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Reviews > Footwear > Camp Shoes > OOFOS OOcloog Luxe Clogs > Test Report by Gail Staisil

 OOFOS OOcloog Luxe Clogs
Test Series by: Gail Staisil, Marquette, Michigan


Initial Report - August 31, 2016
Initial Report:
August 31, 2016

Tester Information

Name: Gail Staisil
Age: 64
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 9" (1.75 m)
Weight: 160 lb (73 kg)
Location: Marquette, Michigan USA
Email: woodswoman 2001 AT yahoo DOT com

For the last 20 years, backpacking has become a passion. I am a four-season backpacker and an off-trail navigator. Although I do take yearly trips to the American West or Southwest, the majority of my trips are in Michigan. My pack weight varies considerably but my base weight is below 18 lb (8 kg). I am primarily a tarp camper who averages more than 50 nights a year backpacking in a huge variety of weather conditions including relentless rain, wet snow and sub-zero temps.

Product Information

Manufacturer
 OOFOS, LLC
Website http://www.oofos.com 
Style OOcloog Luxe Clog - Black Shiny
Manufacturer  Weight  NA
Tested Weight  14.3 oz (405 g)
MSRP

$64.95 US, Made in Korea


Initial Impressions and Product Description 

Luxe Clogs
I received the OOFOS OOcloog Luxe Clogs in the requested size of Women's 11 (EU 42 - manufacturer's sizing). This is my first experience with this company so I was happy that the clogs were not too big. The manufacturer recommends to size the clog with my regular shoe size which varies but is mostly size Women's 11 (EU 42) at the largest (thankfully). If  I had worn a half-size, they recommended going up a size for Women and down a size for Men.

My first impression of the clogs were that they were very shiny but I think I will like that. It makes them look a little more feminine even though my feet look huge in them (I am used to that however). The color I received is Black or Black Shiny as noted on box, but this model is also available in Mocha, Satin Graphite, Satin Latte and Satin Teal. The Black Shiny model is noted to be a "dress clog" going from work to play.

What makes these clogs different from many? I have worn several styles of clogs before from other manufacturers but most of them had very hard inner surfaces/footbeds. The OOcloog Luxe Clogs have OO foam technology to absorb impact. This foam is proprietary closed cell foam which is noted to have 37 percent more impact absorption than EVA. It has non-toxic properties and there is no latex in the product. When I put my feet in the clogs, the difference was remarkable. They are so cushioned! Upon examination I can depress the foam with my thumb on the entire inner surface of the  waffle-textured footbed. Each footbed is anatomically shaped and has a nice arch to allow each foot to move naturally or without strain. Reportedly the arch supports all types of feet, is durable and flexible. The clogs are also lightweight but not super lightweight if using for camp shoes.

The uppers of the clogs have a very smooth appearance with a single depressed accent line that runs across the top of them more than an inch (2.54 cm) from the top edge. There are also three half-oval shaped holes on each inner edge likely to add some ventilation. The entire clog including the sole (waffle textured) is colored black but is accented with a small OO logo in silver on the lateral edge near the back of them.

Care instructions note that they are machine washable with cold wash (mild detergent) only. They aren't to put in a dryer or be exposed to high temperatures.  The latter is not to be a concern here but I wonder what frigid temperatures would do to the foam. Will find out I guess. The clogs can also be scrubbed in a sink with a brush and mild soap and then towel dried or put in the shade to dry. The warranty is for six months. The foam support and cushioning is noted to last the life of the shoe. It reportedly doesn't lose form as quickly as  typical EVA foams. I do wonder how shiny the outer surface will stay wearing them as camp shoes but testing will certainly tell.

Right now I will wear the clogs without socks to see how comfortable they are and later with socks as the weather cools down.

 
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Field Report:
October 31, 2016

USA Locations and Conditions

During the field test period I have spent fifteen days backpacking and three days at a remote lighthouse on an island in Lake Superior. All trips were in Michigan and Minnesota. Trip locations included lakeshore to boreal forest.  Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (183 m) to almost 2,000 ft (610 m).
 
Location of Trip #1: Isle Royale National Park 
Length of Trip: 4 days, 3 nights backpacking (Sept 10-13), plus 8 more days of day hikes and adventures in Minnesota) 
Pack Weight: 26 lb (11.8 kg)
Distance: 31 mi (50 km) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Sun, clouds and rainstorms
Precipitation: Rain (probably 2+ in/5+ cm)
Temperature Range: 42 F to 77 F (6 C to 25 C) 
Porcupine Mts Escarpment Trail
Location of Trip #2: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Hike-in Rustic Cabin Trip: 4 days, 3 nights (Sept 30 - Oct 3) 
Pack Weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg)
Distance: 12 mi (19 km) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Partly sunny and sunny, a bit of rain
Precipitation: Very light rain
Temperature Range: 35 F to 58 F (2 C to 14 C)

Location of Trip #3: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Trip: 4 days, 3 nights (October 5-8)
Pack Weight: 27 lb (12 kg)
Distance: 29 mi (47 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Sunny, cloudy and rain
Precipitation: Rain
Temperature Range: 33 F to 57 F (1 C to 14 C )
   
Location of Trip #4: Grand Island National Recreation Area
Length of Trip: 3 days, 2 nights (Oct 14-16) 
Distances: 5 mi (8 km) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Cloudy, light rain and some sun 
Precipitation: Light rain 
Temperature Range: 40 F to 55 F (4 C to 13 C)
     
Location of Trip #5: Porcupine Mts Wilderness State Park
Length of Trip: 3 days, 2 nights backpacking (October 28-30)
Pack Weight: 25 lb (11 kg) 
Distance: 12 mi (19 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Cloudy, sunny 
Precipitation: Light rain
Temperature Range: 39 F to 56 F (4 C to 13 C)
 
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Trip Talk
 

During the first two months of testing the OOcloog Luxe Clogs, I have packed and wore them on several backpacking trips as noted above. I must confess I was worried about the clogs fitting in my backpack as they are bulkier and weigh more than some other "camp" shoes I have worn. That fear was quickly dampened when I realized that they can be flattened as the tops of them are not hard or rigid. I usually place each clog separately in a plastic grocery sack so that I don't have to worry about cleaning them off during the trip when I place them in my backpack.

Most all of my trips during this time period have been super muddy to say the least. Although I was just wearing the clogs as camp shoes for these trips the camp sites and surroundings were often muddy too. I kind of thought I would probably get my socks Wearing the clogs without socks at Isle Royalewet wearing the open backed clogs but truthfully that wasn't an issue as the clogs sit high enough off the ground to keep my feet dry. During the worst trips mud-and-water wise, I wore waterproof socks with them but I still didn't notice that the outer surfaces of my socks were wet.

Resting at campI have worn the clogs with various types of socks at camp including Injinji toe socks, SealSkinz waterproof socks and SmartWool lightweight socks. My feet didn't slip at all inside the clogs so I believe the waffle-like insole was very helpful as well as the heel cup to keep my feet in place.

Three of my trips were to  Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. The trails there are often muddy but this year it was worst than usual as substantial storms have severely damaged the trails on multiple occasions. That also meant the river crossings were mid-calf deep or more with a strong current. I decided that it wasn't wise to wear the clogs in such conditions as those, as I feared stability as well as losing the clogs. The river bottoms there are very rocky so very uneven and slippery. Since the clogs do not have a back strap I simply didn't feel comfortable. I ended up wearing my hiking boots instead which meant they got very wet. I guess that was a bit of a negative as usually I wear alternative water shoes for such purposes (didn't want to carry them too). Thankfully I have no problem walking in wet socks/boots for days at a time. I was happy to put the clogs on at camp however as it gave my feet a break from being wet.

On some of my trips I waded into lakes including Lake Superior while wearing the clogs. There was little wave activity so I had no problem keeping the clogs on in the water.

The clogs are amazingly comfortable. I can't believe how good my feet feel while wearing them. They seem to handle walking over very uneven surfaces filled with rocks and roots well. The heel cup keeps my foot in alignment so my feet aren't falling over the sides.

I do like the look of these clogs but the shiny appearance is kind of dressy for camp wear. Actually I don't mind but I did get the comment that I kind of look like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz because I wear my hair in braids, wear a hiking skirt and had the shiny clogs on...so funny! I do realize that the clogs come in many other choices, most of which don't have the shiny surface (which the manufacturer refers to as "dress" clogs). I have also worn the clogs occasionally around town doing errands. They are nice looking and very comfortable while wearing on asphalt and other hard unforgiving surfaces. In addition they were the "shoes" of choice on my other non-backpacking trips.

The clogs have been easy to clean after a trip. I just rinse them off and they seem just fine. A quick wipe with a towel eliminates any water spots on the shiny tops.

I am looking forward to the next two months of testing here. Winter will likely arrive early and I have several trips planned.

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Long Term Report:
January 4, 2017

USA Locations and Conditions

During the long term test period I have spent four days backpacking and five days at a rustic cabin (snowshoed while pulling gear sled to cabin). All trips were in Michigan. Trip locations included lakeshore to boreal forest.  Elevation ranged from above 600 ft (183 m) to almost 2,000 ft (610 m).
 
Location of Trip #1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Length of Trip: 2 days, 1 night backpacking (November 4-5)
Pack Weight: 24.5 lb (11 kg)
Distance: 10 mi (16 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Unseasonably warm, sunny
Precipitation: None
Temperature Range: 36 F to 65 F (2 C to 18 C)

Location of Trip #2: Hiawatha National Forest
Length of Trip: 2 days, 1 night backpacking (November 13-14)
Pack Weight: 25 lb (11 kg)
Distance: 9 mi (14.5 km)
Sky and Air Conditions: Unseasonably warm, super moon
Temperature Range: 37 F to 54 F (3 C to 12 C)   

Location of Trip #3: Hiawatha National Forest
Length of Trip: 5 days, 4 night (Dec 30 - Jan 3)
Sled Weight: Heavy (probably 45 lb/20.4 kg)
Distance: Backcountry skied and snowshoed an undetermined amount of miles) 
Sky and Air Conditions: Snowing with some sunshine 
Temperature Range: 18 F to 34 F (-8 C to 1 C)
     
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Trip Talk
 

During the last two months of testing I have packed and worn the clogs on several trips. In addition they have been my go-to shoe for everyday life. During the last month I have been cross country skiing several times a week. I hop into the car with my Wearing clogs afer getting into camp at Pictured Rocksclogs on and then change into ski boots. The clogs have handled the short walks on snow fine including the daily trips at home to my mailbox. Usually I don't wear shoes in the house but after many hours of standing on a hard floor while holiday baking, I noticed mWalking in snowy feet were uncomfortable. I put the clogs on and my feet felt so much better. The next day I put them on right away before I even started the baking marathon. I usually wear the clogs with socks as they are more comfortable to me that way.

One thing I noticed is that I tend to trip or miss-step when I am wearing them on carpeted surfaces. This happens when I am doing errands and then hit a carpeted section of a store. Not sure why this is but maybe I am getting too much grip or I haven't spent enough time on carpeting to adjust.

On my backpacking trips I have welcomed the use of wearing them after miles on a trail. I have also been surprised that they have kept my feet toasty as the evening temperatures were close to freezing on the backpacking trips. This was also especially important as I inadvertently got my trail shoes soaking wet on the second backpacking trip. With low temps and gray skies there was no way that my feet would have stayed warm at camp. I purposely left my insulated camp shoes at home so was glad that the OOFOS were warm. On my rustic cabin trip they were on my feet most all hours other than for skiing. Trips to the outdoor privy on snow-covered surfaces weren't an issue. It probably snowed close to 6 in (15 cm) while I was there.

During the test period I have always packed the clogs inside my pack as I there is no real way of attaching them to the outside of the pack. I know I probably could rig up a stuff sack for external attachment but the clogs have easily fit in my pack as the top part of them can be squished flat. They do take up more room than normal camp shoes but if I have room in my pack I will continue to take them.

Overall the clogs remain in better condition than I expected. They are very shiny and unmarred for the most part. They have been super simple to keep clean and it helps that I walk in clean snow often while wearing them. The grip has been exceptional and I really don't notice any loss of cushioning. The foam hasn't been noticeably affected by cold temperatures below freezing.
 

 

Pros

  • Super comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • Seem rugged enough to handle rocks and mud
  • Didn't slip on snow and ice
Cons
  • Not sure I trust for deep water crossings but the manufacturer doesn't suggest that anyway
 

Tester Remarks 


Thanks to OOFOS, LLC and BackpackGearTest.org for this opportunity to test the OOcloog Luxe Clogs.  This concludes my Long Term Report and the test series.

 

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