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Best women’s clogs for embracing the Carrie Bradshaw-approved shoe trend

The Sex and the City character has been converted to a pair of Gucci logo adorned slip-ons

Daisy Lester
Monday 06 February 2023 11:06 GMT
From open to closed toe, leather to suede and platform to flat, the divisive shoe has had a stylish upgrade
From open to closed toe, leather to suede and platform to flat, the divisive shoe has had a stylish upgrade (Getty/The Independent)
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From dad sandals and Bottega-inspired puddle boots to divisive chunky trainers, the fashion crowd likes to make a strong case for “ugly” shoes. And leading the pack, clogs have clomped their way back into our wardrobe to become one of the shoe styles of the moment – so much so, that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw has plumped for a pair in the latest series of And Just Like That.

In keeping with the shoe’s 13th-century Dutch roots, clogs are characterised by their slip-on design, open back, wooden sole and slightly upturned and rounded toe. But while once associated with practical work, the style has since evolved from a farmer’s shoe of choice to a fashion statement.

Contemporary takes on the age-old shoe were pioneered in the spring collections of Hermes and Louis Vuitton last year, with designers including Chanel and Dior soon following suit. Now, the laid-back slip-on is dominating the high street, Instagram feeds and, it seems, Carrie’s 2023 wardrobe.

Tossing aside her trademark Manolo Blahnik heeled pumps, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character has been snapped donning a pair of Gucci logo-adorned slip-ons while filming in Manhattan. The luxe pair distinctly resemble Birkenstock’s coveted Boston’s (one of the most in-demand shoes of 2021/2022), which has prompted many fashion heads to ponder if a Gucci X Birkenstock collaboration is on the cards for the not-so-distant future.

Loved by Kendall Jenner, Mia Regan and Kaia Geber, Birkenstock’s Boston clogs have rapidly risen to cult status thanks to their comfort-first design. Meanwhile, Croc’s rubbery clogs have become one of fashion’s most polarising trends, with Balenciaga even having an ongoing runway collaboration with the brand.

How we tested

With Carrie Bradshaw putting her seal of approval on clogs, we’ve found the best pairs of to clop into 2023 in. For the edit, we looked for pairs that retained all the classic clog signatures, as well as trend-led takes on the traditional style. Considering aesthetics, price, wearability and quality. Above all, we assessed how comfortable each pair was.

Whether you’re channeling Sex and the City or are after a contemporary and cool take on the wooden shoe, these are the best clogs to buy right now.

The best women’s clogs for 2022 are:

  • Best overall – Free People culver city clogs: £158, Freepeople.com
  • Best rubber clogs – Crocs classic, celery: £35.99, Crocs.co.uk
  • Best for comfort – Birkenstock Boston clogs: £125, Birkenstock.com
  • Best black leather clog – Mango studded leather clogs: £48, Asos.com
  • Best fur-lined clog – Russell & Bromley luxo backless clog loafer: £245, Russellandbromley.co.uk

Free People culver city clogs

free people.jpg
  • Best: Overall
  • Sizes: EU 36-41
  • Colourways : Five

There’s plenty to love about these Free People clogs. Retaining all the clog characteristics including a rounded soft leather beige upper and a wooden sole, there’s the added contemporary detailing of the contrasting mahogany adjustable buckle, studded trim and platform design that gives you just the right amount of height. As well as the cool aesthetic, we found this pair the easiest to walk in with the split wood platform providing flexibility and comfort – even when walking on cobbles on holiday (no small feat).

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Crocs classic, celery

crocs .jpg
  • Best: Rubber clogs
  • Sizes: UK 4-10
  • Colourways : 27

Whether you love them or loathe them, Crocs are back. We’ll admit that we were in the latter half prior to trying a pair for ourselves – and while we still can’t quite get on board with wearing them out n’ about, we can get on board with their comfort levels around the house.

Crafted from a soft rubber-like material and the company’s own “Croslite” technology, the shoes promise to mould to your feet – and that, they did. Combine this with the heel strap for a more secure fit and ventilation ports, and we can see why they’ve become a staple of off-duty style. We chose to lean into the “ugly” with the celery green colourway but the shoes are also available in 27 other hues. While we won’t be wearing them to the pub anytime soon, we might just stretch to the donning them for the post office.

  1. £35 from Crocs.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Birkenstock Boston clogs

birkenstocks .jpg
  • Best: For comfort
  • Sizes: UK 2.5-14.5, regular and narrow
  • Colourways: Four

As we all eased out of lockdown and loungewear, Birkenstock’s Boston clog grew increasingly popular as a slipper-like shoe that was socially acceptable enough to wear out of the house. Demonstrative of their popularity, dupes have popped up across the high street but you of course can’t beat the original.

“Ugly” in all the right ways, the Bostons have evolved from the type of shoe your grandad would wear to a staple of off-duty runway model’s wardrobes. The soft footbed and additional foam layer helps hug the foot, and there’s even the helpful choice of a narrow or regular fit. We like the taupe colourway best, with the design adding some on-trend neutrals to your ensemble. Take note from Kendall Jenner and team yours with straight leg jeans and a white tank top.

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Mango studded leather clogs

mango .jpg
  • Best: Black leather clog
  • Sizes: UK 3-5
  • Colourways: One

With a black leather finish and statement studded trim, this Mango clog is a sleek addition to your wardrobe. The soft bovine leather upper offers the snuggest fit out of all the clogs we tried which helped with getting used to walking in the pair, while the platform wooden sole and block heel add on-trend detailing. Owing to the black finish, they’re complimentary to most ensembles – adding a laid-back touch to your look. If you’re looking to tap into the clog trend in a low-key way, Mango’s leather slip-ons are ideal.

  1. £48 from Asos.com
Prices may vary
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Russell & Bromley luxo backless clog loafer

clogs .jpg
  • Best: Fur-lined clog
  • Sizes : UK 3-8
  • Colourways: Three

Whether you’re looking for a luxe slipper or a piece of fashion-forward footwear, Russell & Bromley’s backless slip-ons will certainly elevate your wardrobe for 2023. Part clog, part loafer, the shoes are characterised by their backless design, white faux shearling lining and trim, gold buckle detailing and taupe suede outer.

Thanks to the functional outdoor sole and smart detailing of the buckle, the hybrid shoe is a perfectly acceptable workwear choice, while the shearling lining will ensure elevated comfort if you choose to wear them as slippers when working from home. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose slipper, Russell & Bromley’s snug clog is well worth the investment.

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The verdict: Women’s clogs

Free People’s culver city clogs were an immediate favourite thanks to their statement platform design, adjustable buckle, sole split for extra comfort and retro-style worn-in leather upper.

Easy to walk in and an instant outfit-maker, they’re a more than worthy investment for this summer and beyond. For a similarly versatile pair, Mango’s studded design is a sleek purchase, and if laid-back comfort is a priority, Birkenstock’s Boston clogs live up to their hype.

For more shoe inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best pairs of women’s loafers

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