How to choose clogs and mules
Choose in this order: footbed, sole, upper.
Footbed first. Cork and leather footbeds tend to mould to your foot over a few weeks; soft foam feels comfortable at first but can compress with daily wear. If you stand all day, a supportive, moulded footbed matters more than a soft one.
Sole second. A rubber outsole grips wet floors better than a smooth wooden or hard plastic sole. A rocker sole rolls you forward as you walk, which some people like on hard floors and others do not.
Upper third. Full-grain leather ages with character; corrected-grain and “genuine leather” are different grades and wear differently; suede and nubuck look soft but mark more easily in wet weather. Check the listing for the exact material before you buy.
Fit. Clogs often have a roomy toe box and a heel that lifts slightly as you walk — that is normal for the style, not a defect. Use the brand size chart on Amazon, and if you are between sizes, read recent buyer feedback on the listing.