Are Dansko Clogs the Solution to Your Foot and Leg Pain After Long Shifts?
For anyone who has spent time in a hospital, you’ve probably noticed healthcare providers wearing some rather unique clogs. Chances are, those clogs are from a brand called Dansko. The Professional Clog is the most popular style in their lineup, available in various colors and both men’s and women’s sizes. While these shoes have a loyal fan base, some healthcare workers say they wouldn’t be caught dead in them. So, is the unconventional look worth the comfort that so many rave about?
First Impressions
Some of my coworkers say they’d never wear clogs, but I personally think the Dansko Professionals look quite…well, professional. There’s something about leather that feels more polished compared to wearing sneakers. I opted for the Antique Brown color, and it really gives off a nice, classic vibe. When I first took them out of the box, the fresh smell of oiled leather was pleasant, and the clogs resembled a nice pair of dress shoes.
Once I slipped them on, I immediately noticed the “anatomically contoured PU insole” that Dansko is known for. While they felt firmer than my running shoes, they weren’t uncomfortable. From what I’d read in reviews, I knew it would take about a month to properly break them in, so I wasn’t too concerned.
Construction
The upper portion of these clogs is made from high-quality leather, available in several colors. The leather is stapled onto a molded, dual-density, contoured EVA midsole/footbed. When you first put them on, they feel solid—perhaps a bit stiff—but you can tell they’re built to last.
Comfort
Comfort is a bit tricky with Dansko clogs. If you expect instant comfort the moment you slip them on, you might be disappointed. These clogs require a “break-in” period, which isn’t widely advertised, but anyone familiar with them knows you need to ease into wearing them regularly. Your foot will eventually mold to the midsole/footbed, creating a custom fit.
I followed the advice of a friend and wore my new pair for about half a shift (~6 hours) at first, gradually increasing to a full 12-hour shift as they became more comfortable. I recommend this approach to avoid unnecessary aches and pains during the break-in process.
Durability
I’ve always heard that Dansko clogs last much longer than traditional sneakers, and based on the construction and quality materials, they certainly seem durable. However, I did notice one small issue: some of the staples holding the upper part to the midsole near the ball of my foot have started to push out a bit. While this hasn’t affected the functionality of the clogs, it was a little disappointing after investing in a high-quality pair of shoes. I haven’t pursued a warranty replacement, but I’m confident Dansko would be responsive if I did.
That minor issue aside, these shoes feel practically indestructible, and they are incredibly easy to clean, no matter what happens to splash onto them during a shift.
Sizing
Dansko uses Euro sizing for all their shoes, and while they provide a conversion chart on their website, I highly recommend measuring your foot accurately to avoid sizing issues. The Professional Clog is designed to allow your heel to move freely with each step, so you’ll want a bit of extra room behind the heel (about a finger’s width) to prevent the shoe from squeezing your foot.
At first, they may feel a little too big, but trust me—you’ll appreciate the extra space as you walk.
Conclusion
These clogs have become my go-to shoes, and I recommend them to any new nurse. I wear them daily while working in the ICU, and once they’re broken in, the comfort is amazing. After a long shift, I never have to worry about foot or leg pain.
If you’re ready to give them a try, use this link to get your own pair of Dansko Shoes!
