The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Recommend If You Stand A Lot

“The brands that I advise my patients to research are Dansko [which has the] American Podiatrist Medical Association’s Seal of Approval, Birkenstock and Sanita,” Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist based in Washington, D.C and Maryland, told HuffPost.

“For my patients that are professionals, I [recommend] a closed back clog for additional support and minimal risk to ‘coming out of the shoe,'” Tulpule added.

Based on Tulpule’s recommendation, we selected this bestselling slip-on, closed-back Dansko clog. I own and have walked miles upon miles in this clog. Once sufficiently broken in, this thing proved unparalleled to any other shoe I’ve owned due to its long-lasting comfort and built-in arch support (which I especially appreciate for my wide, flat feet).

This classic Dansko style is available in dozens of designs and colors at Amazon, but I love its oiled black and antique brown styles; they provide a put-together vibe that’s served me well everywhere from formal work environments to running errands and drinks out. I even wore these clogs out clubbing once, and while admittedly I was the only one there in clogs, I’ll bet I was the happiest and certainly the most pain-free. Needless to say, these Danskos have been a true love affair for me.

The style also sports a two-inch heel, which gives my 5’2″ frame a fun height boost.

The shoe, pictured left in oiled black and right in blue damask, is available in women’s sizes 5-15 and in wide and narrow sizes. Even though I have wide feet, I opted for the regular sizing and was just fine. For the best fit, aim for a pinky-length gap between the back of your foot and the shoe’s heel.

This quintessentially ugly-chic clog (a compliment, according to clog lovers!) is as resilient and practical as it looks. It’s designed to literally repel dirt, oil and grease, plus is water-resistant. The clog’s squishy cork-latex footbed is designed to anatomically match the foot for maximum comfort and support. The shoe is also lined with moisture-wicking fabric to minimize stench. You can even throw this in the washing machine up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Even I, a longstanding Dansko lover, am impressed. This might just be my next pick for myself.

The Birkenstock Super-Birki clog is available in up to 10 colors, including neutrals and vibrant brights like yellow, green and pink, in women’s sizes 4-12.5 and in men’s sizes 6-15.5.

If you prefer an open-back clog, that’s just fine, according to Tulpule. “It’s really one’s preference whether to wear a mule-type clog vs a closed toe,” Tulpule wrote. “A backless clog will be easier to slip into and reduce chances of friction at the heel counter.”

Folks are absolutely obsessed with this open-back Birkenstock style, which you’ll find everywhere from college campuses to startup offices and your favorite local walking trail. Birkenstock admits it’s the brand’s “most sought after clog,” no doubt due to the pillowy soft footbed which molds to your foot as you wear it. Plus, the shoe is notoriously lightweight, so you’ll feel energized instead of weighed down as you go about your day.

The Birkenstock Boston clog has a soft suede leather upper and a luxurious suede leather lining. It’s available in up to six colors, regular/wide and medium/narrow widths, women’s sizes 4-12.5 and men’s sizes 6-17.5.

Completely lined with real shearling, Birkenstock’s Tokio clog is like if your favorite slippers turned into actual shoes. The clog’s deliciously cozy lining — paired with the brand’s notoriously comfy contoured footbed — will make you never want to take these off.

Equipped with a suede upper and adjustable front and back straps, the clog comes in two colors, men’s sizes 6.5-13.5 and women’s sizes 4-12.5.

Dansko’s Ingrid clog balances functional versatility with a classically stylish look. Its chic strap can be worn across the shoe’s front (as pictured) for an understated professional vibe, or swung behind the heel for extra support while you’re on the go.

Plus, as with Dansko‘s other footwear, the open-back clog has great anti-stub protection thanks to its reinforced toe box, a comfy padded instep and a shock-absorbing bottom that conveniently helps propel you forward as you walk. (I love the rocker-bottom feature in particular: I find it does help propel me forward when I’m getting tired from walking!)

Grab the Ingrid clog in two colors and in women’s sizes 4.5-12.

With a thick shearling cuff and a sweater-like lining, Dansko’s Magda clog is a great choice for folks looking for the arch support clogs are known for — with some extra warmth and comfort.

The cozy clog is made with a bouncy cork midsole and a non-slip rubber outsole that’ll stand the test of inclement outside weather.

Grab it in two colors and in women’s sizes 5.5-12.

This classically stylish sling-back mule features a cushioned leather footbed, a comfy cork sole and a moisture-absorbing lining specifically designed to minimize foot odor.

It’s available in up to eight colors and women’s sizes 5.5-12.

These fun Sanita hues let you express your bold personality without saying a word — while delivering all the comfort and arch support that makes clogs so beloved.

They’re available in up to six colors, including bright red, fuschia and olive, and in women’s sizes 3.5-12.

This closed-back, patent leather style from Sanita offers a shock-absorbing outsole and a comfy cushioned footbed. It also sports built-in arch support designed to prevent foot and back fatigue, plus a moisture-wicking insole to help cut down on sweat and foot odor.

The fixed strap adds some understated personality and style to this foot-loving style.

It’s available in four colors and in women’s sizes 4.5-11.

This Sonja mule from Dansko sports a reinforced toe to protect you from stubbing your feet and a unique rocking-bottom sole that’s designed to propel you forward as you walk. The clog helps minimize heel friction due to its backless style, plus is made with a wide heel for added stability and a comfy padded instep.

To no one’s surprise, I also wore this backless Dansko for many years. Beyond its practical features — of which there are delightfully many — I loved the laidback vibe its open-back style provided, plus the opportunity to show off my collection of fun socks (which are usually obscured by closed heels). I also found that the shoe did propel me forward as I walked — a great feature for when you get tired!

It’s available with leather and fabric uppers, in up to five colors and in women’s sizes 4.5-12.