Summary
The Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip Clog stood out with a unique profile, but I was even more impressed with its remarkable features when I got to wear it for work. The cork-latex footbed cradled my foot and provided strong support so I was comfortable while walking and staying upright for hours.
The back strap and buckle on top were both adjustable, so it was easy for me to tweak the clog until I got the best fit. I loved the Super Grip outsole because it stabilized my steps over a variety of ground conditions. The top-quality leather provided a premium look and resisted stains for enhanced durability. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the clog’s qualities to further appreciate its benefits.
For jobs and activities requiring uncompromised stability, this clog is built to deliver all-day support and a comfortable experience.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered how comfortable the Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip Clog was, especially compared to other clogs that I’ve previously used – from Birkenstock and other brands.
The signature cork-latex footbed that’s a staple in Birkenstock footwear is designed to offer increased support, maintaining the foot’s correct alignment and enabling me to walk without feeling unstable even on tricky surfaces. I got to appreciate this stability even more during busy days because the clog enabled me to continue walking at a fast pace, confident that I wouldn’t easily lose my balance even on challenging floor conditions. I loved this footbed because it eventually molded to my foot’s shape after a short break-in period. This resulted in a personalized feel as the footbed provided the right level of cushioning without feeling too soft and offered strong support exactly where my foot needed it, making it easier to walk comfortably without compromising my steady gait. The footbed worked as the clog’s shock absorber as it soaked up the impact resulting from hours of walking on unyielding floors, dissipating the force for increased protection against foot fatigue. The curved structure cupped my heel in place and prevented it from uncontrollably sliding with every step, which also contributed to the remarkably stable feeling while walking. The leather upper required the same breaking-in period, getting softer and more pliable the more I used the clog until it ultimately started to conform to my foot’s contours to deliver an almost effortless level of comfort with every step. The suede footbed lining was a welcome bonus that offered additional comfort by surrounding my skin with a soothing texture, protecting it from painful blisters that may have easily formed if the material wasn’t that comforting. The EVA midsole added another layer of padding to ensure that I didn’t suffer from a great deal of pain after walking on hard floors for several hours.
I enjoyed the feeling of my toes naturally being spread out inside the clog. It had enough room to accommodate a bit of movement, making it easier to alleviate some tiredness when I’d already been on my feet for a long time.
Weight
This clog felt remarkably lightweight compared to other Birkenstock clogs I previously used. I was expecting it to feel heavier because of the cork footbed and the overall premium construction, so I was very happy to discover that its weight was significantly minimized. This lightweight profile made it a great companion for walking for hours on end, since it didn’t push down on my foot with a bulky feel that would’ve resulted in a great deal of discomfort. Even the thick sole that featured the contoured cork-latex footbed didn’t feel too weighty, enabling me to walk comfortably without needing to carry around unwelcome excess bulk.
Traction
The Super Grip outsole was built to meet and ace slip resistance standards for occupational footwear, and I got to put this resistance to the test while at work. I was impressed with how grippy the outsole felt and what made me even happier was that the strong traction didn’t come with bulky treads – like those that I encountered with other work footwear. Walking on slick kitchen floors, restaurant surfaces with spilled food or drinks, and even healthcare settings won’t be a challenge, thanks to this clog’s grease- and oil-resistant Super Grip rubber outsole. The remarkable level of traction made it much easier for me to walk with more confidence over tricky surfaces without worrying about slipping accidents.
Fit and Sizing
This clog is true to size, enabling me to achieve a comfortable fit without needing to choose an option that’s smaller or larger than my regular size. It feels snugger compared to the other Birkenstock clogs I’ve tried, such as the A630 and Profi-Birki, keeping my foot cocooned comfortably inside so I didn’t need to deal with unintentional foot movement even with quick walking on challenging floors. I especially liked how the snug fit didn’t make the interior feel painfully cramped, with the toe box still having enough space to accommodate unhampered toe wiggling so it was much easier to prevent cramping after I’d stood for a while. The back strap enhanced the secure fit as it held my foot in a proper position, preventing it from sliding inside the clog even with nonstop walking. The buckle on top also helped with fit alterations, enabling me to effortlessly customize the clog to the most secure and comfortable fit.
Waterproofing
The leather upper offers good resistance to liquids, stopping them from quickly getting into the clog so my foot stayed comfortably dry even with exposure to spilled liquids and other moisture sources all around the work area. However, this isn’t a fully waterproof shoe, as wet elements will still be able to come in through the open back area and the spaces near the buckle on top.
As such, I won’t recommend it for environments that are constantly exposed to significant wetness because it won’t stop liquids from soaking the foot, especially with prolonged exposure to wet elements.
Breathability
Breathability wasn’t a problem with this clog because the back portion and the spaces on top allowed a lot of air to get in. My foot felt fresh and cool for longer because the interior remained nicely ventilated throughout the day. I was spared from the discomfort of dealing with an overheated clog as the air freely moved through the interior, encouraging the heat and moisture to evaporate before these could build up to an overly warm feeling.
Quality and Durability
The Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip Clog stands out not only because of its appearance but also because of how it performs on and off the worksite. It showcased a unique silhouette that I considered quite refreshing, as it veered off from the usual chunky profile that’s associated with work clogs. The natural leather delivered a premium look, with the smooth matte exuding a streamlined appearance that perfectly suited professional attire much more than the excessively bulky designs often seen in other clogs.
On the other hand, the clog also offered a laidback style that made it a great partner for jeans, shorts, and other casual outfits that can be enjoyed in more relaxed settings outside the work area. The top-notch materials and construction delivered impressive durability and strength, providing the assurance that I’d be able to fully maximize the clog’s functional and aesthetic benefits for a long time without worrying about its structural integrity.
This clog’s design and structure are a far cry from the plastic or rubber clogs that I previously used, and the differences became even more pronounced after I got to use the Tokio for longer. The back strap held my foot in a secure position so I didn’t need to worry that walking fast would result in my foot completely sliding out of the clog. I welcomed the addition of a buckle on top because it enabled me to further personalize the fit so that the clog felt as comfortably snug and secure as I wanted it to be. The leather upper felt a little stiff at first, but after a short break-in period, it started to conform to my foot’s natural shape. This resulted in the leather becoming comfortably pliable, adjusting to my steps so I enjoyed comfortable walking without hard materials digging in painfully from the top.
I loved the cork-latex footbed that’s a significant component in Birkenstock footwear because it was shaped to cradle the foot’s natural contours
This footbed delivered strong arch support, protecting my foot from falling uncomfortably flat, so I was able to walk comfortably for much longer. The cork-latex footbed’s strong absorption greatly minimized the risk of foot fatigue for pain-free clog use all day long. I appreciated the leather’s stain-resistant quality, as it took away the stress of keeping the clog’s clean and well-maintained appearance, especially when in tough work environments. I welcomed the clog’s snug fit because it enhanced the secure feeling while walking but didn’t negatively impact comfort, as there was enough space left inside to enable my toes to freely wiggle. The exclusive Super Grip outsole had outstanding traction, helping me sustain my stable gait on uneven or slick floors without risking my safety. It’s worth noting that this clog has a higher price point than rubber clogs – but is still a fantastic choice for those who prefer professional clogs with a premium look.
Other Versions
The Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip Clog can be enjoyed in black, blue, and white colors. It also comes in a version with an anti-static sole offering ESD protection.
The Challengers
Crocs Bistro Pro LiteRide Clog
The Crocs Bistro Pro LiteRide Clog boasts an exceptionally lightweight profile to keep your foot supported and comfortable all day long without excess bulk to pull you down. The proprietary LiteRide foam insole cushions the foot with remarkable softness to ward off the pain of walking or standing for long periods. It allows the foot to sink in enough to promote a customized feel while ensuring that you’ll still be able to enjoy complete stability while walking. The closed-toe design protects the foot from becoming thoroughly soaked in case liquids are accidentally spilled on the clog. This clog is meant to be cleaned with soap and water so you can enjoy hassle-free cleaning and maintenance after extensive use. The slip-resistant Crocs Lock tread strongly grips surfaces to prevent slipping without compromising your efficient movements. The absence of holes on the upper increases the risk of overheating, though, so this can lead to discomfort.
Merrell Encore Gust Clog
The Merrell Encore Gust Clog is built with full-grain leather that delivers a streamlined look, going nicely with chef’s uniforms, food service attire, and other workwear. The sleek leather upper has a versatile look that’s also suitable for casual or smart-casual ensembles, allowing you to maximize the clog in a wide variety of settings. The COMFORTBASE ACTIVE insole is designed to conform to the foot’s shape for superior comfort and support that you can enjoy even with long hours of walking or standing. The heel is fitted with the exclusive Merrell Air Cushion that soaks up most of the impact produced by staying on your feet for extended periods. This component protects the foot from becoming fatigued by spreading the force across the clog instead of it being concentrated solely on the heel portion. The sticky rubber outsole powerfully grips different surfaces, helping you walk steadily to prevent slipping accidents on tricky ground conditions. This clog has a breathable mesh lining but without ventilation holes, the interior still tends to feel overly warm with extended use.
SensFoot Slip-Resistant Clog
The SensFoot Slip-Resistant Clog is made with environmentally friendly EVA that’s remarkably lightweight. It doesn’t pull the foot down with extra weight, so walking is comfortable even for prolonged periods. The back strap can be pulled up or down to increase stability, keeping the foot secured in place so it won’t easily slip out when you’re walking at a fast pace. This strap can also be removed if you prefer to use the clog without it for increased convenience. The holes on the sides permit more air to come in, preserving a well-ventilated interior that stays cool for longer as pent-up heat and moisture are allowed to quickly dissipate, especially in hot environments. The slip-resistant outsole delivers strong traction to maintain your stability while walking on slippery or inclined floors. This clog doesn’t have strong arch support, though, so foot fatigue can be a problem after hours of use.
Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe
Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe is constructed with water-resistant leather to keep the foot protected against uncomfortable wetness in kitchens and other work environments. The elasticized panels easily stretch to accommodate the foot’s entry, making shoe use more convenient without any discomfort to deal with. This leather slip-on shoe has a versatility that you can maximize in different environments, with a profile that’s low-key stylish enough to blend in nicely with various uniforms and even casual attire. The signature footbed that uses cork, memory foam, and PU materials cushion the foot to keep it comfortably supported all day long. The slip-resistant outsole helps sustain your steady gait over tricky surfaces for a safer experience. This shoe isn’t designed with perforations, though, and tends to get uncomfortably warm after extended use.
Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe
The Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe features a smooth leather upper that offers versatile use, pairing remarkably well with different work attire and even smart-casual ensembles. The material is resistant to stains so it’s not difficult to keep the shoe clean, while the water-resistant quality keeps the foot comfortably dry in wet conditions. It offers a roomy interior that enhances comfort by allowing the foot and toes to spread naturally, giving them the space they need to shift from time to time to avoid cramping. The memory foam insole offers customized comfort by following the foot’s shape and delivering ample cushioning to ward off the pain that can come from walking and standing on hard floors for hours. The electrical hazard safe design protects against electrocution in case of contact with electrically charged objects in dry conditions. This is an exceptionally lightweight and comfortable work shoe, but it’s not suitable for harsh environments because it doesn’t have safety toes.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Birkenstock Tokio Super Grip Clog is an excellent choice for those searching for a premium leather clog for professional use. Its design was quite impressive, delivering aesthetic and functional benefits and lasting durability that I got to maximize in different environments. I loved the comfortable experience that was mainly due to the lightweight construction along with the proprietary cork-latex footbed. The strong slip resistance significantly increased my safety while navigating challenging floors. It’s worth noting that this is more expensive than rubber clogs, but I think the host of benefits more than justify the high price – especially if you’re willing to pay for the premium experience.
