereotypes for good?
Originating in the medieval Netherlands, clogs have had a long history as protective footwear. Traditional clogs were carved entirely out of wood, offering an impenetrable barrier for farmers, laborers, and fisherman alike. While the materials and style of clogs have since evolved, the shoe’s practical uses remain. During the Industrial Revolution in 18th and 19th century Europe, clogs with leather or metal reinforcing a wooden sole became popular among factory workers due to their durability and support in the face of long work days.1 In contemporary times, clogs maintain popularity as a comfortable, protective option among nurses, doctors, and other laborers who spend many hours at a time on their feet. Popular shoe brands like Dansko market “anti-fatigue” clogs with slightly elevated heels and arch support, which, despite their clunky appearance, offer relief to wearers by reducing stress on feet and legs.2
Despite being a comfortable shoe, whether or not clogs are actually stylish has been a divisive topic in past decades. Clogs became a fashionable statement during the 1960s and 70s. Their laid-back nature worked in tandem with the decades’ counterculture–widespread alternative political and social movements–complimenting the rise in bohemian-style clothing like flowy skirts and wide-leg pants. The Swedish pop group ABBA even released their own line of clogs in the 1970sbased on the clog style widely popularized by the band: chunky heels and a leather strap.3 However, since then, the popularity of clogs has been in flux. Other than a slight resurgence in the 1990s with the popularization of the “pretty/ugly shoe,” clogs have for a long time been reduced to simply a plain, albeit practical, option that one might expect to be worn at a hospital or in a garden. Thus, clogs were out of the fashion limelight for a long time–until recently.
With greater versatility in style, material, and shape than ever before, clogs have had an undeniable rebound in popularity over the past few years. Such a trend has become evident not only in streetwear, but also in high fashion: many influential designers and brands have recently released their own version of the clog. For example, Molly Goddard’s 2021 spring/summer collaboration with UGG displayed maximalist, platformed clogs in a variety of colors.4 Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri released the 2018 “Diorquake”, a studded, patterned leather clog, in an homage to the shoe’s fashion roots in the 1960s. Jil Sander collaborated with Birkenstock in fall/winter 2021, putting forth sophisticated, sleek reimaginations of several classic Birkenstock models.5
The infiltration of clogs into high fashion is indicative of contemporary cultural shifts toward comfort. While in the past, luxury brands have flaunted stiff, narrow, or unforgiving shoes—like stilettos—as the pinnacle of couture and professionalism, newer trends push that fashion and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive.6 Particularly in post-pandemic society, the idea of rigid, uncomfortable footwear reintegrating into everyday wardrobe simply doesn’t appeal to many. Rather, clogs offer a dynamic, functional solution.
The newest wave of clog popularity has brought with it a wide variety of styles: from traditional leather Danskos, to backless, studded, chunkier-heeled statement shoes, to the casual slip-on Birkenstock clog, there is truly a pair for everyone and every occasion, and it's not hard to see where the shoe’s renewed appeal comes from. Their history as a practical, alternative shoe choice gives clogs a unique feel. Their characteristically platformed sole effortlessly elevates the silhouette of just about any outfit.
Here at Middlebury, their versatile nature has made them a widely popular shoe choice among students and faculty alike, whether going to class, out to dinner, or simply as a comfortable day-to-day choice. Some campus styling favorites seem to be pairing clogs with a wide-legged jean, statement socks, and an autumnal sweater or jacket. Accessories such as a matching bag or scarf are popular, and emphasize the intentionality behind choosing to wear clogs.
So, are clogs really the “ugly” shoe they were for so long characterized to be? Maybe, but maybe not. Given all of the clog styles one can choose from today, there are bound to be mixed opinions and preferences. However, as fashion trends lean further toward valuing practicality, one thing is for sure: clogs offer a fantastic intersection between personal expression and everyday comfort. While there will always be dissenting opinions, their long history of comfort makes it clear: clogs deserve a place to stay in popular fashion.
Endnotes:
1 Burger, Emily. Dutch clogs: The traditional wooden shoes of the Netherlands, August 5, 2025. https://dutchreview.com/culture/dutch-clogs/.
Burger, Emily. Dutch clogs: The traditional wooden shoes of the Netherlands, August 5, 2025. https://dutchreview.com/culture/dutch-clogs/.
2 Pompilio, Ersilia. “From Clodhoppers to Clogs.” Working Nurse, October 27, 2022. https://www.workingnurse.com/articles/from-clodhoppers-to-clogs/#:~:text=Clogs%2C%20Clogs%2C%20Clogs,up%20to%20273%C2%B0F.
Pompilio, Ersilia. “From Clodhoppers to Clogs.” Working Nurse, October 27, 2022. https://www.workingnurse.com/articles/from-clodhoppers-to-clogs/#:~:text=Clogs%2C%20Clogs%2C%20Clogs,up%20to%20273%C2%B0F.
3 Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.” BBC News, February 24, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220111-why-the-ugly-clog-is-the-style-statement-of-our-times.
Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.” BBC News, February 24, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220111-why-the-ugly-clog-is-the-style-statement-of-our-times.
4 Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.”
5 Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.”
6 Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.”
Citations:
Burger, Emily. Dutch clogs: The traditional wooden shoes of the Netherlands, August 5, 2025. https://dutchreview.com/culture/dutch-clogs/.
Connor, Danielle. “History of the Clog + Why It’s Trending for SS24.” VITA Daily, April 2, 2024. https://vitamagazine.com/2024/04/02/history-of-the-clog-why-its-trending-for-ss24/#:~:text=Contemporary%20Trends:%20In%20recent%20years%2C%20clogs%20have,fashion%20trends%20have%20embraced%20comfort%20and%20nostalgia.
Johansson, Christian. “A Tale as Old as Time: The History of Clogs.” Sandgrens, February 28, 2024. https://sandgrens.com/blogs/blog/a-tale-as-old-as-time-the-history-of-clogs?srsltid=AfmBOopYswfEjCl4OePn0Cd6i7voXV1CxkIudODpW8XRahb45xccAqFL.
Woodward, Daisy. “Why the ‘ugly’ Clog Is the Style Statement of Our Times.” BBC News, February 24, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220111-why-the-ugly-clog-is-the-style-statement-of-our-times.
Pompilio, Ersilia. “From Clodhoppers to Clogs.” Working Nurse, October 27, 2022. https://www.workingnurse.com/articles/from-clodhoppers-to-clogs/#:~:text=Clogs%2C%20Clogs%2C%20Clogs,up%20to%20273%C2%B0F.
Sources:
https://dutchreview.com/culture/dutch-clogs/
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220111-why-the-ugly-clog-is-the-style-statement-of-our-times