If you’re curious about Crocs, this review will answer your questions and help you decide if you should buy a pair.
![Crocs Review](https://www.themodestman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Crocs-Review.jpg)
Crocs have officially made a comeback. I remember when Crocs first became popular in the late 2000s. Like UGG boots, Crocs were immediately polarizing, and itโs safe to say that they had more haters than lovers.
Some people swore by their Crocs, but most people (including me) just didnโt get the hype. They were huge, weird clogs that looked like a bizarre hybrid between sandals and water shoes.
After a few years, the controversy wore off, and we all kind of forgot about Crocs.
Well, itโs been over a decade since their initial heyday, and Crocs are officially โbackโ thanks to the pandemic. They filled an increasing need for comfortable and versatile house shoes. Plus, people became less self-conscious about what they wore because of the lockdowns.
But are these odd foam clogs really worth it, or are they just another trend that will be forgotten?
Thatโs what Iโve been thinking about for the past several weeks as Iโve been rocking my very own pair of Crocs. Iโve worn them extensively in all kinds of conditions, and in this honest review, Iโll share my thoughts on these divisive shoes.
Crocs: The Brand
While many people are familiar with the classic clogs produced by Crocs, not many people are acquainted with the actual brand, so hereโs a quick primer.
โCrocsโ was founded in the early 2000s with the intention of creating a foam boat shoe and soon developed the classic clog weโre now familiar with.
Soon after its inception, Crocs secured the rights to Croslite, a proprietary foam resin that molds to the wearerโs feet like memory foam and offers additional benefits like shock absorption.
Due to the outlandish design, Crocs almost immediately popped up in the media. They were touted as โthe worldโs ugliest shoe.โ Tim Gunn called the shoe โa plastic hoof.โ
Soon, George W. Bush and Michelle Obama were seen wearing them. In just a few short years, Crocs created a level of controversy that was rarely seen in the world of shoes.
Fast forward to today, and the arguments have mostly died down. In many ways, Crocs seem more popular than ever before. Celebs like Justin Bieber and Post Malone have their own versions, and there was even a Kentucky Fried Chicken collab. Love them or hate them, it seems like Crocs are here to stay.
Thereโs only one question left: are they actually good shoes?
Crocs Overview
I tried the classic unisex clog in the chocolate colorway. Iโm usually a 10.5, but Crocs doesnโt offer half sizes, so I sized down to a 10, and Iโm glad I did. The sites I consulted stated that the clogs have a roomier fit, and I found that is definitely the case.
Right out of the box, I was pleased with the choice of color. Crocs offers some, ahem, bold color options, so I was afraid that the chocolate would be too much. However, itโs a great neutral option that will match a range of outfits.
One nice thing about these shoesโ Croslite foam construction is that there really isnโt a break-in period for Crocs. They form to your feet immediately.
While the foam is soft, itโs also stiff, providing a surprising amount of support. They feel much more supportive than a lot of flat-bottomed shoes (think Vans or Converse).
While supportive, it might take some getting used to the actual form of the clogs. As I mentioned earlier, feel quite big on the feet. Crocsโ famous โSwiss-cheese holesโ further emphasizes this roomy fit by facilitating airflow.
Also, the footbed has several ridges of small bumps that roughly conform to the shape of the foot. These bumps provide added grip but you can easily feel them while walking or standing, especially when wearing thin socks or going barefoot. Some people might find the sensation a bit unpleasant.
Crocs Relaxed Mode vs. Sport Mode
As you may already know, there are two ways to wear Crocsโ heel straps. You can either wear the strap across the top of the foot or around the back.
When the straps are up top, you get a traditional clog-wearing experience. In this โrelaxed modeโ configuration you can easily slip the Crocs on and off like sandals.
When the straps are around the back, you get extra security, making it nigh impossible for the clogs to fall off. Since this configuration is suitable for high-octane activities, itโs known as โsport mode.โ
Having these two strap modes is genuinely helpful. I default to sport mode because of the additional security it provides, but if Iโm only going to be popping them on for a few moments, then Iโll go into relaxed mode.
Should You Wear Socks With Crocs?
Thereโs one crucial issue I havenโt yet addressed, and thatโs the issue of socks.
Many people absolutely detest the look of socks with sandals, so surely socks and Crocs would look the same, right? Then again, wouldnโt going barefoot be too uncomfortable?
Well, the answer really depends on the type of sock as well as the type of activity youโre planning to do. If youโre going to be wearing Crocs for a while, then opt for socks.
Low-cut socks in a neutral or matching color work well and donโt stick out too much. Admittedly, this wonโt be easy with every color of Crocs, so itโs probably best to stick with a neutral or earth tone.
Crocs: A Real Life Review
Now, let’s get to the review.
Crocs As House Shoes
For me, like for many others, the appeal of Crocs is that they are simple house shoes that I can pop on for quick errands and other outdoor jaunts.
Iโm pleased to say that they serve that purpose well. Itโs nice to be able to slip them on in relaxed mode to take the trash out or check the mail.
You could do the same with sandals or old
First, they offer more grip than many sandals. The bumpy grooves on the bottom ensure that you wonโt be slipping around.
Second, Crocs offer a nice balance of versatility and simplicity. I think Crocs occupy the same space as sandals โ theyโre casual, comfortable footwear.
Crocs make an excellent โset-and-forgetโ shoe for you to put by your front door for whenever you need them. And thereโs a pretty long list of Crocs-appropriate house activities: mowing the lawn, gardening, getting something from the car, etc.
Crocs As Everyday Wear Shoes
As a house shoe, the classic clog is a formidable option. But what about other types of wear?
I said earlier that Iโve extensively tested my Crocs, and I really meant it. Iโve done a little bit of everything in these Crocs: walks, errands, hangouts, even a trip to Niagara Falls.
Overall, theyโve proven to be comfortable shoes with a surprising amount of versatility. The foam is soft enough to walk quite far without your feet hurting but hard enough that they wonโt fall apart after heavy use.
For everyday use, the Crocs hold up nicely. They work equally well on grassy trails and city concrete, although they donโt handle rocky ground or hillsides all that well. Theyโre more than sufficient for shopping or going out.
The Crocsโ many holes help water to drain from the shoes quickly, which was a boon during my Niagara Falls trip. The foam is also somewhat water-repellant, which also helps.
I should note that crocs can be annoying to wear around sand. If you take your Crocs to the beach, youโll need to rinse them out afterwards since sand gets stuck in all the grooves and crevices. However, thatโs pretty much to be expected when walking on the beach with any type of footwear.
Should You Get Crocs?
It dependsโฆ When considering Crocs, itโs important to think about the balance of form and function. Most people will buy Crocs for their function, but you have to make sure that the form works for you, too.
Since Crocs are thoroughly casual shoes, theyโre not going to be the right choice for every situation. Crocs have specific use cases and an even more distinct look, so the trick is deciding if you fall into that Venn diagram overlap.
If you need a comfy shoe for casual use, whether thatโs around the house or around town, then Crocs will likely serve you well. If you need a casual shoe that will take a lot of action, like sports or hiking, then Crocs are probably not the right choice.
Consider your wardrobe, too. If your casual outfits lean more smart casual, then you may have some trouble making Crocs in even the tamest color work with your look.
On the other hand, if youโre like me and have a workwear-influenced and somewhat fashion forward wardrobe, then Crocs will fit in pretty easily.
Final Thoughts
Crocs arenโt for everyone, but they can be great for the right person. Essentially, theyโre multi-purpose clogs that are ideal for wearing around the house and for some casual activities. However, theyโre comfortable and durable enough to handle some more rigorous outings.
Thereโs no other footwear quite like Crocs out there, so if youโre looking for a shoe that ticks these very specific boxes โ and if you can vibe with the look โ then these controversial clogs deserve a place on your shoe rack.
While they may not make their way into your regular rotation, you might find yourself popping them on more than you think.
And yes, their look is distinct, but consider giving them a second chanceโ you might not think theyโre as ugly as you remember them to be. Crocs didnโt make sense with mid-2000s fashion at all, but they actually can complement many contemporary styles, including workwear and โdad style.โย
If youโve been avoiding Crocs for the last decade or so, it might just be time to give them another shot.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Refund policy is very bad when we give pay on delivery.Itโs been 20 days since I returned the product..and Iโve called the customer care many times..and Iโve still not got refund
I’m a caregiver love my crocs at work with a sock .I wear at home to.I must say with no socks on they’re slippery when wet.Walked to garage in rain,and almost broke my ankle.very slippery.So you see they are very comfortable for dry situations.I take them off at work when showering my residents.
I have problems with one ankle,l bought Crocs,the little bigger wedge,my ankle is doing great with them lve just bought 3 pairs now,lm a senior,if you don’t like them like me,then your missing out.
I love cross. Its all I wear I’m not into fashion any longer my feet have to be comfy,and with cross they are!
Well, I disagree with the part which reads crocs are thoroughly casual. Not anymore. The likes of Yukon Vista Crocs and salehe bumbery (not sure if this name is correct) should not be regarded as “thoroughly casual”… because they are not
After buying about 25 pairs of different kinds of crocs in about 8 years- from flops for house shoes to heels, I sent back the last pair & quit buying them.
Crocs were my go-to shoes for 2/3 reasons, but they no longer apply:
1-Great form fitting support/cushioned comfort for my high arch/low contact surface area (i.e. more pressure w/less contact area on my small boned feet)
2-Quality material combined with soft bumps allowing air circulationq, fending off sweaty soles (feet have 5 figures worth of sweat glands!)
I understand the Go Green concept but if that is truly & solely the reason for the harder plastic feel w/less pliable shoe,than it no longer serves its purpose.
I question this because I used to pay 2-3 times as much for them & then the prices dropped prior to any hype about green materials & it appeared the profit margin dropped so they started making a seemingly cheaper materialed shoe.
Bottom line:I was happy to pay for the higher quality shoe in exchange for the quality shoe, but the change is at the expense of my & many others’ business.
It has been 2 1/2 years since my return & cessation of business. If there has been an improvement in the quality & feel of the materials I would welcome that intel!