Crocs are great, but they’re not for everyone. If you like the function but not the form, check out these Crocs alternatives for men.
Crocs’s classic clogs get a lot of flak for their looks, but most people with typical footwear needs agree that they’re pretty darn practical.
The surprisingly supportive foam makes for a comfortable wearing experience, and the grippy design provides ample traction.
I’ve grown to like Crocs, and I even wear them with some outfits, but there’s no denying that they’re not everyday shoes.
As far as clogs for men go, Crocs aren’t the most surefire option. Thankfully, there are plenty of Crocs alternatives that give you more or less the same functionality in a less polarizing package.
Quick Take
Here are our top recommendations from the list :
Combining the durability of a mule and the agility of a running shoe, these innovative kicks are meticulously designed to soothe your tired feet and offer unparalleled post-activity support.
This reimagined version of Sperry's original boat shoe comes with enhanced breathability thanks to its innovative design featuring "portholes" and "gills".
These sandals seamlessly blend the familiar with the unexpected. Boasting a sleek silhouette, refined grooves, and a minimalist approach to ventilation, the MOK is the perfect fusion of modern and classic design.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
Crocs Alternatives: What to Look For
There are a couple of noticeable differences between Crocs and their alternatives.
The first difference is the material. Crocs are made from a proprietary EVA (polymer-based) foam called Croslite, so no other shoe will have this exact material. While this material is not too sustainable, it’s incredibly long-lasting, making Crocs great “buy it for life” shoes.
However, most Crocs alternatives are made from different types of EVA foam, so the feel and durability should mostly be the same. Alternatives made from non-EVA materials will vary in how light, waterproof, or supportive they are.
The second difference is the construction. Some Crocs alternatives aim for a similar yet more approachable design, but others are built totally differently.
Due to these differences, many of these Crocs alternatives will change the wearing experience, which you may or may not prefer.
The 11 Best Crocs Alternatives for Men
Whether you’re just looking for a more acceptable take on Crocs or searching for a more sustainable alternative, you’re likely to find a shoe on our list that fits your needs.
Here are our top picks for the best Crocs alternatives for guys:
Chacos Chillos Clog
If you’re looking for a more stylish version of Crocs, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Chacos Chillos clog.
The Chillos incorporate elements of clogs and sandals in a subtle way, and the result is undeniably much safer than Crocs.
The shoe features all-EVA construction with a contoured midsole for arch support. There’s also an adjustable ladder lock buckle that allows you to find your ideal fit.
This is a great choice if you like the idea of Crocs but prefer sandals — or if you just don’t need the level of ventilation that Crocs provide.
Suicoke MOK
Japanese brand Suicoke makes stylish sandals renowned for their unique designs, and its MOK sandals offer a surprisingly fashionable twist on Crocs’s infamous look.
Essentially, the MOK is what many people wish Crocs looked like. With a sleek silhouette, minimal ventilation, and elegant grooves, the MOK is both familiar and different at the same time.
These sandals are made from lightweight rubber instead of EVA foam, so you can expect them to wear more similarly to garden boots.
At $139, the MOK sandals are much more expensive than a pair of Crocs, but you’re getting a designer version that’s just as durable and way more versatile.
Hunter Gardener Clogs
British footwear brand Hunter is most famous for its Wellington rain boots, but this company is no one-trick pony.
Hunter’s Gardener Clogs aren’t that much different from its Wellingtons, so the overall look and feel are almost identical. The Gardeners have the same graceful silhouette, toe box accent, and outsole tread.
The waterproof rubber and neoprene lining make for a shoe that’s both hardy and comfortable. As of this writing, the Gardener is only available in this dark olive/clay colorway, but it’s a palette that’s hard to hate.
Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-On
The Rodeo Drive from Ales Grey is another clog that takes the basic Crocs look and modifies it with style in mind.
With a slim profile, the Rodeo Drive’s design resembles sandals more than clogs. Three holes on the inner side provide low-key breathability, giving the shoe a neater look.
Made from 51% recycled foam, this shoe offers a similar wearing experience to Crocs, and at $88, it’s not much more expensive, either.
Kane Revive
For an athlete-friendly alternative to Crocs, look no further than the Kane Revive.
Part mule and part running shoe, these recovery
The Revive is made from a sugarcane-based foam that Kane claims is more sustainable than regular EVA. Each pair also comes with three hang loops that you can swap out, which is a neat addition.
Merrell Hydro Moc
If you mainly use Crocs as water shoes, then you should consider picking up a pair of Merrell Hydro Mocs.
Aesthetically, the Hydro Mocs are arguably even more out there than Crocs with an almost alienesque pattern of elongated holes.
But in terms of performance, these are ideal for being in and around water. The design facilitates fast drainage, and the generous fit makes it easy to slip the shoes on and off.
Birkenstock Super Birki
Pretty much everyone agrees that Birkenstock makes some of the best clogs out there, and the brand’s Super Birki stands out as a versatile alternative to Crocs.
The polyurethane used to make the Super Birki is resistant to oil, grease, dirt, and water, and the cork-latex footbed is lined with microfiber for an added touch of comfort.
With a more natural toe box, the Super Birki’s design is decidedly more elegant than a pair of Crocs. The shoe is also completely solid, so if you don’t need ventilation, the Super Birki is a compelling option.
Keen Yogui
The Yogui clog from Keen Footwear puts a funky spin on the Crocs aesthetic for a shoe that’s unconventional but effective.
The Yogui features a partitioned open-toe design that aids in breathability and an EVA insole that offers improved arch support.
Even though these clogs are meant for casual use, they’re quite durable — many users say they last for years.
Native Shoes Jefferson
Ever wish the classic Crocs clogs came in the form of a sneaker? Enter the Jefferson by Native Shoes.
This hybrid shoe is one of the more unique alternatives on this list. In essence, you get the overall aesthetic of low-top
This gives you the ability to rock that classic sneaker look even when you’re at the beach or around the house. If you wish you could wear Converse 24/7, then the Jefferson will be a practical addition to your shoe rack.
Sperry Float Boat Shoe
Boat shoes are, despite the name, not always the best choice for waterside wear. Sperry has changed that with its Float Boat Shoe, a reimagined version of the brand’s original boat shoe.
The drainage holes (which Sperry affectionately calls “gills” and “portholes”) allow for breathability and fit into the overall design of the shoe rather well.
Interestingly, Sperry doesn’t provide any material or construction information on the shoe, although it looks like an EVA upper with possibly a rubber outsole.
Vans Slip-On TRK Shoe
The TRK slip-on from Vans is an aquatic version of the brand’s beloved checkerboard shoe, retaining the design almost exactly while modifying it for wetter conditions.
The checkerboard design is still there in the form of square holes that cover the entirety of the shoe. This makes it easy to rinse the shoe after it’s accumulated sand or dirt.
In short, if you already like the fit of the original Vans checkerboard shoes, then you’ll probably enjoy the TRK.
Crocs Alternatives FAQs
Curious about Crocs? Here are answers to a few of the most common questions.
What is a good alternative to Crocs?
Clogs, mules, sandals, and even boat shoes can all be good alternatives to Crocs. It depends on which aspects of Crocs you want to keep and which ones you don’t. The Chacos Chillos clog is a great overall alternative to Crocs.
What is a cheaper version of Crocs?
Most cheaper alternatives to Crocs are poorly made and won’t hold up well. Our budget recommendations are the Native Shoes Jefferson and the Sperry Float Boat Shoe.
Who are Crocs’s biggest competitors?
Nike, Adidas, and Skechers are a few of Crocs’s big rivals.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for easy-to-wear shoes to wear around the house or yard, Crocs aren’t the only name on the block.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Ask Me Anything