Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs Review: The Unvarnished Truth About This Crocs Alternative

There’s a specific type of footwear that becomes an unsung hero in many households. It’s the shoe you slip on without a thought to take the bins out, the one you leave by the back door for a muddy jaunt into the garden, or the pair you kick on after a long day when your feet crave nothing more than airy freedom. For years, my go-to was a battered, worn-out pair of clogs from a well-known brand that had seen better days. The tread was gone, the material was scuffed, but the convenience was undeniable. When they finally gave up the ghost, I began the surprisingly frustrating search for a replacement. I needed something lightweight, waterproof, comfortable enough for pottering around, and sturdy enough not to fall apart at the first sign of a damp lawn. It’s a simple request, yet the market is flooded with options that often fail on one or more of these fronts. This is the exact predicament that led us to test the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs, a contender promising all the utility without the premium price tag. But does it deliver?

What to Consider Before Buying Men’s Clogs

A pair of clogs is more than just an item of convenience; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor utility. Whether for professional use in kitchens and hospitals, for leisurely activities like gardening and beach trips, or simply as a comfortable house shoe, clogs offer a unique blend of protection, ease of use, and comfort. Their primary benefit lies in their slip-on, slip-off nature, combined with materials that are often waterproof and incredibly easy to clean. This makes them indispensable for tasks that are too demanding for slippers but don’t warrant the hassle of lacing up a full pair of shoes or boots.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values practicality and comfort above all else. This includes gardeners who need to rinse off mud effortlessly, professionals like chefs who spend hours on their feet on potentially slippery floors, or anyone seeking a simple, durable shoe for quick outdoor errands. However, they might not be suitable for those who require significant ankle support for hiking or running, or for formal occasions. For high-impact activities, a dedicated trainer or walking boot is a much better choice. If you’re looking for something with a more secure fit for longer walks, a walking sandal with multiple straps might be a more appropriate alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is arguably the most critical factor for clogs. Unlike laced shoes, you have very little room for adjustment. Check user feedback extensively to see if a model runs true to size, small, or large. An ill-fitting clog can lead to blisters, a lack of security, or simply be uncomfortable to wear, as we found sizing to be a notable point of contention with the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs.
• Material & Durability: Most modern clogs are made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), a foam-like material that is lightweight, waterproof, and provides excellent cushioning. Cheaper plastics can be rigid and cause sweating, while higher-end rubber compounds may offer better durability. The construction quality, especially around the strap attachment points, is a key indicator of how long the clogs will last under regular use.
• Sole Design & Grip: The sole is your connection to the ground. Look for a deep, defined tread pattern designed to channel water and provide grip on wet surfaces like grass, tile, or pathways. For professional environments, some clogs come with certified slip-resistant soles, a crucial safety feature. For general garden use, a good all-purpose tread is usually sufficient.
• Breathability & Design: Traditional clogs feature ventilation holes across the top to allow for air and water to pass through, keeping feet cool. However, some work-oriented or garden-specific models have a solid top to protect from spills and debris. Consider your primary use case: if you’ll be wearing them in hot weather, ventilation is key; for messy jobs, a closed-toe design offers better protection.

While the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Dockray: A Mixed First Impression

The Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs arrived with minimal fanfare—no box, just the two clogs held together by a single plastic zip tie. This no-frills approach hints at the product’s value-oriented positioning. Our immediate impression upon freeing them was their incredible lightness. The EVA construction makes them feel almost weightless in the hand, a promising start for a shoe designed for comfort. The Oxford Blue colour is deep and pleasant, and the textured upper gives it a slightly more refined look than smooth plastic alternatives.

However, a closer inspection revealed some of the inconsistencies that would become a central theme of our review. The small “Lakeland Active” labels on the side of the rotating strap felt loosely attached, a minor cosmetic issue that some users have also reported. More importantly, we noted the solid upper. Many promotional images for clogs of this style show ventilation holes, but the Dockray does not have them. This is a significant design choice—it’s great for keeping dirt and water out while gardening, but it inherently limits breathability for all-day wear in the heat. It was clear from the outset that these were built with function over fashion in mind, but the initial quality control left us with a few questions before we even slipped them on.

Putting the Dockray Clogs Through Their Paces

A clog’s worth is proven not on a spec sheet, but in the mud of a garden, on a wet kitchen floor, and during those countless small moments of daily life. We spent several weeks wearing the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs in a variety of scenarios to see if their performance could overcome our initial reservations about quality control. We wore them for gardening, washing the car, as post-exercise slip-ons, and as general house shoes to truly understand their strengths and weaknesses.

A Surprising Level of Comfort… If You Get the Right Size

The first thing you notice when you slide your foot into the Dockray Clog is the immediate, forgiving cushioning of the EVA material. It’s soft, yet supportive enough that it doesn’t feel mushy. One user perfectly captured this sensation, stating, “The Comfort of these has to be tried/felt to be believed.” We have to agree. For standing and walking on hard surfaces, the foam absorbs impact remarkably well. The inclusion of a removable padded insole is a fantastic touch at this price point. It adds an extra layer of comfort and makes cleaning and drying the clogs a breeze. We found that after a particularly muddy gardening session, we could pull out the insoles, rinse the clogs inside and out under a tap, and have them both dry and ready to go in no time.

However, this comfort is entirely conditional on getting a pair that fits correctly, and this is where the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs falters significantly. Our size 9 UK test pair felt slightly snug, and we noticed what other users have reported: the sizing can be wildly inconsistent. We saw numerous reports of customers receiving two different sized shoes in a single pair or finding that a UK 11 is inexplicably labelled as an EU 45 (it should be 46). One user who sized up found the fit to be less secure around the ball of the foot compared to premium brands. This suggests that the mould or manufacturing process lacks precision. Our advice is unequivocal: if you are between sizes, definitely size up. But be prepared for the possibility that the fit may not be perfect, which is a considerable gamble to take.

Built for the Garden, But How Does it Hold Up?

In their natural habitat—the great outdoors of the back garden—the Dockray Clogs perform admirably. The solid-top design, which we initially viewed as a drawback for breathability, proved to be a major asset when dealing with dirt, mulch, and water. Unlike ventilated clogs that let debris in, the Dockray kept our feet clean and protected. The waterproof EVA construction is flawless; we stood in puddles while washing the car and our feet remained perfectly dry. Cleaning is as simple as it gets: a quick blast from the hose and they look brand new. The sole, which is marketed as slip-resistant, provided confident grip on wet flagstones and muddy grass. We never felt unstable, which is crucial when carrying tools or a watering can.

The praise, however, stops at the strap. While the clog itself feels robust, the rotating strap and its attachment points are the shoe’s Achilles’ heel. We treated our test pair with care, but we were acutely aware of user feedback detailing catastrophic failures. One particularly damning report stated, “walked 50 meters and the back strap already broke.” This is an unacceptable level of fragility. While the clogs are perfectly usable as a slip-on mule without the strap engaged, anyone who relies on that strap for a more secure fit—for example, when walking more briskly or on uneven ground—is taking a serious risk. This single point of failure severely undermines the clog’s overall durability and utility, transforming it from a versatile shoe into one best suited for gentle pottering only. It’s a critical flaw that potential buyers must be aware of before they check the latest price and availability.

Design and Functionality: A Tale of Two Halves

The design of the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs is a study in practical trade-offs. As mentioned, the lack of ventilation holes is a key differentiator from many competitors. This makes them less suitable as an airy summer sandal, as confirmed by one user who suggested a “more breathable alternative” for frequent use. But for the target activities of gardening or work in messy environments (one chef found them very comfortable for the kitchen), this is a benefit. The shoe protects the foot from spills, dirt, and moisture far more effectively than its perforated counterparts.

The overall aesthetic is simple and inoffensive. The textured pattern on the upper is a nice touch that elevates it slightly above a basic plastic clog. The optional strap can be worn forward for a quick slip-on fit or flipped back for more security—assuming it holds up. Yet, the theme of inconsistent quality control persists even in the aesthetics. We found reports of clogs arriving “out of shape” or with labels “hanging off.” While these are cosmetic issues, they speak to a wider lack of attention to detail in the manufacturing process. The Dockray Clog is fundamentally a well-conceived product for a specific purpose, but its execution is let down by these recurring and frustrating flaws. It’s a shoe that looks the part and feels comfortable, but the underlying quality issues prevent us from giving it an unreserved recommendation.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of buyers provides a clear and balanced picture of the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs. The sentiment is sharply divided, often hinging on whether the customer received a “good” pair or a “bad” one. On the positive side, comfort is the most frequently praised attribute. One user, who bought a second pair within ten days, exclaimed, “The Comfort of these has to be tried/felt to be believed. I Will never buy any other house shoes/slippers ever again.” Another, a chef, recommends them for work use, highlighting their comfort for long periods of standing.

Conversely, the negative feedback is consistent and points to systemic issues. The most common complaint by far is sizing and quality control. Users report receiving mismatched sizes (a UK 10 and a UK 11 in the same order), finding the fit to be smaller than standard, and receiving items that are misshapen right out of the packaging. The most alarming feedback concerns durability, specifically the back strap. The user whose strap broke after a mere 50 meters of walking provides a stark warning about the product’s longevity under normal stress. This feedback confirms our own findings: the core concept is strong, but the execution in manufacturing is a lottery.

How Do the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the Dockray Clogs, we need to compare them against established benchmarks and competitors in the market. The choice often comes down to price, intended use, and brand reputation.

1. Crocs Unisex Adult Bistro Work Clog

The Crocs Bistro is a specialist tool designed for the workplace. Its primary features are the Crocs Lock slip-resistant tread, which offers superior grip on wet and greasy floors, and an enclosed toe and heel design that meets many workplace standards. Compared to the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs, the Bistro is built to a higher durability and safety standard. It lacks the removable insole of the Dockray but offers a more robust, single-piece construction. Someone working in a professional kitchen or medical environment should choose the Crocs Bistro without hesitation for its proven performance and safety features, despite its higher price point.

2. Crocs Classic Clog

This is the icon, the clog that started it all. The Crocs Classic Clog is the direct competitor for general, casual use. Its main advantage is its legendary comfort, consistent sizing, and extreme breathability thanks to its signature ventilation ports. For wearing on holiday, around the house on a hot day, or for trips to the beach, the Classic Crocs is superior to the Dockray. However, for gardening, the Dockray’s solid top is more practical for keeping out soil and stones. The choice here depends on your priority: breathability and proven quality (Crocs) versus better protection and a lower price (Lakeland Active).

3. sole london Comfy Clog Sandals

The sole london Comfy Clog is another budget-friendly alternative that competes directly with Lakeland Active on price. Made from similar lightweight materials, it offers a similar proposition of comfort and convenience for garden and holiday wear. Like the Dockray, it is positioned as a value alternative to the bigger brands. Buyers considering this model are likely to be weighing up the same factors: a very attractive price against the potential for similar inconsistencies in sizing and long-term durability that can affect products in this market segment. It represents a parallel choice for the cost-conscious consumer.

Our Final Verdict: A High-Potential Clog Hampered by Inconsistency

After extensive testing, our feelings about the Lakeland Active Men’s Dockray Clogs are decidedly mixed. On one hand, the core product is excellent for its intended purpose. The EVA material provides a level of comfort that genuinely rivals more expensive brands, the waterproof and easy-clean nature is perfect for gardening and utility tasks, and the slip-resistant sole works well. When you get a good pair, they represent phenomenal value for money.

Unfortunately, the experience is a gamble. The pervasive issues with inconsistent sizing, mismatched pairs, and poor durability—particularly the fragile back strap—are impossible to ignore. These aren’t minor blemishes; they are fundamental flaws that can render the product unfit for purpose. We can therefore only recommend these clogs with a major caveat: buy them if you’re on a strict budget and need a comfortable, waterproof shoe for light-duty tasks like pottering in the garden. But do so with the expectation that you may need to deal with a return, and be very cautious about relying on the back strap for security. If you want a guarantee of quality and consistent sizing, you are still better off investing in a more established brand. For those willing to take the chance, you can find out more and see the latest offers online.