Best Clogs for Men: Birkenstock, UGG and How to Choose
The men's clogs to compare first are the Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed for an added foam layer, the Birkenstock Boston in Dark Tea for the original cork-latex footbed, and the UGG Birch Clog II for waterproof leather in U.S. men's sizes. Footbed, material and size system are what separate them, so decide which of those matters most to you.
Birkenstock says the Boston is just as popular with men as with women. This guide covers clogs we list for men or as unisex, using what each brand states about the shoe.
Which men's clog should you start with?
| If you want | Start with |
|---|---|
| More cushioning underfoot | Boston Soft Footbed in Taupe. A latex foam cushion built into the footbed. |
| The original cork-latex footbed | Boston in Dark Tea. The contoured cork-latex footbed without the added foam. |
| A warm lining | Boston Shearling in Taupe. Genuine shearling lines the footbed, over a cork and latex base. |
| No strap or buckle | Amsterdam Wrapped in Taupe. A contoured cork-latex footbed with a suede midsole. |
| Waterproof leather | UGG Birch Clog II or UGG Goldencoast Clog II Nubuck. UGG lists waterproof leather on both. |
| U.S. men's sizes, no EU conversion | UGG Birch Clog II or UGG Goldencoast Clog II Nubuck. UGG men's styles sized in U.S. numbers. |
Shop this guide: Boston Soft Footbed · Boston Dark Tea · Birch Clog II · Goldencoast Clog II · Amsterdam Wrapped · Boston Shearling
Original footbed or Soft Footbed?
The foam is the real difference. The Boston Soft Footbed has a latex foam cushion built into the footbed, and Birkenstock says that gives it excellent comfort from day one. The Boston in Dark Tea uses the contoured cork-latex footbed without that layer. Birkenstock says both create custom support with wear, and its fit guide still says to increase wear time gradually.
The rest of the two spec lists match: a suede upper, a suede footbed lining, a flexible EVA sole and an adjustable strap with a metal pin buckle. We would not call either one better. Choose the foam if cushioning is your priority. Our Soft Footbed vs regular guide goes deeper.
How the Boston holds your foot
The Boston has an open heel, so nothing wraps behind your foot. The hold comes from two places: the strap and buckle across the top, and the deep heel cup molded into the footbed. Birkenstock says the strap lets you adjust the clog so it sits snug without squeezing.
Two other Birkenstock clogs
The Boston Shearling is the cold-weather Boston. Genuine shearling lines it down to the footbed, over a cork and latex base, with a flexible EVA sole and the same buckle strap. Check the fit with the socks you plan to wear.
Birkenstock calls the Amsterdam Wrapped a clog with a suede midsole, so the suede appears to run unbroken from the upper down. It has a contoured cork-latex footbed, a suede footbed lining and a flexible EVA sole. It has an open back and no strap or buckle, so the size you choose sets the fit.
UGG clogs for men
UGG lists waterproof leather and a nubuck upper on both the UGG Birch Clog II and the UGG Goldencoast Clog II Nubuck. The Bostons above are suede with no waterproof claim, so these are the two to compare for wet pavement. A clog can still let water in over the top, so neither is a puddle shoe.
The Birch Clog II is a slip-on with a suede collar, a textile lining, a poured foam footbed, a sugarcane EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. The Goldencoast adds an adjustable heel strap with a hook-and-loop closure and metal hardware, over a microfiber sockliner and textile lining.
The clearest difference from Birkenstock is sizing. UGG shows its sizes in U.S. numbers, so there is no EU conversion to do. On our listings, the Birch Clog II includes half sizes and the Goldencoast Clog II comes in whole sizes.
How to check the fit
Birkenstock lists its clogs in EU sizes. Its men's chart adds 33 to your U.S. size, so U.S. 9 to 9 1/2 is EU 42. Our Boston sizing guide walks through it.
Width comes next. Birkenstock says to choose Regular (men's D-EE) for medium to wide feet or Narrow (men's B-C) for narrow to medium. An outlined footprint on the footbed or box means Regular; a filled one means Narrow. The listings in this guide do not have a width selector, so ask us if width decides the purchase.
Once they are on, your toes should not touch the edge of the footbed. Birkenstock says to aim for about 1/4 inch of space around your foot.
For UGG, start with our UGG size guide. UGG says its shoes generally run true to size, and that some slippers and clogs may suit a smaller size on narrow feet or low insteps. Measure both feet while standing, and try both sizes if you fall between two.
Check any pair on a clean indoor surface first, because returns must be unworn.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay for men to wear clogs?
Yes. Birkenstock says its Boston clog is just as popular with men as with women, and its men's size chart runs from EU 40 to EU 50. UGG also makes clogs for men, including the Birch Clog II and Goldencoast Clog II Nubuck.
What is the best brand of clogs for men?
It depends on what you want. Birkenstock suits you if you want a cork-latex footbed and a buckle strap, and it makes the Boston in two widths. UGG suits you if you would rather shop in U.S. men's sizes. Dansko clogs on Feet Heart are listed as women's styles, so they are in our Dansko guide.
What clogs are popular right now?
We do not publish a sales ranking, so we will not name a winner. Birkenstock describes the Boston as a year-round favorite that has become a fashion piece. That is the brand talking about its own shoe, not a market ranking.
Are clogs healthy for your feet?
No shoe can promise that, and we cannot give medical advice. We can tell you how a pair is built: the Boston has a contoured cork-latex footbed with a deep heel cup, and the Soft Footbed adds a foam cushion. If you have foot pain, see a podiatrist.
More guides
- Birkenstock Boston vs Arizona
- UGG slippers vs Birkenstock Boston
- Best men's comfort shoes
- Shoe and slipper gift guide
- Shop Birkenstock
- Shop UGG
Product and fit references: Boston Soft Footbed in Taupe · Boston in Dark Tea · Boston Shearling in Taupe · Amsterdam Wrapped in Taupe · Birkenstock Boston overview · Birkenstock fit guide · Birkenstock width FAQ · UGG Birch Clog II · UGG Goldencoast Clog II Nubuck · UGG sizing article · UGG size charts
Standard U.S. shipping is free on orders of $50 or more and single-pair orders up to 5 lb. Full-price items have a 30-day return window after delivery with free return shipping. Items must be unworn, in original packaging with tags attached. Final-sale items cannot be returned. Read our shipping policy and return policy.
Need help choosing a clog?
Call (310) 398-7497, email info@feetheart.com or visit Feet World in Culver City or Arcadia. Ask about the style and size before you visit.
Get shoe updates
Restock news, new arrivals, UGG season updates and fit tips from Feet Heart.
More buying & fit guides
- Shoe & slipper gift guide
- Holiday delivery and returns
- Back-to-school shoes for kids & teens
- Winter boots & cold-weather shoes guide
- Full size guide & brand fit notes
- Best comfort shoes for standing all day
- Best comfort shoes for nurses (12-hour shifts)
- UGG Tasman vs Tazz — which to choose
- UGG Tasman vs Disquette
- UGG Classic Mini sizing guide
- Best UGG slippers for women
- Best UGG slippers for men
- UGG Classic boots: Ultra Mini vs Mini vs Short vs Tall
- Warmest UGG boots for winter & snow
- Best UGG slippers: Tasman vs Tazz vs Scuffette vs Coquette
- Birkenstock Arizona sizing guide
- Birkenstock Boston sizing guide
- Birkenstock sizing guide (EU to US)
- Best Birkenstock sandals for plantar fasciitis
- Clarks Wallabee sizing guide
- Clarks Wallabee vs Desert Boot
- Dr. Martens 1460 sizing guide
- Dr. Martens sizing & break-in guide
- Best men's comfort shoes
- Best slip-on shoes for all-day comfort
- Most comfortable shoes for women
- Waterproof shoes for women
- Wide shoes for women and men