Nobody has time for flimsy shoes, which is why we (and many HuffPost readers) continue to love Dansko. A women-led brand established in 1990, they were first inspired by Danish barn clogs to create a modern shoe that was comfortable for long-time wear. They’re now a 100% employee-owned company that continues to make their trademark clog, as well as a bunch of other stylish silhouettes that you can wear to work, weddings and everything in between.
You likely know the brand for their slip-on “Professional” clog, often sported by teachers, chefs, nurses and anyone who spends hours on their feet. Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist in Washington, D.C. and Maryland says a good pair of clogs (like Danskos) often have built-in arch support and added cushioning.
“Clogs can be comfortable for people that suffer from flat feet, heel pain, tendonitis or even lower back issues due to the degree of arch support and cushion,” Tulpule previously told HuffPost.
In our previous coverage, Dr. Tulpule recommended Dansko clogs, saying the brand even carries the American Podiatrist Medical Association’s Seal of Approval. To maximize safety and comfort, Dr. Tulpule suggests keeping to shoes with less than three-inch heels or platforms and choosing a style that has a polyurethane or EVA sole (which Dansko offers) in lieu of traditional super firm wooden clogs, which can “aggravate flat feet.”
To give your feet a vacation while helping you stay stylish, here are some of our favorite women’s styles from Dansko.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
"They're the kind of shoe that I never think about when I have them on," she said. "When I am wearing them, my feel feel simultaneously completely supported and like I'm wearing nothing. I also like wearing them in inclement weather because they have the slightest platform, which can help when navigating subway puddles and the like."
Ruane says she wears these Danskos with or without socks and finds even the dressier styles to be pretty slip-proof. The darker hues and patterns are easy to dress up for formal events, while some of the more vibrant and whimsical options are great for errands, weekends or fun days with kids.
If you're looking for clogs to wear to work, Dr. Tulpule recommends something with a closed back for additional support as you're moving. In previous reporting, Jacquelyn Coles Bielich, a registered nurse and clinical specialist at Medtronic, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said this style is the only thing she'll wear on her 12-hour shifts.
This style is available in women's sizes 5-15 and in wide and narrow sizes.
If you like an open-heel clog, we like this version from Dansko, that offers a padded instep, a reinforced toe and a wide heel for stability. This style is made with their classic "rocker-bottom" sole that helps propel you forward when walking.
Shopping writer (and clog lover) Haley Zovickian has worn this style saying, "Beyond its practical features — of which there are delightfully many — I loved the laidback vibe its backless style provided, plus the opportunity to show off my collection of fun socks, which are usually obscured by closed heels."
This style is available with leather and fabric uppers, in six colors and in women's sizes 4.5-12. It has a two-inch heel.
This is available in three colors and women's sizes 5.5-12.
We've written about this style before, acknowledging the handy (and kind of hidden) Velcro toe strap, that lets you ensure the correct width for your toe box and easily adjust during the day if your feet swell through lots of walking. The heel is just over two inches, giving you a little lift without making you unsteady.
These come in four colors in sizes 5.5-12.