Update:

I think I’m just not the right customer for clogs. Neither the Born nor the AA were quite right. AA was too wide/high volume too. Comfort was not there in either one. I’m not a fan of this stuff style that makes a lot of noise when you walk. Maybe there are others that have softer soles, but I’m not sure I really want to pursue the search that much more right now.

Now, I do like the vibe of these lug soled loafer styles as an alternate idea.

The Aerosoles look pretty cool on. But they are a bit too wide/large on the foot. I don’t think a half size down will work because they’ll be too short. I thought about putting tongue pads inside but I don’t think they’ll take up enough room to make them work.

The Freda Salvador’s are the best fit for my actual foot. I really like the look of them too. A bit classic but with a twist. However, they’re just a little bit small in my regular size, so I would need to order a half size up. It figures they’re the most expensive option. I need to decide whether I’m going to order the 8.5. I may see if I can find a similar style at a lower price point.

Those Fredas are really great though . I think you need to own them . I’d be ordering those Aerosoles myself if I didn’t already have something very similar .

Lisa, you enabler! I do really like the Freda’s. I’m going to try them on again today. I was on my feet in heels a bit yesterday (attended a memorial), so not fully trusting just one try-on. But I do think I need a slightly larger size in them.

Confession: I did also just buy these Huma Blanco boots. I have been wanting something with this shaped wooden heel ever since I first saw them, and the navy blue is a nice change of pace from all the black I wear, while still going with a lot. They’re also surprisingly comfortable! Nice since I got rid of two pairs of dressier higher heeled boots.

So if I get the Fredas and they work, and with the addition of the Huma Blanco boots, that would be a nice update for the season and I’d be done with footwear for now. My boot collection is quite full.

I’m actually wondering if I could get away with the Aerosoles a half size down. I’d love it if they had a back strap, and have been scoping out online sources for something similar, but everything looks rather wide for me. Anything with a super rounded wide toe is usually a given not to work.

Love your new blue boots! The heel is eye-catching in the best of ways.

Just popping in to mention these Free People clogs. I have them in white and they fit my low-volume feet. They come in black if that's what you're after. The leather is soft, they are made in Spain and have studs not staples, which I prefer.

Thanks for the clog recommendation, Laura! I’ve noted a few recommendations on these and I think the stiffness and noisiness of the soles bugs me enough that perhaps it’s just not the right style for me. And the more flexible soles seem to be on “comfort” brands, which don’t really have the look I’m after.

Here are the Freda Salvador lug soles loafers on my feet. I do think a half size up is the answer to this shoe, so I’ve ordered them to try. They seem ever so slightly short as well as a little snug across the top of my foot. Patent doesn’t generally stretch so I’m not counting on these easing up in fit. It’s a different vibe from the clogs, but I like the substantial sole and the modern classic style. I think they play well with jeans for fall and spring, and maybe even with thin socks for cooler weather.

Here are the Aerosoles. Looking at that heel fit, as well as how roomy they are across my foot, I’m thinking of trying a these a half size down. I think the 7.5 might work.

The aerosols also look a size or half a size big. You could try to size down? I like the way they look!!!

Yes to the Fredas looking short. Hope the size up works!

I was going to chime in and plus-one Angie's rec; I love my Troentorp but I see the style you're going for is more of a "lug soled mule" than a traditional clog (I always think of clogs has having stiff footbeds.) Troentorp are very traditional style.