Joanna Gaines Is Ditching Birkenstocks & Wearing These Comfy Throwback Shoes Instead
Joanna Gaines is reviving one of the comfiest throwback shoe trends, and we're not exactly sad to see her usual Birkenstocks go. The former HGTV star was spotted wearing chunky clog boots in an October 2026 Instagram post, and she styled them in the most practical way. She paired the clogs with ankle-length straight-leg jeans beneath a black top, and pulled the look together with a tan belt.
Clogs are the quirky shoe trend that was very popular in spring 2023, so it's definitely a bit of a retro move to bring them back. However, it's a solid stylistic choice, especially if you lean towards comfortable footwear — something Joanna Gaines' style evolution shows is pretty important to her. While they do require a bit of a break-in period, you'll typically get them feeling comfortable faster than you would a pair of Birkenstocks. And stylistically, they look more put together and fashion-forward. They're chunkier than Birkenstocks, so they give the outfit more structure, and the closed-toe design just feels a bit more polished.
And as a bonus, clog boots like the ones Joanna Gaines had on also have a high heel, which adds an elevated element to any look. They're more comfortable than flimsier heels, work with formal outfits or more casual ones like Gaines' denim ensemble, and the slip-on factor is a bonus for everyday wear that just can't be beat.
Style your clog boots (or clog sandals) like Joanna Gaines
If you're considering slipping into clog boots for fall or winter, let Joanna Gaines' styling inform your choices. For casual looks with jeans, stick to styles that end somewhere near your ankles or have a bit of a flare past that point so they don't directly encroach into your clogs' territory and leave you having to balance the outfit out. To make styling easy, invest in clogs in neutral shades like black and brown so they work with a wide range of outfits. Beyond denim, you could also wear clog boots with a dress and sheer tights, layered with chic winter outerwear. For more bougie looks, however, the design guru is also a fan of open-toe clog sandals with a bit of a heel, as seen in an Instagram snap from back in 2018.
They aren't boots, but they have the same structure and heels that clog booties do, and are perfect if you prefer an open-toe yet secure alternative. Our clog styling tips for the fall offer all the inspo you need for pulling off this retro shoe hybrid. Try monochrome matching, which is pretty easy with neutral colored clogs, or alternatively wear brightly colored clogs and make them a statement piece. Plus, you can wear them with formal outfits or keep it casual, the way Gaines tends to.