Flat suede clogs are everywhere: how this off-duty shoe became a major wardrobe staple

Zara, R&B, Dr Martens shoes - Add To Basket - Suede Clogs

Credit: Zara, R&B, Dr Martens

Fashion


Flat suede clogs are everywhere: how this off-duty shoe became a major wardrobe staple

By Lucy Reber

10 months ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

4 min read

Suddenly these slingback suede clogs are everywhere! Fashion director Lucy Reber gives her edit of the best pieces to add to your online basket for spring – shop now and wear all summer.

I really love a slow-burn trend, a vibe that hovers on the periphery of your consciousness for some time and then seems to blossom all at once. Slingback suede clogs are 100% that trend for me. I can map out the points that have joined together, building them up into a big deal and an absolute must addition to my spring wardrobe.

Obviously, the Boston clog by Birkenstock has long been the style set’s off-duty shoe of choice. During the pandemic, when loungewear as daywear was de rigueur, they were elevated from cult status to absolute style classic. I love to see a muted-toned Boston paired with a perfectly slouched cashmere sock. It’s not new, but it just works. 

The next step along the road of my comfy shoe obsession was more extreme. I started to notice people wearing Ugg slipper style shoes while out and about, often on the tube. While not quite brave enough to embrace the slipper-as-daywear aesthetic myself, I silently applauded these women, who looked as chic as they did comfortable. They wore fitted leather biker jackets with form-fitting tops, baggy jeans and an Ugg Tazz clog – a shoe that seems to sell out as soon as it’s back in stock. The brand have recently launched a slingback clog, the Goldenstar, which will likely prove to be just as popular. 

It is so wonderful that fashion continues to embrace comfort as well as aesthetic. Clogs were front-and-centre once again at Roksanda Ilinčić’s a/w 2024 show in February. The designer, known for her use of strong colour had collaborated with Fit Flop on some bold-hued clogs that went straight to the top of my shopping list, and I know I wasn’t the only one admiring the functional footwear. 

I have recently – twice! – spotted women wearing the next step in this flat shoe revolution, the slingback clog, out in the wild. My first official spot was at a panel talk I took part in for International Women’s Day; I could not take my eyes off a lovely neutral suede pair someone was wearing on the front row. My second spot came last week on-set, where the very chic hair assistant was rocking a Dr Marten pair with baggy jeans and an outsized stripe shirt. I instantly wished I was wearing her outfit, instead of my clog-free one.

Since then the floodgates have opened and I am seeing super-chic slingback clogs at every turn. Russell & Bromley’s delightful Hometime version, which comes in black leather or brown suede, is all but sold out in both colourways (as an aside, the R&B website has clogs as an option in their drop-down menu, which I very much enjoy). Birkenstock’s high-end collection have the 1774 IV Tokio in a range of hues from pink to orange, as seen in this month’s issue of Stylist, while their core collection has the Lutry, with a fabulous visible stitching detail that makes it all the more appealing. 

In short, the only thing I want on my feet right now is these clogs, so I’ve picked three of my favourite pairs for you to add to your online basket, and you are very welcome.  


zara split suede clogs

Zara flat split suede clog

This chic take on the modern clog is a great entry point into the trend. The chunky stitch detail adds a luxurious raw finish – these look far more expensive than their £59.99 price tag.

Wear with a full mid-wash denim outfit to give a gentle nod to the current country cowboy mood. An outsized chambray shirt layered over a ribbed white vest and straight-leg, high-waist jeans is the perfect fresh spring look.  

Shop flat split suede clog at Zara, £59.99 

Buy now

Dr Marten Jorge II nubuck leather slingback mules

Dr Marten Jorge II nubuck leather slingback mules

I also love the cream version of these chunky soled shoes, but had to opt for khaki in the edit as it is such a versatile styling choice. 

Wear with beige loose linen trousers and a crisp white T-shirt for the ultimate in neutral hued easy wear elegance. 

Shop Jorge II nubuck leather slingback mules at Dr Martens, £130 

Buy now

Russell & Bromley Westside slingback clog

Russell & Bromley Westside slingback clog

Opt for this bold leopard print style, for a modern take on dressing for the evening. 

They will look so chic worn with a draped neck top in silk or satin and a slouchy, pleat-front trouser puddled over them. 

Shop Westside slingback clog at Russell & Bromley, £345

Buy now


Add To Basket is a franchise from Stylist, headed up by our fashion director, Lucy Reber

Every two weeks, she’ll zone in on the piece you should be buying and why it’s going to elevate your wardrobe in an instant.

Follow her for more style advice @le_reber.

Lucy Reber, Stylist Fashion Director

Credit: Image: Victoria Adamson


Images: Victoria Adamson; courtesy of brands

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