Summary
I’m glad that the Birkenstock A630 Clog’s solid profile stayed true to the robust construction that Birkenstock footwear is known for. The upper and footbed were both washable, so I didn’t have any difficulties keeping this component well-maintained even after heavy use. The PU outsole felt impressively grippy, meeting the safety standards for energy absorption and slip resistance for occupational footwear.
I especially liked the ergonomically shaped footbed that delivered continuous arch support. In this article, we’ll have a chance to explore this clog to discover which features work remarkably well and which ones need to be improved upon for better functionality.
When you want your footwear to keep up with your activities, this clog delivers much-needed support throughout the busiest shifts.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I wasn’t expecting a lot from the Birkenstock A630 Clog where comfort is concerned, since its solid construction was what drew me to this choice in the first place.
However, I’m very happy to discover that this clog turned out to be more comfortable than I initially assumed.
The component that had a significant impact on the clog’s comfort was the anatomically shaped footbed.
I loved how its structure was designed to conform to the foot’s curves, maintaining good foot alignment to prevent discomfort from setting in.
This strong arch support from the footbed helped maintain a comfortable walking experience and prevented foot fatigue from fully developing when I spent long hours walking or standing on hard surfaces. This footbed offered the added bonus of being removable, making the clog not just comfy but also a whole lot easier to clean and maintain compared to other work footwear options. I liked the shock-absorbing heel because it soaked up a great deal of the force that resulted from walking nonstop on hard floors. The suede footbed lining was a welcome addition because it surrounded my foot with a welcoming texture, preventing painful chafing. The heel was designed to take in the impact and disperse it throughout the clog to alleviate pressure, preventing foot pain from setting in, especially with prolonged periods of staying upright or walking on unyielding surface conditions. I welcomed the raised back portion that not only prevented water from seeping in but also increased the stable feeling while walking. The extended back area firmly kept my foot inside the clog, eliminating the discomfort and awkward feeling of your foot unintentionally sliding out – something that’s a risk when using clogs with a lower back portion. It’s worth noting that the insole doesn’t feel very soft, but the clog’s comfort level can easily be improved by adding another insole for extra cushioning – or by replacing the insole with another component that’s more generously padded.
I also have an issue with the clog’s rigidity, especially in the sole area, which resulted in a restrictive feeling when I walked for long periods.
The very limited flexibility made it a bit hard to continue walking for a long time because the rigid sole made my movements a bit awkward and uncomfortable – unlike flexible clogs that would’ve easily adjusted to my foot’s movements.
Weight
This clog feels considerably heavier than rubber clogs, such as Crocs. I believe this is due to the solid one-piece construction that delivered superior strength to take on tough work settings. I felt the significant weight pushing down on my foot, but the clog wasn’t extremely heavy or uncomfortable to wear even for long hours.
Traction
The grippy outsole was one of this clog’s standout features. I discovered that the outsole’s traction level was strong enough to pass the slip resistance requirements for occupational footwear. I got to fully appreciate this excellent traction when I walked on slippery or unstable ground conditions and still managed to maintain my stable footing without compromising my safety and comfort. The outsole was constructed to be resistant to grease and oil, enabling me to walk more safely in slippery kitchen and food service areas without worrying that stepping on liquids would cause me to lose my balanced gait. This exceptionally strong traction level makes the clog a remarkable choice as well for other work environments that involve tricky surfaces where slipping is a high risk.
Fit and Sizing
This clog is true to size. I didn’t need to choose a size different from my usual choice to get a comfortable fit – something that I needed to do when I used the brand’s Profi-Birki clog, which had an extremely loose fit. The A630 Clog had a comfortably relaxed fit that provided enough space inside to allow my foot to move naturally without a too-tight feeling. At the same time, I enjoyed the secure feeling of my foot being held in its proper position, preventing it from sliding around uncontrollably, which would’ve caused an unstable walking experience. I just encountered a bit of discomfort at the top of my foot because the clog’s upturned upper portion pressed into my foot with certain movements. This caused an awkward and painful feeling, especially with repetitive foot motion, which I didn’t experience when I used clogs with a spacious interior and toe box.
Waterproofing
The clog’s PU construction is water-repellent, delivering superior protection against wet elements that can be encountered on and off the worksite. I appreciated this level of resistance when I worked in the kitchen and food service settings where water, cooked dishes, and a wide range of food and beverages can accidentally spill on the clog without notice. I also liked the raised heel area because it offered a much higher degree of protection against liquid seepage compared to clogs with lower heel portions.
Breathability
I would’ve appreciated this clog even more if it had even a few holes built into the upper. As it is, the upper’s solid construction didn’t have ventilation holes, so breathability is one of the issues with this clog. Without perforations to let the air in, the interior tended to feel a bit too warm when I used the clog for hours, especially in extremely hot kitchens and in other high-temperature work environments. This resulted in an uncomfortable feeling, as the clog’s interior felt overly warm at times, although the suede footbed liner helped by absorbing moisture to prevent excessive sweatiness from building up.
Quality and Durability
The Birkenstock A630 Clog’s strong construction is one of its strongest suits and was one of the first things that drew my attention when I first saw this clog. The solid build looked robust enough to keep up with challenging work settings. I was able to prove this sturdiness when I used the clog extensively for work and it didn’t easily deteriorate, unlike other clogs made of flimsy materials that quickly broke down after a short period. The PU structure is water-repellent, so it was easier for me to keep my foot comfortably dry even in wet environments. This protective material stopped liquids from entering the clog, ensuring that my foot didn’t get uncomfortably soaked when drinks, food items, and other liquid substances were accidentally splattered on top of the footwear.
I fully appreciated the dirt-resistant PU material, especially in black, because it didn’t easily attract dirt, so it was easier for me to maintain the clog’s clean appearance for longer.
After being used heavily in tough settings, the clog was a breeze to wash, thanks to the water-repellent structure that allowed me to give it a thorough cleaning without worrying that water exposure would lead to structural deterioration.
I especially liked that this clog can be washed at a maximum temperature of 80° Celsius, as it made the footwear easier to wash off and disinfect without too much hassle.
Even the footbed didn’t require a lot of effort to clean, as it was quite easy to remove and was washable up to 30° Celsius. This allowed me to maintain good hygiene even when I used the clog regularly for long periods in challenging conditions.
I loved how the footbed’s curved structure molded to my foot’s natural contours, promoting a comfortable experience as it helped prevent fallen arches.
This helped promote pain-free walking, as my arch was completely supported and foot fatigue was prevented from setting in, especially with extended hours of clog-wearing.
However, I felt that the insole wasn’t soft enough to cradle my foot very comfortably.
I believe this clog would be much more enjoyable to wear if the insole was replaced with a more generously padded one – which won’t be that difficult to do because of its removable design. The sole also felt a bit too rigid, so there were times when walking felt quite unnatural and uncomfortable as the clog didn’t flex to adjust to my foot’s movements. I was impressed with the clog’s strong traction level because it was certified to meet the standards of slip resistance for occupational footwear. The outsole powerfully gripped surfaces, enabling me to walk steadily on oily, greasy, and uneven ground conditions without compromising my safety in the process. The shock-absorbing heel soaked up the excess energy that was produced by walking on hard surfaces for long periods. This allowed me to walk comfortably for much longer as the force was dispersed throughout the clog instead of being concentrated on the heel portion alone, which would’ve resulted in foot pain.
It’s worth mentioning that this clog has a higher price point compared to similar footwear, so I won’t recommend it to people who are looking for the most reasonably priced clog for professional use.
Other Versions
The Birkenstock A630 Clog is available in black, white, and blue. It also comes in a steel-toed version called the Birkenstock A640 Clog.
The Challengers
Crocs Bistro Clog
The Crocs Bistro Clog is built with the signature Croslite material that effortlessly flexes along with the foot’s movements, making it more comfortable to walk since there are no stiff components that can dig into the skin with every step. The closed-toe design and thick material on top deliver enhanced protection against wetness, ensuring that the foot stays dry in case water and other liquids are accidentally spilled on top of the clog. The heel strap helps keep the foot firmly in place, protecting it from sliding unintentionally or slipping completely out of the clog, especially with quick movements in slippery conditions. The contoured footbed supports the foot to maintain stability while walking, at the same time offers reliable comfort with just enough softness to ward off the pain of being upright for a long period. This lightweight clog doesn’t pull the foot down with unwelcome weight, making it a great companion for all-day comfortable walking. The exclusive Crocs Lock outsole delivers strong traction that resists slipping on tricky ground conditions, preserving your stable footing for increased safety on slick or unstable surfaces. This clog isn’t generously cushioned, though, and it doesn’t have ventilation holes, so overheating can be an issue with prolonged use in warm settings.
Sanita Professional Cabrio Chef Clog
The Sanita Professional Cabrio Chef Clog showcases a leather upper that’s strong enough to withstand heavy use in challenging kitchen and foodservice settings while maintaining a classy look that offers a stylish appeal when used in more formal surroundings. The closed-toe design keeps the top of the foot protected against spills and abrasions that can be encountered in demanding conditions for a safer experience. Unlike other clogs, this one has a closed-back design that protects the heel area, at the same time keeps the foot secured in place so it won’t accidentally slip out even with quick movements in unstable conditions. The insole offers strong arch support to prevent fallen arches to make walking more comfortable for longer as foot fatigue is prevented from setting in. The instep is generously padded so that the leather upper doesn’t dig painfully into the foot, providing increased comfort that can be enjoyed all day long. The leather sock liner molds to the foot for a comforting feeling, offering all-day support without the extreme thickness that can make the interior feel too tight. The slip-resistant outsole makes it easier to walk safely on tricky surfaces without risking your efficient and comfortable stance. This clog doesn’t have ventilation ports, though, so wearing it for a long time may lead to an overheated feeling.
Dansko XP 2.0 Clog
The Dansko XP 2.0 Clog features a closed-toe structure to protect the foot from becoming thoroughly soaked in case of exposure to accidental spills. The rocker bottom fights foot fatigue by supporting the foot’s natural rolling motion, making it more comfortable to walk all day long. The exclusive Dansko Natural Arch technology works to keep the foot in proper alignment for more stable walking on different ground conditions. The removable PU footbed with memory foam delivers superb comfort as it cradles the foot with a soft texture, alleviating pressure zones while promoting an almost customized feeling. The shock-absorbing midsole stops the development of foot fatigue when you’ve already been walking or standing for hours. The cushioned instep collar keeps the top of the foot protected against painful chafing for comfortable walking, while the spacious toe box delivers enough wiggle room to stop foot cramping with prolonged clog usage. The thermoplastic inner frame helps maintain structural strength, prolonging the clog’s life so it won’t succumb to premature damage. The slip-resistant rubber outsole grips surfaces firmly, enabling you to walk safely on wet or oily surfaces without compromising your stable footing. This clog needs a bit of time to be fully broken in, though, before it becomes completely comfortable.
Shoes for Crews Freestyle II Work Shoe
The Shoes for Crews Freestyle II Work Shoe is built with a water-resistant upper to protect the foot against extreme wetness in case liquids are accidentally spilled onto the footwear. It comes with a TripGuard feature that promotes maximum liquid movement in slippery conditions, protecting you from easily tripping and losing your balanced gait on tricky surfaces. The sporty profile goes remarkably well with foodservice and kitchen uniforms but is also stylish enough to be worn with casual attire. The cushioned insole supports the foot with ample softness to ward off the pain that tends to set in with all-day waking. This insole is removable, making it very convenient for you to keep the shoe clean for hygiene purposes and proper maintenance. However, this shoe’s outsole feels a bit too flimsy, so you may easily feel the unforgiving hardness of the floors you’re walking on before long.
Skechers Work Cessnock Shoe
The Skechers Work Cessnock Shoe features a knit mesh upper that allows plenty of air to come in, making it easier to maintain a properly ventilated interior to stop an overly warm feeling from setting in. The stretch laces make it more convenient for the shoe to be slipped on and off since there’s no need to deal with knotting and untangling the laces with every use. The relaxed fit design gives the foot enough room to shift inside the shoe when needed, alleviating much of the discomfort that comes from nonstop walking and standing. This design also allows the toes to freely wiggle to stop foot cramping which may be a risk after prolonged shoe-wearing. The air-cooled memory foam sole eases the foot’s pressure spots to stop painful friction that can lead to blister formation. It also cradles the foot in an almost customized way, promoting increased comfort as it prevents foot fatigue from developing. The shock-absorbing midsole soaks up the force that’s produced by all-day walking and keeps it dispersed throughout the foot to protect the muscles and joints from becoming fatigued. The slip-resistant sole helps maintain stability over different ground conditions for a safer walking experience. This shoe has a sporty look that suits food service and kitchen work while still being stylish enough to pair with casual attire. However, it isn’t waterproof, so it won’t keep the foot dry in case of exposure to accidentally spilled liquids.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Birkenstock A630 Clog is a great choice for those who are looking for long-lasting clogs for professional use. I was impressed with the outstanding grip that the outsole provided, making it safer and a whole lot easier to walk in challenging ground conditions. The ergonomically designed cork-latex footbed followed my foot’s shape for a comfortable experience; however, it lacked ample softness, so it may be best to replace it with a more thickly padded option. This clog can be washed at high temperatures for convenient cleaning and disinfection. It’s worth noting that it’s pricier compared to other clogs with similar attributes.
