The Difference Between Sanita® and Dansko® Professional Clogs

"What is the difference between Sanita® and Dansko®?"

This is a question we're often asked. For many years, Sanita® was relatively unknown, and Dansko® was the clog of choice for medical professionals. As Sanita® has gained recognition over the past years in the U.S., a great deal of confusion has surrounded the relationship between these two manufacturers.

How did we choose what to sell?

When we first decided to offer medical clogs, we were faced with choosing between these two leading brands. After extensive research and analysis, Medelita chose Sanita® because they're truly best in class with an impressive and inspiring history. In 1907, a visionary and the founder of Sanita®, Christian Meldgaard Andersen, created the first pair of hand carved wooden clogs.  For the past century, Sanita has upheld a tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and caring by handcrafting every clog in the same dedicated clog factories in Denmark and Poland. Sanita® clogs have also been awarded the "Seal of Acceptance" by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) for their supreme quality and comfort.

Since the early 1990s until August 2007, Sanita® manufactured all of the Dansko® stapled clogs collection, including Dansko® Professional Clogs. In August of 2007, Dansko® and Sanita® ended their long-term partnership. Dansko® began their own manufacturing in China, and Sanita® decided to continue their Professional Clog line under their own name, with continuation of production in Europe.

Since Sanita® stopped manufacturing Dansko® Professional Clogs, Dansko® has experienced some inconsistencies with their clogs - most noticeably, many of our customers have commented that the new heel design and higher arch on Dankso clogs is uncomfortable, causing ankle instability in a fast-paced, on-your-feet-all-day work environment. In short, if you want the same Dansko® clog that you loved prior to 2008, then you should buy Sanita®.

How can you tell what brand you currently own?

To determine whether or not your existing clogs were made by Dansko® or Sanita®, check the sole of your shoes. If your clogs were manufactured before 2008 by Sanita® you will see patent 0060240. This indicates that your clogs were made by Sanita® according to their patented construction. If you have a pair of really old Dansko® clogs, you may even see Sanita® stamped on the bottom as well as the patent number mentioned above. If the sole of your shoes has no patent number, you have a redesigned Dansko® shoe, which was manufactured after its split from Sanita®.

The Philosophy

Sanita® has built a reputation of keeping you comfortable during a long, strenuous shift. In addition to their impressive history, premium leathers, innovative designs, style, quality, durability, and comfort - Sanita® professional clogs emulate our philosophies at Medelita.  They represent the perfect blend of tradition and innovation that we ourselves strive to embody - offering a modern look infused with color and texture, while remaining professional and traditional. Sanita® Professional Clogs come in a wide variety of stylish designs, leathers and other materials.  For many medical and dental professionals, their Sanita® Clogs are a way to add unique flair of self-expression to an otherwise monotone uniform, while still maintaining an polished appearance.