An autoclave is a device that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, using high pressure and steam temperature. It is used to sterilise surgical instruments, laboratory equipment — and, if the footwear is designed for it, work clogs. That is exactly what separates autoclavable footwear from footwear that is merely "easy to clean".
Washing, disinfection and sterilisation are not the same thing
Washing removes visible dirt. Disinfection kills most bacteria and viruses, but not all. Autoclave sterilisation (typically 121–134 °C at high pressure) destroys everything — the highest hygiene standard, the one applied in operating theatres.
Ordinary footwear — even rubber or EVA foam — deforms or breaks down in an autoclave. That calls for a special material.
Why this matters beyond the operating theatre
The advantages of autoclavable footwear apply anywhere hygiene is critical: sterilisation departments, laboratories, veterinary clinics, pharmaceutical and food production. Even if you don't use an autoclave daily, a material that withstands 134 °C means you can scald the clogs with hot water without worry, disinfect them with any solution, and be confident they will absorb neither odours nor fluids.
How this works with Calzuro
Since 1983 Calzuro clogs have been made from a special copolymer blend developed specifically for medical environments. Calzuro Classic models can be sterilised in an autoclave up to 134 °C — the clogs neither deform nor lose their properties. The orthopaedic arch support insole can be autoclaved along with them.
Care recommendations
For everyday care, washing with soapy water or a disinfectant solution is enough. Before autoclaving, remove any textile accessory components you may be using, and follow your institution's sterilisation protocol. After the autoclave cycle, let the clogs cool completely before putting them on.
Browse autoclavable Calzuro clogs — original Italian footwear from the official Calzuro distributor for the Baltic states.