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We tested Stegmann’s and Haflinger’s classic and new wool clogs in a side-by-side comparison. See how these popular wool clogs matched up in 6 comfort and quality categories.
These popular wool clog brands inspire an almost cult like following amongst their fans. Like McDonald’s vs Burger King or Pepsi vs Coke – each brand has their own loyal following and hundreds of thousands of fans around the world. We’re breaking down the benefits of wool clogs and the differences between these two popular wool clog companies.
The Benefits of Wearing Wool Clogs
Wool clogs are a unique and special shoe – they are at the same time a slipper and a slip on shoe. The wool gives slipper like softness, comfort and warmth, while the cork or rubber sole allows you to wear them out of the house and supports the feet. Wool clogs have a distinctly look and are beloved by their fans. According to StegmannUSA.com wool clogs are very healthy for the feet:
- The refresh feet allowing toes and joints to spread naturally within the clog
- They provide foot support at all pressure points and an anatomically shaped sole
- Wool is both insulating for warmth and temperature regulating in hot and cold weather
- Wool clogs are an excellent choice for people who need shoes for plantar fasciitis, arch support and many other common foot problems.
According to GermanSlippers.com, Wool clogs provide a healthy foot climate through insulation and breathability. They say their cork latex sole will mold to your feet and provide excellent arch support.
Stegmann or Haflinger - Which is the best wool clog?
Overall Comfort
Let’s start with the most important thing – comfort!
Both Stegmann and Haflinger wool clogs are made with a wool upper piece that is shaped for space in the toe area and has a low heel cup. The wool on both seems consistent in thickness and quality. Both are constructed on a shaped firm cork sole similar to what Birkenstock uses for their famous cork sole. Both companies have a rubberized and textured outsole for traction and protection.
When you try them on they feel virtually identical. There are some small noticeable differences between the way the sole feels underfoot. To our testers Haflinger’s contours and sole structure on their popular Grizzly seemed to be slightly less noticeable than Stegmann’s similar style – the Original 108. Haflinger also has some inside seams and a tag inside the clog that is absent in the Stegmann clog. Other than these minor differences they are pretty much a tie. They also come in different colors and patterns, but we tested a brown and black.
Both clogs are EXTREMELY comfortable and are a shoe style that seems to offer the best of all worlds. High quality materials, convenient to wear, supportive and comfortable. It’s truly confusing why wool clogs are not more popular and widely worn and as with the Birkenstock sandal.
History and Expertise:
Stegmann Clogs is based in Austria and seems be similar to Birkenstock in many regards. Stegmann has been around over 100 years (since 1888) and specialize in one type of shoe – clogs. You can read more about Stegmann’s History on the StegmannUSA website.
Haflinger has been making clogs and slippers for about 50 years. They also produce a variety of wool slippers.
Stegmann has been around a lot longer, while Haflinger seems to have been more innovative and has a much larger product line outside of the wool clog offerings. This one is a tie. From what we could find, both companies appear to make their clogs in Europe, which is a win for the customer.
Production & Quality:
Stegmann says that their wool clogs are produced in Austria. and their cork and latex soles are made in Portugal.
Haflinger doesn’t have a USA website so it’s difficult to find accurate information on the brand. The company is headquartered in Goslar, Germany, but Haflinger does not disclose where they make their wool clogs, or where they source materials from (the best we could fine is “Made in Europe”). Some versions of their shoe box say they are made in Ukraine.
The Stegmann wool clogs appear to be made from slightly higher quality materials – from the wool to the cork sole. Their construction also appears to be a little more precise. Given their very similar construction and design, Stegmann comes out slightly on top in all around construction and quality of materials.
Selection & Styles
Stegmann’s website shows about 10 different styles of wool clogs. They have a cork/latex sole and a black rubber sole. They carry an interesting style called the “EcoWool Clog” that is made from different types of wool that they leave in its natural color. Their most popular style – The Original 108 is available in about 10 colors.
Haflinger doesn’t have a website, but German-Slippers.com who seems to be one of their largest sellers, shows dozens of slippers and about 10 different styles of wool clogs as well.
Their most popular style – the Grizzly comes in a couple different trim options about a dozen colors.
Both brands have similar looks and styling, but Haflinger offers some interesting appliqué options and bright colors while Stegmanns looks and colors are a bit more subdued.
This one is a toss up – Stegmann’s styling ranges from traditional to a bit higher end with some luxury and eco options while Haflinger’s looks are more casual, with some fun and whimsical options. It all depends on your personal style and preference.
Additional Stegmann Styles
Fit and Sizing
Stegmann carries US full and half sizes for men and women with medium and wide widths. Haflinger’s sizing is unisex and only available in whole US sizes; they carry only one width. Customers complain about both brands fitting wide – which is common in clogs. Neither brand carries a narrow.
Given that most clog tend to fit a little loose, it’s nice to be able get half sizes and widths in Stegmann. Customers are much likelier to find a pair that fits them well and stays on their feet securely – something that is quite important in a slip on shoe!
Additional Haflinger Styles
Longevity & Value
Both brands claim to have high quality, long lasting clogs that will hold up well for several years and sometimes longer. We took a deep dive into reviews for both brands to see what a typical lifespan might look like.
We’ve never seen two brands with happier customers when it comes to longevity! Both have scores of customers who mention replacing their wool clogs after 10 years or in some cases 20. If a $120 clog lasts even 5 years that’s a very impressive value!
This one is a tie – they’re both well made and long lasting according to their long time fans.
Stegmann Clogs or Haflinger Clogs?
If you’ve been wondering whether you should invest in Stegmann clogs or Haflinger clogs, either choice is sure to be a smart one. It’s hard to pick a winner, but we think that Stegmann edges out Haflinger in some key areas like material quality and size and width options.
For more head-to-head matchups, check out our post on UGG vs Bearpaw slippers and boots!
FAQs
Where are Stegmann Clogs Made?
Stegmann clogs are manufactured in Austria and the final assembly is completed in the United States.
How should Stegmann clogs fit?
Stegmann Clogs come in different widths for men and women and are available in half sizes to help you get the perfect fit. The fit should be slightly snug at first as the wool will stretch slightly over time.
Where are Haflinger clogs made?
Haflinger is based in Goslar, Germany and their clogs are “manufactured in Europe”. Some boxes indicate they are made in Ukraine.
How should Haflinger clogs fit?
Haflinger Clogs are available in unisex models so they tend to run slightly larger for women, or men with narrow feet.