Hippies favored them in the 1960s. Medical professionals have been wearing them for years, and now clogs are the hottest spring shoes to hit the runways.
Styles, colors and patterns vary for these comfy slip-ons, from leather with studs to patent with patterns, from low soles to 3-inch heels.
“Once reserved for nurses and gardeners, clogs have resurfaced in a fashion revival, as evidenced by the stomping of clog-wearing models down the runway in New York Fashion Week,” said Jocelyn Kahn with OneStopPlus.com, a Web site that offers a diverse selection of clogs for spring and summer.
Alison Songer, president of n2shoes boutique on Frazier Avenue, said clogs will be a huge presence this season.
“We’re getting in our spring clogs now,” she said, showing a pair of Sanita clogs in bright yellow with a floral print. “We’ll be getting more styles in purple, blue and pink.”
Sanita, she said, is a Danish company that has made clogs since 1907.
“We’ll also be getting in wooden-heeled clogs,” she said.
Rock/Creek Outfitters marketing manager Mark McKight said clogs are popular because they’re “super comfortable,” particularly winter versions lined with fleece or sheerling.
“Being able to simply slip them off and on is a big deal, too,” he added.
Local Realtor Scott Gentry, who owns three pairs of clogs, agreed.
“(They’re) very comfortable and great for slipping on and off when showing houses,” he said.
“Merrells were my first pair. The Birkenstocks were next, and finally Borns. I started wearing them just to slip on and off when showing houses and was shocked at how comfortable they were. I am hooked.”
Chattanoogan Laurie Perry Vaughen called the shoes “classy and comfortable.”
“I love my clogs and have a black pair, tan pair and a set for working in the garden,” she said.
Leah Anderson Golden of The Medicines Co. said her cow-print clogs always grab attention.
“I wear them in the hospital, and I get compliments on them every time I wear them,” she said. “
Deborah Harris Anziano, owner of Debo’s Kitchen, said Dansko brand clogs are constructed so well they last years.
“I’m on my second pair of Danskos in 10 years — perfect for chefs in the kitchen,” Ms. Anziano said. “My favorite is the Mary Jane by Dansko. Nothing beats them when you’re on your feet all day.”
Cornelia Taylor Bruckner, formerly of Knoxville and now a resident of San Francisco, said she has to be careful when wearing clogs. Certain styles, particularly those with inflexible soles or higher heels, can be hard to walk in.
“Once after a lunch with co-workers, my foot rolled over, and I fell off the sidewalk in front of a cab that had to slam on the breaks to keep from hitting me,” she said. “Now I treat clogs with the respect they deserve.”
The latest trend in shoes has local public relations expert Maura McGeary Phillips on the hunt.
“I wish I still had my navy blue suede ones from high school,” Ms. Phillips said. “I think they make everyone’s legs look great, and you can slip them on in a jiffy.”