In our era of mesh flats and sandals so thin you can feel the grooves of New York City’s sidewalk popping through your soles, I’ve found myself tempted by an inevitable fate: the orthopedic shoe. I wanted something that would ease my runner’s-knee pain, and also look slightly rustic yet stylish enough to pair with any outfit.
So for the past year, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect clog or in-between shoe — something with the aesthetic appeal and versatility of a Birkenstock but not a Birkenstock. Sorry to the Birk lovers, but I can never get comfortable in the Boston clog. My toes always feel like they’re gripping the front sole for dear life, and I’m not a fan of how chunky the back strap looks.
The next obvious choice was the Dansko clog. Renowned in the restaurant industry and beloved by every girl at my small liberal-arts college, these clogs have their merits. They add a little height, are incredibly durable, and keep your foot secure with no slipping. But again, they weren’t quite right. I craved something a little less structured; a shoe that made me feel like I was strolling through the French countryside. I came close when Blundstone released its clogs, but they sold out before I even had the chance to buy them. And for nearly $200, I wasn’t convinced they were worth it.
I even considered a pair of Dr. Martens for an edgier take on the Birkenstock, with a reliable back strap. Finally, I looked at the Salomon RX Slide 3.0 slippers, which did seem comfortable and practical, until I admitted to myself that they look like glorified water shoes.
Then, while back home and doing some post-Christmas browsing at Macy’s, I rediscovered the joy of the department-store shoe section. I’ve always been a department-store kind of girl. There’s just something luxurious about having every type of shoe within arm’s reach, and trying on different sizes without the cat-and-mouse game of online returns is deeply satisfying. You never know what you’ll find. And truthfully, I wasn’t expecting to find anything that day, but, of course, that’s when I stumbled upon the answer to all my prayers.
Tucked away in the orthopedics shoe section, I spotted these Earth slip-on clogs. The brand hadn’t been on my radar at all. I asked the clerk for my size, slipped them on, and my feet had never felt such comfort. The clogs have a natural cork footbed with arch support and a platform sole that gives me some extra height, a welcome bonus. Best of all, my feet stay securely in place — no toe-gripping required.
The Earth’s have quickly become my go-to shoes for everything: taking out the trash, grabbing coffee, meeting up with friends, going to class, or heading to work. I can walk miles in them without sacrificing style. They pair perfectly with baggy or wide-leg jeans, and I’ve been wearing them with wool socks during colder months. The thing is, I really think it’s a misnomer to even call them orthopedic: They’re simply comfortable shoes with great support. But if that’s what gets them the title, so be it.
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