Unisex Leather Clogs

Why a clog was never a gendered shoe

In Scandinavia, Germany and the Netherlands, where most of these are made, clogs have always been built on a single last and sold to whoever fits them. The idea that a clog is women's footwear is largely an English-language marketing habit, and it is why so many of the best ones are sold as unisex.

How unisex sizing works

Almost always EU sizes, converted separately to men's and women's US sizing on the same shoe. The EU number is the reliable figure. If a listing gives you both US conversions, they describe the same physical shoe.

The practical difference between a men's and women's last is a wider forefoot and a higher instep. A unisex last sits between the two, which suits a lot of people and pinches a few — usually those with a high instep in a shoe with no buckle.

Where unisex works best

Professional clogs, cork-footbed clogs and traditional wooden-based clogs are all built this way. These are shoes designed around the shape of a foot rather than a silhouette, and they are generally the more durable end of the category.

Buying advice

If you are between the two conversions, work from EU and fit by the footbed: ball of the foot over the widest part, about a centimetre at the toe, no spillover at the sides. Look for an adjustable closure if your instep is high, because a unisex vamp is a compromise by design.

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