Clogs have become standard footwear in many professional environments, from hospitals and clinics to commercial kitchens and manufacturing facilities. Their combination of comfort and practicality makes them ideal for workers who spend long hours on their feet. However, ensuring workplace safety while wearing clogs requires understanding their limitations and choosing appropriate styles for your specific work environment.
As a podiatrist who has consulted for numerous Australian workplaces on occupational footwear, I've seen both excellent clog implementations and problematic ones. This guide shares evidence-based safety practices to help you get the benefits of clogs while minimising risk.
Workplace clog safety comes down to three factors: choosing the right clog for your specific hazards, ensuring proper fit, and understanding when clogs may not be appropriate. Not all clogs are suitable for all work environments.
Understanding Workplace Footwear Regulations
Before selecting work clogs, familiarise yourself with the relevant Australian Standards and your workplace's specific requirements. The key standard for protective footwear in Australia is AS/NZS 2210, which specifies requirements for different protection levels.
Many workplaces require enclosed footwear with specific safety features. While some professional clogs meet these requirements, open-back or ventilated styles may not be permitted in certain environments. Always check with your workplace health and safety officer before assuming clogs are acceptable.
Key Regulations to Know
- Healthcare settings: Typically require enclosed, fluid-resistant footwear with non-slip soles
- Commercial kitchens: Require slip-resistant, enclosed footwear resistant to hot liquids
- Manufacturing: May require steel-toe protection not available in most clogs
- Construction: Generally require safety boots; clogs are rarely appropriate
- Office environments: Usually have minimal footwear requirements
Never assume clogs meet your workplace safety requirements. Verify with your employer and check the clog's specifications against required standards. Using non-compliant footwear could invalidate workers' compensation claims.
Slip Resistance: The Critical Factor
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries in Australia, and appropriate footwear is your primary defence. Slip resistance in clogs depends on both the outsole material and the tread pattern design.
How Slip Resistance Is Measured
Quality work clogs are tested for slip resistance on various surfaces, including wet ceramic tile (simulating bathroom or kitchen floors) and steel with glycerol (simulating oily surfaces). Look for clogs that meet or exceed the SRA (slip resistance on ceramic with soap solution), SRB (slip resistance on steel with glycerol), or SRC (both) ratings.
Maintaining Slip Resistance
Even the best slip-resistant soles degrade over time. The tread pattern wears down, and the rubber compound can harden, reducing grip. Replace work clogs when you notice:
- Visibly worn tread patterns
- Smooth spots on the outsole
- Reduced confidence in grip on wet surfaces
- The outsole feels harder or less flexible than when new
In high-risk environments, consider replacing work clogs every six to twelve months regardless of visible wear, as the slip-resistant properties often degrade before obvious signs appear.
Proper Fit for Safety
An ill-fitting clog is a safety hazard. Too loose, and your foot can slip inside the clog during quick movements or on stairs. Too tight, and you may unconsciously alter your gait to compensate for discomfort, increasing trip risk.
Fit Guidelines for Work Clogs
- Your heel should sit securely in the heel cup with minimal vertical movement
- If the clog has a back strap, it should hold your heel in place without excessive pressure
- Toes should have room to spread naturally without contacting the front of the clog
- The clog should feel secure during lateral movements, not just forward walking
- Width should accommodate any swelling that occurs during long shifts
Fit work clogs at the end of a work day when your feet are at their most swollen. This ensures comfort throughout your shift. Clogs that feel perfect in the morning may become tight and uncomfortable by afternoon.
Enclosed vs. Open-Back Clogs
The choice between enclosed-back and open-back clogs significantly impacts workplace safety. Understanding the trade-offs helps you make the right choice for your environment.
Enclosed-Back Clogs
Enclosed-back designs offer maximum security. Your foot cannot slip out unexpectedly, and the enclosed construction provides better protection from spills and falling objects. These are typically required in healthcare settings and commercial kitchens.
The trade-off is reduced breathability and slightly more effort to put on and take off. For most professional environments, these disadvantages are minor compared to the safety benefits.
Open-Back Clogs with Straps
Many popular clog designs feature an open back with an adjustable strap. When worn with the strap in the "heel position" (behind the heel), these offer reasonable security for moderate-risk environments. However, many workers flip the strap forward for easy on-off, significantly reducing stability and safety.
If your workplace permits strap-back clogs, commit to wearing the strap properly at all times while working. Flipping the strap forward turns your work shoe into a slide—suitable for the beach but not for professional environments.
For maximum workplace safety, choose enclosed-back clogs whenever possible. If you prefer strap-back styles, select models with sturdy, adjustable straps and always wear them in the heel position during work hours.
Protecting Against Specific Hazards
Hot Liquids and Spills
Kitchens and some healthcare environments present hot liquid hazards. Look for clogs made from materials that resist hot liquids and won't absorb spills. Avoid clogs with ventilation holes in these environments, as hot liquids can enter through the openings.
Sharp Objects
While most clogs lack puncture-resistant soles, thicker EVA or rubber soles provide some protection against common sharp items like broken glass. For environments with significant sharp object hazards, consider professional-grade clogs with reinforced soles or evaluate whether clogs are truly appropriate.
Chemical Exposure
Healthcare and laboratory settings may involve chemical exposure. Ensure your clogs are made from chemically resistant materials and can be easily cleaned and decontaminated. Most EVA and rubber clogs handle common cleaning chemicals well, but check compatibility with any specialty chemicals in your workplace.
Biological Hazards
In medical and veterinary settings, clogs may be exposed to blood, bodily fluids, and other biological materials. Choose non-porous, easily sanitised materials, and avoid clogs with seams, stitching, or ventilation holes where contaminants could lodge.
Ergonomic Safety Considerations
Beyond immediate injury prevention, work clogs should support long-term musculoskeletal health. Poor footwear choices contribute to chronic conditions including plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip problems, and lower back issues.
Arch Support Matters
Workers standing for extended periods need adequate arch support. The foot's arch acts as a shock absorber, and proper support reduces fatigue and stress on joints throughout the leg. Quality work clogs feature contoured footbeds that support the arch without being intrusive.
Cushioning and Shock Absorption
Hard floors—common in hospitals, kitchens, and industrial settings—transmit impact forces up through the legs with each step. Quality clogs incorporate cushioning materials that absorb these forces, reducing cumulative stress on joints.
Rocker Soles
Some professional clogs feature a subtle rocker sole design that encourages natural foot motion during walking. This reduces strain on the ankle and promotes healthy gait mechanics during long shifts. If you walk extensively during work, consider clogs with this feature.
- Verify clogs meet your workplace requirements
- Choose appropriate slip resistance rating (SRA, SRB, or SRC)
- Ensure proper fit with secure heel placement
- Select enclosed backs for high-risk environments
- Replace clogs before slip resistance degrades
- Consider ergonomic features for long-term health
When Clogs Aren't Appropriate
Despite their many advantages, clogs aren't suitable for every workplace situation. Recognise these scenarios where alternative footwear is safer:
- Heavy object risks: Environments where heavy items could fall on feet require steel-toe protection
- Uneven terrain: Outdoor or construction sites need ankle-supporting boots
- Ladder work: The open design of many clogs is unsafe on ladder rungs
- Running or rapid movement: Even secure clogs aren't designed for running; if your job requires this, consider athletic work shoes
- Electrical hazards: Specialised insulated footwear may be required
Safety should always take precedence over comfort preferences. If your workplace presents hazards that clogs cannot adequately protect against, choose appropriate safety footwear even if it's less comfortable for standing.