Move over sandals—there’s a new contender for the summer shoe crown. Once known as your mom’s quirky footwear, clogs are staging a major comeback in 2025, and they just got a serious stamp of approval from filmmaker and cultural icon Malia Obama. Stepping out in sleek black clogs after a workout, Obama reminded us all that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. With fashion insiders and runways already embracing the revival, clogs are suddenly the shoe you didn’t know you needed—until now.
The clog comeback: From utilitarian to trendsetting
Once considered outdated and unflattering, clogs have undergone a style renaissance in recent years. The chunky silhouette, once synonymous with kitchen staff and casual home wear, is now popping up in luxury collections and streetwear looks alike. With brands like Chloé, Gucci, and Simon Miller experimenting with new materials and sharp design lines, clogs have transformed into a surprisingly versatile footwear option.
For summer 2025, this revival reaches new heights, blending functionality with fashion-forward sensibility. No longer relegated to the fall season, clogs are now being styled with everything from linen dresses to bike shorts. Their appeal lies in their adaptability—they’re easy to slip on, breathable, and offer better support than flat sandals, making them ideal for long city walks or errands on hot days.
Malia Obama’s low-key endorsement
It wasn’t a red carpet moment or a fashion editorial. Malia Obama’s fashion influence continues to thrive in everyday, off-duty moments—and this time, it came in the form of gymwear. As she left a workout class in Los Angeles, the filmmaker was spotted wearing a casual but thoughtfully styled outfit: classic black leggings, an oversized top, white Adidas ankle socks, and a pair of minimalist black clogs. She carried an orange yoga mat over one shoulder, effortlessly merging comfort and cool.
What makes this look resonate is its quiet confidence. Obama didn’t try to “style” the clogs—they were practical, functional, and fit the moment. Yet that simplicity is exactly what makes the look trend-defining. She took something unexpected and made it relatable. Clogs have long been popular among insiders for their utility, but Obama’s wear-everywhere example gives them mainstream appeal.
Fashion’s quiet obsession with clogs
Clogs have been bubbling back to the surface of fashion consciousness for a few seasons now. Birkenstock’s Boston clog has reached cult status in recent years, especially in suede and shearling iterations. Similarly, Ugg’s slipper-clog hybrids and Crocs’ ironic resurgence among Gen Z have made clunky footwear not only acceptable but aspirational.
Designers have taken note. On the 2025 Fashion Month runways, we saw embellished clogs with brass studs, sleek wooden soles, and luxe leather finishes. The new clogs are less about nostalgia and more about intentional design. Stylist Candice Lambert dubbed it the “Chloé effect,” referring to the brand’s polished, elevated interpretation of the shoe. These aren’t your mother’s gardening clogs—they’re modern, edgy, and surprisingly fashion-forward.
Why clogs work for summer too
At first glance, clogs may not scream summer. They’re closed-toe and sturdier than your typical breezy sandal. But when styled right, they offer the perfect alternative. Their open heel makes them easy to slip on and off, which is ideal for beach days, yoga classes, or patio brunches. And their solid construction makes them much kinder to your feet than flat flip-flops or minimalist slides.
Malia Obama’s post-workout look offers a blueprint: start with activewear basics and add a sleek pair of clogs in black or another neutral tone. But don’t stop there—clogs also pair well with midi skirts, wide-leg trousers, or even cut-off shorts. Think of them as the “ugly-cute” shoe that balances trendiness with grounded, effortless utility.
The verdict: Clog summer is officially on
With icons like Malia Obama leading the way, it’s clear that clogs have earned their place in the seasonal rotation. Their rise signals a shift in how we think about summer footwear—less about barely-there straps, more about substance, comfort, and individuality. Whether you opt for a designer pair or a simple slip-on version, the clog is the unexpected hero of summer 2025.
If you’ve been holding back, now’s the time to lean in. The era of the cool-girl clog has arrived—and it’s walking straight into your closet.
