I've been wearing clogs since I was just a little kid, slipping my feet into my Swedish grandma's wooden clogs. I always liked the way they looked, and they reminded me of going over to grandma's house to bake kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) for fika (the Swedish tradition of having something sweet with tea or coffee in the afternoon).
As an adult, I've owned at least 10 different pairs of clogs, and most of them are from the Danish brand Dansko. I love them, much to the chagrin of my fashion-forward colleagues — and let's face it, the internet at large — who call them "ugly."
Fashion trends come and go with the seasons, and clogs aren't typically in vogue, but they're coming back along with lots of fun '70s-inspired clothing right now, and I couldn't feel more vindicated. Everyone from Everlane to Dior is making clogs now, but Dansko is still making the best and most affordable ones.
When you picture Dansko clogs, you probably imagine the black original style that's beloved by nurses and other workers who have to spend hours working on their feet. And while I love the classic clogs, too, Dansko has so many more great styles. You can find low-heeled boots with the same sole as the traditional clogs, high-heeled clog sandals in fun colors, and classy Mary Jane-style pumps that don't even have the iconic clog-style soles.
Dankso clogs are comfortable to walk in for hours, beautifully crafted from real leather, and they last for years. I've had several pairs for about five years each, and they still look great and have minimal wear.