“Which do you like better, Bryr or No.6?”… “Is the high heel comfortable?”… “Can you wear them in the rain?”
These are just a few of the questions I regularly get about the clogs I wear. And for good reason. These clogs are similar in style, price point, and reputation. So, which ones are right for you? Hopefully this post will help!
I am a big fan of clogs. I find the shaped wooden sole to be very comfortable, more comfortable than flat sole shoes. I love the way the wooden bases make the bottom of my feet feel supported. I love the ease of a good slip on shoe and, of course, I love the way clogs look with an outfit. I have tried several brands and found Bryr and No.6 to be my favorites, for several reasons. Fit. The shape of Bryr clogs fit my feet very well I have a high instep, which other brands don’t account for in their construction. Style. And I love nearly every style Bryr puts out. Durability. No.6 are my other favorite for their durability. They have a thick and springy rubber sole adhered to the bottom of the clog, and the lacquered base means it’s very easy to keep dirt and water off the wood.
If you look closely, you can see the subtle difference between the two brands, Bryr is on top, No.6 is on the bottom. Bryr treats their wood to make it water resistant, but they do not lacquer them. When I inquired why while visiting the shop in San Francisco, they told me it’s because the chemicals used to do that are very toxic and they don’t want their employees breathing that in. A respectable answer.
Also note the difference in the thickness of the rubber soles. No.6 pads theirs with .5 inches of rubber, while Bryr uses scant quarter inch of thicker/stiffer rubber. This difference is noted when walking around in the shoes, the No.6 feel springier, a nice feature to have in a casual shoe.
HOW DOES THE WOOD LOOK OVER TIME?
They both hold up really well, but the No.6 does stay cleaner because of the lacquer. My first pair of Bryr’s saw a lot of good use, and pretty minimal wear/dirt on the heels, but I ended up sending them back so I don’t have any good photos to show you. (My first pair was too small, and Bryr kindly replaced them with the pair in the photo above.) When I was at the Bryr shop in SF, one of the gals working there showed me what her clogs looked like after lots of wear and, while there were scuffs and marks from use, they still looked good to me. However, I am not the type that needs my clothing and shoes to look brand new forever. I personally enjoy when my items are a little more worn in, it feels more ‘real life’ and interesting.
Above you can see the wear on the front of my No.6 clogs. Interestingly enough, for me, the part of the clog that seems to take the brunt of my walking is the front of my shoe. You can see my clogs are a little scuffed up around the rubber sole. I didn’t photograph the heels, but they still look great.
After heavy use this winter, my No.6 clog boots started to show a few signs of wear on the back of the heels. Still pretty minimal, and I bet some of that dirt could probably be cleaned off. Unfortunately, the right heel on my shoes always ends up a little dirtier from driving.
CAN I WEAR THEM IN THE RAIN OR SNOW? HOW IS THE TRACTION?
Oregon is very rainy. It rains here more days than it does not rain. The #1 reason I bought my clog boots was because I could wear them in the rain. The leather is treated, and the wood is lacquered, so they are good to go. Now, I don’t go tromping around in puddles, but when I walk through heavy rain fall and the occasional puddle, I don’t bat an eyelash. I imagine they would do even better in the snow since it’s often less wet.
The traction is better on the No.6 clogs than the Bryr clogs. As noted above, the rubber is thicker, and the tread is a lot bigger. This is mostly a concern for me with my boots, which I wear in the rain. If it’s raining heavily, I am not inclined to wear slip on clogs because I don’t want the back of my feet to get wet.
I do wear my Bryr clogs on light rainy days. The base and leather both perform well, but I always feel a little nervous. I do wish the rubber soles were a little thicker and grippier for those wet days.
ARE THEY LOUD?
No, the rubber contacts with the ground, not the wood.
ARE THEY HEAVY?
I do not find them to be heavy at all! Both brands use high-quality, lightweight wood.
WHICH IS MORE COMFORTABLE, MID OR HIGH HEEL? ARE THEY COMFORTABLE FOR EXTENDED WALKING?
First of all, I’m not sure how well I can truly answer this question. I have high heels in Bryr and mid heels in No.6, so it’s a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but I’ll do my best.
I find both styles to be very comfortable for different things. The mid heels by No.6 are very comfortable for all day, running around, anything. The heel grips easily and has a wide base. The clog is on a 2.5 inch heel, with a 1 inch platform. The slight grade from the 1.5 inches is not noticeable to me, and wears like a very, very comfortable shoe.
The high heels by Bryr are also comfortable, but in a different way. They have very nice arch support, and I am content walking or standing for long periods of time in them. I do have a little more trouble in them if I’m trying to child-wrangle (I have a four-year-old boy), because the base of the heels is narrow, about 1.5″ across. The clog is on a 3.25 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. The grade from the 2.25 inches is definitely more noticeable than the grade on the mid heels (in the No.6), but still quite comfortable, especially if you are comparing them to any traditional heels. They feel good on my feet because they actually support my arches and the balls of my feet, which is uncommon with high heels.
In conclusion, they are both comfortable, but in different ways. It just depends how you plan to wear them.
HOW TRUE TO SIZE ARE THEY? DO I NEED TO SIZE UP OR DOWN?
This is where things get tricky, especially because No.6 seems to have two size runs, depending on which heel height you have. I first ordered a pair of No.6 clogs in my true Euro size, 41. They were super snug at the instep of my feet, but I painfully wore them for a few weeks because their website promised they would stretch out. Eventually I realized the part I needed stretched was the instep, not the width and, unfortunately, the instep features an extra strip of leather and two lengths of stitching. Newsflash: stitched leather doesn’t stretch. Fortunately, I was able to sell them for a decent price, and I later reordered them in a 42, which fits me in the width and instep, but at times seems a tad big. The extra space is helpful if I want to wear socks or if my feet get warm and swell.
In Bryr’s I tried a 40 at first because, according to their size chart, that is what I wore. However, those ended up being too small, and the balls of my feet and my arches didn’t quite hit the footbed where they should. Now I have two pairs of high heel clogs from Bryr that are size 41’s and they feel great. My foot hits all the right places on the bed, but I do have about a quarter inch or so in extra length.
Disclaimer: Please, please, if you plan to order, consult the size charts by these respective brands closely, and give the manufacturer’s guidelines the most weight.
I HAVE WIDE OR NARROW FEET, WHICH CLOG WILL FIT ME BEST?
No.6 runs narrow in the width (especially the high heel base) and Bryr runs true to size. I have normal-to-slightly wide feet (mostly it’s my high instep) and I have found mid heels from No.6 and high heels from Bryr work best for me.
RECAP, BRYR vs. NO.6, MAIN DIFFERENCES:
Wood treatment (No.6 lacquers, Bryr does not.)
Rubber sole (No.6 features a thicker version, Bryr features a daintier option.)
Width (No.6 runs narrow, especially in high heel styles, and Bryr runs TTS.)
HOW I WEAR MY CLOGS:
I have two pairs of clogs from No.6 and two pairs from Bryr (one of them was gifted). My No.6 clogs are on mid heel bases, and my Bryr clogs are on high heel bases. I wear three of the clogs very regularly, and the peep toe clogs a little less.
For everyday running around which involves chasing kids, I wear my No.6 Heidi Woven clogs on the mid heel base. Unfortunately, these are sold out for the season, but I bet No.6 will bring them back in the fall. Right now, Shopbop has a few mid heel styles on sale: the Sadie clog in Honey, the Frida wedge in Pink Sand, and Braided slingbacks (which I almost bought, but I am thinking about these instead).
For everyday running around (that does not involve kids) and date nights, and anytime I want to feel a little more elevated in my look, I wear my high heel Chloe Closed Toe in Sienna. They are elegant, comfortable and make a simple statement. Sometimes I even wear them for family stuff, if I know there is a second set of hands for my busy little boy. For the summer I love these in Whiskey.
When dressing up for events, church, etc. I go for my high heel Chloe Peep Toe in Blush Nubuck. I treat these shoes like they are precious, because the leather is so light. They are really comfortable, a touch more comfortable than the Chloes in Sienna because the nubuck is a little softer than the smooth leather.
For everyday running around when it’s cold and rainy, I wear my mid heel clog boots. These have been a true work horse for me over the winter, as you probably read in my Q1 check-in. I almost didn’t buy them because they are so expensive, but I had wanted them for years. And the gamble paid off because I have worn them 40 plus times already, and I intend to wear them for years to come.
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH CLOG IS RIGHT FOR YOU:
Consider your lifestyle needs. Are you chasing kids? Might want to opt for the mid heel.
How/when do you want to wear the shoes? To work? Out for fun? Everyday life (without small kids)? You could probably go for the mid or the high. Though, hands down, the high heels are cuter.
Will you wear them in heavy or repeated rain? Consider the No.6’s with the lacquered base.
Consider your foot shape. Is your foot decidedly narrow? Try the No.6 on high heel base. Is your foot true to size, or even a little wide, might want to try Bryr.
This is INCREDIBLY helpful! Especially with the Shopbop sale going on and the No. 6 clogs being on sale on the site. I’ve been debating between these two brands for a while so it is nice to see it all broken down. All things considered – Bryr it is!
Yay, I’m so glad I could help!
Very helpful! I think I’d prefer the comfort of the no 6 although they don’t have any old fashions with a mid-heel. Although Bryr make such beautiful colors! I’m still undecided.
It truly is a tough call! No.6 does seem to release their midheel slip on styles around the fall, in case that helps!
As someone who also owns multiple pairs from each brand, I feel compelled to add my two cents!
I will say that pictures do not do BRYR clogs justice. The artisanal beauty of the materials and shape just look SPECIAL and they definitely catch the eye. But the delicate nature of the wood (even with careful wearing and maintenance) can definitely be a deal-breaker for a lot of people. I buff marks out of BRYR wood with a dry magic eraser, and that works well, but the wood is just plain delicate and kind of high maintenance. If the beauty is worth it to you, then I would say BRYR is tops. I understand the reasons behind not lacquering the wood (THANK YOU Andrea for asking them about it!!!) but I wish that they could come up with a more natural way to add more protection to the wood. I think they would get more repeat customers if first-time buyers didn’t feel like their expensive shoes looked more worn than they wanted.
No. 6 clogs are work horses. The leather and wood both seem hardier to me, and my No. 6 clogs get worn more as a result. To my eye, they do not look as unique in person. People do not stop me to ask about my No. 6 clogs like they do about my BRYR clogs! But the lacquered wood is just plain practical! To me, it TOTALLY depends on what you want to wear them for and what the climate is like where you live! I live in Detroit, so in the wet winter, I wear my No. 6 pairs almost exclusively. But in the dry spring/summer, BRYR rules. Sorry this was so long – I have a ton of love for both brands!
Kat, this is so perfectly summed up! You are spot-on. Well put!! It is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. :)
As you know, I’m a die hard No 6 partisan. The Bryr clogs are very pretty, and maybe I’ll get a pair one day, but I just love the gritty, personal edginess of the No 6 designs. Maybe it’s an NYC thing? I will say, in terms of the high heel base, your foot doesn’t necessarily need to be super narrow. I have a narrow heel but a very wide ball, and it’s always fine after a bit of breaking in. The high heel platform base is, surprisingly, insanely comfy – and sooo flattering.
I tried on a pair of No.6 wedges today, and was surprised to see they fit! Where I have trouble with No.6 is at the fit over the instep, it seems too tight. But the wedges were great. The platforms are gorgeous!! I love the look, but gosh, the west coast is so darn laid back, I don’t think I’d ever wear shoes that tall. ;)
Yup I can totally see that they might seem a little extra in a west coast context. To me they’re so super casual – you might remember in that clog zine I sent you, my friend is wearing them with jean and a tee, just out for errand with her baby in the stroller – so a just-kicking-around shoe in the NYC context! Of course people around the country/world wear No 6, but there’s something so local about her designs – so specifically NYC – I think that’s part of what I love.
You of course look absolutely smashing in all your clogs. A well chosen collection!
Thanks girl, and as always, thanks for your insights!
Hi Andrea! This is my first time commenting, but I’ve been reading your blog for a while and really enjoy your detailed posts. I don’t own any Bryr or No. 6 clogs (though I’ve been wearing Danskos since high school), but I think the backless, heeled look of these brands is so chic and I’m starting to want a pair. My main question about this style of clogs is: can you wear them with socks? I live in the Upper Midwest and covered ankles are necessary seven months of the year. The No. 6 clog especially appeals to me for this climate because you say the thick rubber sole and lacquered wood make them resistant to rain and snow, and I’m always on the hunt for a chic and durable cold-weather shoe. But is it considered tacky to have one’s sock-covered heels exposed? If you do wear them with socks, do you go for patterned/brightly colored socks or a neutral option? I would also be interested in hearing your thoughts on wearing socks with other kinds of mules, like your Nisolo Mariellas. I have a few pairs of mules and really love them, and I’m wondering if its possible to get use out of this style of shoe during the months when it’s too cold for bare ankles.
Hi Alice, great question! And BTW, I soooo wish I’d saved my Danskos from college! I have lightly experiment with wearing clogs and socks. I have found that socks more on-tone with the color of the shoe are what I like the best. I have worn some brownish-marled socks with my No.6 Heidi Woven clogs, and I like how it comes off. If the socks are too smooth/silky, it does make my clogs feel a little slick, and I don’t like that. I just ordered a pair of black clogs, and I’m hoping I can experiment with sock colors a little better with those ones!
I have not worn socks with my Nisolo mules. Mostly because the color is so light, I am not sure I could find a way to make socks look good with them… I hear you, it is hard to invest in shoes you can’t wear year round. Good luck in your quest!
Hi Alice! Just to add my two cents here, I also have a pair of the Bryr Chloes, and I love to wear mine with a thinner pair of Smartwool merino socks on chilly days. It can be a bit tricky to get the sock color just right, but it’s worth the hunt! I prefer neutral socks, but I don’t wear many patterns in general. I’ve seen ladies with patterned socks rock the look though too. If you want something more winter specific, check out the No.6 shearling boots. They’re so cozy, and much more chic than traditional snow boots :) Mine have held up to snow and rain really well.
I really appreciate the thoroughness of this post! Thanks, Andrea!
I recently purchased and received a pair of Troentorp chef clogs and I am loving them! The soles are legitimately comfortable which after my first experience with clogs (Nina Z), I thought people were lying when they said clogs could be comfortable to walk for miles on the sidewalk and stand for hours on hard floors. My Troentorps rub a little on the inside of my feet, but I expect that will go away with time. I was able to sell my Nina Z clogs on Instagram, so hopefully they are a useful shoe for someone else! Fingers crossed!
If anyone has questions about my experience with Nina Z or Troentorp, ask away! I’m happy to help if I can. I know this blog follows the mantra that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all … but I will just say that my experience with Nina Z’s customer service was terrible and not at all what I would expect/hope for from a small, independent US company. Andrea, you can edit out that negative bit if you would like, but I feel compelled to warn others about my experience. I also found the Nina Z clogs a little flimsy, but that may be a matter of personal preference and how firm/soft you like your leather to be. I prefer for my leather shoes to start off on the stiffer side, so I can break them in naturally.
Also! I really enjoyed being introduced to some clog brands through this article: http://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-clogs-status.html (ignore the mockable title lol: “What’s the Next Status Clog?”)
Hi Erin! Thanks for weighing in, I’m glad you shared! It’s a shame to waste money on bad clogs. I bought a pair of Lottas a few years ago, and had a terrible time with them (porous wood and flimsy leather). I’m glad you found some that work for you!
Such a great post. Im usually a mule girl once the weather gets warmer but I am starting to consider clogs. So glade I came across your blog!
-Teeara
http://www.thestylishvagabond.com
I was thinking about the lacquered soles…I would put painter’s tape on the leather and apply my own coat of Polycrylic on them (in a well ventilated area, of course!)!