Footwear Focus—A Podiatrist’s Review of Stegmann Clogs
Some folks reach for their clogs only when the temperatures dip. I respectfully disagree.
I love rocking clogs and clog-like sandals in the summer months and find them to be an easy and, often, more supportive option than the typical summer shoe round-up.
Slip-on shoe styles have a special place in my heart, as I know they do for many busy, active professionals like me. We need comfort and ease when it comes to our footwear, and clogs deliver both in spades.
There’s also something inherently cozy about the style, maybe because they retain the feel of slippers.
Clogs have come a long way from their humble beginnings as the footwear choice of Dutch peasants in the 1300s. Back then, they were often made of wood and were chosen for their practicality and protection from the elements and harsh working conditions.
Today, you can find clogs in all colors and styles. From the classic slip-on closed-toe variety to open-toed sandal versions—modern footwear brands have retained the best parts of this style while evolving it to meet the wants and needs of today’s customers.
If you’re a frequent Footwear Focus flyer, you know I’m always on the hunt for new, innovative brands that offer more than just top-notch, supportive shoes.
This month, I’m trying out Stegmann Clogs to see how they stack up. Read on to discover more about this brand and if they receive my seal of approval as podiatrist-recommended footwear!
Stegmann Footwear brand overview
Stegmann bills their line of clogs and sandals as being stylish, comfortable, and supportive.
They aim to be your go anywhere, wear everyday footwear, and feature three unique footbed options—charmingly named Inga, Heidi, and Hannah, like a trio of Nordic mountain maidens.
They even namecheck familiar favorites like Birkenstocks in their marketing, asserting they’ve taken this model of comfort and ease and elevated it to new heights. Bold claims, to be sure.
Technically, Birkies have been around longer than Stegmann, but both brands boast a more than 100-year history in the footwear world, so it’s not as if either are new to the game.
Founded in 1888, Stegmann was built on European traditions of quality craftsmanship. Today, they uphold this tradition while leaning into modern materials and innovative design.
Based in Austria, Stegmann shoes are handcrafted in Austria and Portugal, using responsibly sourced materials whenever possible. Then, they’re sent to the US for finishing touches, including adding cork or poly soles.
Stegmann touts their empowerment of local farmers and preservation of rare sheep breeds through their wool sourcing and Species Preservation Initiative. They also support jobs in the United States by having their finishing work completed here.
When it comes to their mission, they focus heavily on delivering comfort, quality, and support. Stegmann’s shoes feature interior padding, arch support, and a metatarsal pad.
Overall, Stegmann’s goal is to promote natural foot movement while providing orthopedic-level comfort to wearers and creating quality shoes that stand the test of time.
Now that you know what they have to say about their footwear offerings, let’s take a look at what customers and podiatrists think about the brand.
What do podiatrists and customers say about Stegmann footwear?
On paper, Stegmann footwear sounds pretty great—but how do they stack up in the real world?
Because the brand has such a long history in business, they boast devotees who’ve worn them for literal decades. Several online commentators note their parents wore them for 20-30 years and passed on their love for this brand to the next generation.
Customers also widely appreciate how comfortable and durable Stegmann shoes and sandals are, as well as praising them as good house shoes.
Several folks note that they’re especially friendly for those with wider feet, and others share how they've helped with their plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Online reviewers also share how the eco wool molds to their feet over time, providing a truly custom fit that’s extra comfy.
Customers tend to find their slip-on clogs to be comfortable out of the box, but assert it takes a few days to achieve the full foot molding effect.
The brand seems to be a hit with customers, but what do podiatrists have to say about them?
Stegmann clogs often get the podiatrist seal of approval, especially for folks with plantar fasciitis and other types of acute and chronic foot pain.
With a supportive design that features a contoured footbed and added arch and metatarsal support—they can provide optimal positioning that reduces stress and strain and may help to reduce foot pain for some wearers.
Their cork soles also deliver added shock absorption and stability, making them both comfortable and supportive.
So, many podiatrists like this brand and recommend them to their patients. But what’s my expert opinion on Stegmann’s offerings and my firsthand experience with their shoes?
Let’s dig into my personal review next.
Dr. Young’s expert podiatrist review of Stegmann Clogs
If you’ve viewed Stegmann’s website, you’ve already seen the wide variety of clog-style shoes and sandals they offer.
Who knew clogs came in such a diverse array?
Though true clog styles are their flagship offering, I was seeking to replace a specific pair of shoes in my rotation, so I opted for their Hannah Leather sandal in black.
(Psst—this style also comes in a wide width option)
I really like the styling of these and find them to be very cute. They remind me of my old similar pair from Madewell, but are MUCH more comfortable.
They advertise these as having a “Birkenstock-like footbed,” which I definitely found to be true. Like Birkies, these also feature a cork sole and footbed. Unlike Birkies, the footbed on these sandals is also covered in suede, which feels very nice and soft.
They also have really good arch support, which is always a plus in my book.
The back strap comes in handy for keeping these on and secure. For my money, back straps on sandals make a huge impact on how comfortable a sandal can be for walking long distances.
For my money, I like a sandal that can go the distance.
This style also has Velcro instead of a buckle, which makes them easy to adjust and tighten to your exact needs. This is another great feature of these sandals.
Speaking of straps, the material used for these is a lot softer than many other similar styles I’ve tried, which adds to their comfort factor.
So, what’s my expert opinion of my new Stegmann sandals? Do they get my coveted seal of approval as podiatrist-recommended footwear?
You can probably already guess the answer, but I’ll spell it out for you, anyway—
I love these and have worn them non-stop since I got them! They’re cute, stylish, comfy, and go with everything from pants and shorts to dresses.
In fact, I like these so much that I’m already planning to snag a companion style to rock in the winter months.
When it comes to podiatrist-recommended sandals—Stegmann gets my vote for supportive sandals that hit the mark for comfort, ease, and style. It’s clear there’s a good reason they’re still around and thriving after more than 100 years in business!
Got a footwear brand or style you’re dying to have me try out and review? Reach out and let me know! I’m always interested in hearing your feedback and suggestions for future posts, and I’m here for you if you have any burning footwear or podiatry-related questions you need answered! Get in touch, stop by the office, or book your appointment easily online!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
