Walking in clogs - YouLookFab Forum

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Walking in clogs

Maya

Veteran

I have questions for those that you who have clogs or clog-like shoes which cause your feet to roll forward instead of flex.

I actually understand that this type of shoe is good for people like me, who have flat arches and tend to overpronate, because it keeps the foot stable. But I find it hard to get used to this walking this way. It's not painful but I feel a little wobbley and...clompy, for lack of a better word. Is this something you get used to?

These are the shoes I have that are designed this way. They're not clogs but have a similar look and feel:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7673361/color/11 (in black, not taupe)

http://www.zappos.com/bc-footwear-gamma-ray-black

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Steph

Veteran

I'm confused--what do you mean when you say the shoe causes your foot to roll forward? Does your foot stay in the same position and the shoe just kind of rolls a bit on the ground as you move forward? Or does the ball of your foot roll? I'm having trouble understanding. I ask because I had a paid of Dr. Scholls sandals that had a similar shape. When I wore those my foot didn't really move much and I almost felt like I had to use my toes to clench my foot in place. Is that the same kind of idea with these?

Maya

Veteran

What I mean is that the soles are not flexible, so you do not walk as you normally would, where your toes flex with each step. Instead, the sole is slightly upturned at the front, and you "rock" forward while your foot remains in the same position, without your toes bending.

I don't feel like I need to keep my toes clenched. I only feel that way when I'm wearing a shoe that threatens to fall off. I just find the rocking motion a little unstable, and I'm not sure if it's something I just need to get used to or if it just isn't meant to be. I think it probably is not good for high arches, but I'm only basing that on the fact that I know it IS good for flat arches.

rute

Veteran

they are comfy when you're walking on a flat surface, when there is a descending street, it's difficult to walk with clogs.

Patience

Veteran

I think you would adjust but it might take time and exclusivity. Maybe the instability arises more from not being in contact with the ground really. That's the feeling I always have wearing platforms. I think I do prefer feeling the ground more, but I still can adjust to the slightly wobbly feeling.

rute

Veteran

yes, that't it! unstable!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

I ordered and returned a pair of Frye clogs for this reason, Maya...I really didn't like that clompy, disconnected feeling...

Louise

Veteran

They take a bit of getting used to. I got some flexi soled ones from Lands end http://www.landsend.co.uk/pp/L.....igin=index which seem to get rid of the rocking sensation x

Steph

Veteran

My Dr. Scholls were the same way and I did get used to it. Of course, I'm also used to my foot not really flexing as I walk, since I walk in heels. Now that I think about it, I wonder if that's part of the problem some people have when trying to walk in heels?

Cilleena

Veteran

Yes! It can be unstable! Be careful when wearing clog type shoes. I have twisted my ankle several times when wearing my Danskos. It's always happened walking down steeper hills or on uneven pavement and well, I was pregnant, so that threw my balance off too.

Now, I have no problems with them and find them very comfy, but I will still be careful walking downhill and stepping off sidewalks and such.

cciele

Veteran

I got used to the rolling motion with my Swedish Hasbeens; it is rather clompy Have also worn them dancing, no problem. But I haven't worn them on any inclines, so I have no idea what that's like!

Maya

Veteran

Hmm, New York is pretty flat terrain, so I don't think that inclines will be a problem.

Steph, heeled shoes still flex at the toe. It has nothing to do with being heeled or flat, just whether the sole is flexible or not.

I have worn the boots a few times already without too much trouble. I guess I just need to be more confident.

catgirl

Veteran

I have a problem with open-back clogs, but with closed back I think it's just a matter of getting used to that rolling gait. Also many clogs are hard and having a gel insert helps with the clompiness factor. I love both the shoes you've posted - I think I have the first pair bookmarked somewhere.

Jonesy

Veteran

Yep, I can't walk in them comfortably, so I don't have any, though I love the style. I just can't get used to that rigid, blocky sole. I can handle blocky wedges if they're flexible, but the rigidity just doesn't feel right to me.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Maya I had a pair of clog-like shoes a number of years ago and gave them away for that very reason - I couldn't stand the clompy rolling motion at all.

I now have 2 pairs of platform heels that aren't worn often for that same reason - its just so unnatural to me and I can't get the hang of it!

Diana

Veteran

I also have flat feet and find clog soles like this very comfy - even with heels, clogs tend to not give me pain in the ball of the foot, which happens with a lot of other shoes. Because I have narrow, low-instep feet, however, I can only wear this type of shoe if it is a boot or something with an ankle strap, because otherwise they go flying off my feet. I feel less clompy also when I don't have to worry about kicking my shoe across the street! (I can't keep most ballet flats on either, but it's worse with clogs because they tend to be heavier.) I do have ankles that are prone to turning, so I do have to be a bit careful with the wobbliness, but the ankle strap/boot top again helps with this, and I've gotten used to the slightly wobbly feeling by now.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I just roll with it hee hee Actually, since the heel is relatively wide and / or stable I find clogs less wobbly than traditional high heels. I have a super high arch so I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Maya

Veteran

Diana, it sounds like you and I have very similar feet, so that gives me hope. I only wear ballet flats that have elastic around the topline, and I can only wear mary jane pumps. I have completely given up on any other kind of open shoe.