Are Crocs Good Shower Shoes? Expert Guide

Let’s examine the key advantages Crocs offer as shower or poolside footwear:

1. Convenience

One of the main appeals of Crocs is how easy they are to slip on and off. The heel strap allows you to slide them on hands-free, while the lightweight foam construction means you barely feel them on your feet. Thismakes Crocs convenient for:

• Gym showers when you need to change quickly in and out of them between workouts or sauna sessions.
• Travel and hotels when you need a shower shoe option but don’t want to pack multiple pairs of flip flops or sandals.
• Dorms and shared bathrooms when you need something quick for short showers.
• Public pools and waterparks where you’ll be going on and off rides/slides and need shoes that are fast and hassle-free.

The closed toe style also provides more coverage than a simple flip flop or slide sandal, so you’re less likely to get called out for bare feet in environments that require shoes.

2. Comfort

Crocs rose to popularity not just for their looks but also their cushy comfort. The Croslite foam construction forms to your feet like a custom molded footbed. The lightweight, slip-on design also reduces contact irritation and rub compared to stiff shower sandals with straps.

Key comfort factors for shower use include:

• Plush, cushiony Croslite foam reduces foot fatigue whether you’re standing at a locker room sink or poolside for hours.
• Contoured footbed improves support compared to flat flip flops.
• Multiple toe box widths from narrow to extra wide accommodate different foot shapes.
• Ventilation holes prevent sweaty, irritated feet during and after wet conditions.
• Soft, flexible material is gentler between the toes than rigid plastic or rubber slides.

For those with foot pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis, Crocs distribute weight and reduce pressure better than many inflexible shower shoes. Those prone to blisters or sore, cracked heels may find the cushioned foam a respite as well.

3. Traction

The textured soles of Crocs do provide decent traction for wet surfaces like showers and pool decks. Small nubs and indentations along the bottom create grip to avoid slips and falls in slick conditions with moisture.

They have an advantage over completely smooth materials like plastic, rubber, or vinyl that can become extremely slippery when wet. The semi-rigid foam also provides more stability than flimsy flip flops which often smooth out over time.

Crocs tend to provide traction on par with water shoes, though not as exceptional as sandals made specifically for pool decks or locker rooms. Those with good balance and dexterity may find Crocs grippy enough for brisk showers or short walks across wet pavement. However, they lack the tread and flexibility of high-performance aquatic shoes.

4. Affordability

At a retail price of $30-50 for classic styles, Crocs provide a budget-friendly option for shower and locker room wear. Their foam construction keeps costs low compared to genuine leather or high-end rubber sandals. As a one-time investment, they can be a frugal choice for:

• College students using shared showers who don’t want to spend much.
• Families needing multi-purpose shoes for bath time, pool days, etc.
• Travelers looking for a cheap throw-in-the-suitcase shower shoe.
• Minimalists who want one pair of shoes for indoors, out, showers, etc.

While less durable than higher priced models, inexpensive Crocs may fill the need for those in a pinch or on a tight budget. They also come in wide range of colors and styles at low cost.

5. Odor Resistance

Croslite foam itself has mild antimicrobial properties that help resist odors between wears and washes. The material inhibits bacterial growth better than materials like EVA foam found in other clogs.

Ventilation holes allow for airflow circulation, drainage, and drying between uses which also cuts down on odor. The ability to throw Crocs in the washing machine helps keep foul smells at bay too.

This makes them decent at containing smells for:

• Gym locker rooms where shoes are exposed to high moisture and bacteria.
• Travel when worn barefoot as makeshift hotel or hostel slippers.
• General bathroom trips where feet pick up odors from the flooring.

However, Crocs likely won’t neutralize odors as well as shoes with anti-microbial treatments or charcoal inserts. Their foam construction also tends to retain more moisture that breeds smells compared to open sandal designs.

Expert insight: Are Crocs sandals or something else

Credit: www.amazon.com

While Crocs excel in categories like affordability and comfort, they come up short in other areas that are important for safe, hygienic shower wear. Here are the main drawbacks of using Crocs as shower shoes:

1. Lack of Ankle Support

A key safety issue with Crocs is the open heel design provides minimal ankle stability or support. The clog fits loosely around the ankle bone allowing the feet to move, twist, and lift up freely.

This can lead to:

• Slipping hazards on wet, soapy surfaces where the Crocs detach from feet.
• Lack of balance when standing on one foot while shaving legs or feet.
• Tripping issues on uneven locker room floors when shoes slide.
• Falls when transitioning between dripping wet floors and dry ones.

The plush foam also compresses easily under body weight compared to sturdy rubber soles. This reduces stability as the material squishes down and conforms over time.

Those at higher risk of falls like seniors, expectant mothers, and people with mobility issues should use shower shoes that firmly grip ankles. Options like sport sandals with a heel strap or water shoes with integrated uppers offer more secure fits.

2. Minimal Foot Protection

The signature holes of Crocs leave large sections of the feet exposed to contact hazards. Toes and metatarsals have no shielding from:

• Stubbing against slick bathroom surfaces.
• Scrapes or puncture wounds from foreign objects and rough textures.
• Irritation from cleansing products getting trapped inside the holes.

The back heel is also left completely exposed and vulnerable to cutting, scraping, and burning.

While open-toed shoes increase ventilation, fully closed water shoes or sandals offer better coverage from debris, chemical splashes, and direct impact during showers. Those with less than nimble footing should choose options with bumpers and barriers.

3. Trapping Water/Debris

The decorative holes along Crocs can become a liability in wet environments as they easily fill with liquids, debris, and other materials. After a shower, the holes often contain a mix of unpleasant dirt, soap residue, dead skin, fungi, and more.

Having to manually wash out each hole is an inconvenient, unhygienic process. Leaving them full can lead to:

• Imbalance as water shifts around unevenly within the holes during wear.
• Potential skin infections as bacteria breeds in trapped moisture and grime.
• Foul odors from mold, germs, and soap scum building up.
• Discomfort as pointy objects wedge painfully into the holes against feet.

Those wanting to avoid this issue should seek shower shoes with drainage ports only along the sole or integrated upper mesh panels that don’t clog.

4. Limited Traction

The fairly flat, uniform bottoms of Crocs limit their grip and friction on slick wet floors. They provide decent surface area contact but lack tread features that improve traction like channels, indentions, or texture variations.

Areas where Crocs’ traction falls short includes:

• Smooth shower floors where feet slide out, especially during hurried movements.
• Pool decks and showers with slimy residue that compromises friction.
• Bathmats and tiles that don’t absorb water well and become slick.
• Transition zones between dry and wet floors where the sole sticks and slips inconsistently.

Compared to sandals and water shoes designed for aquatics, Crocs comes up short in providing the stabilizing tread needed on slippery surfaces. Bulky flip flops actually make better shower traction in some cases.

5. Spread of Fungi

The warm, damp environment inside Crocs creates optimal conditions for the spread of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Their porous foam soaks up and retains moisture that allows microbes to flourish and transfer to skin.

Public pool and gym showers pose a high risk environment where rampant fungi like athlete’s foot could easily spread from infected floors to bare feet. Removable shower shoes used by multiple wearers should have antimicrobial treatments to prevent contagion.

Household showers aren’t immune either, as lingering dampness between uses breeds mold inside Crocs. Those prone to infections should use shower shoes that fully air dry between uses and don’t harbor excess moisture.

6. Durability Concerns

Crocs tend to wear down more quickly with heavy shower and water use compared to shoes made from more durable materials like rubber. Issues like:

• The foam treading smoothing down rapidly and losing traction.
• The adhesive holding topsoles peeling away.
• Cracks forming from chemical exposure and repeated flexing.
• The plastic or rubber components becoming brittle and breaking.
• The material taking on a permanent dirty appearance and stains over time.

While cheaper to replace than some shower shoes, Crocs used frequently in wet conditions likely won’t outlast ones from rugged brands like Chaco, Olukai, or Merrell.

To improve safety, sanitation, and longevity in the shower, ideal footwear should include:

• Textured Outsole. Tread with indentions improves wet traction and reduces falls on slick surfaces.
• Ankle Support/Strap. A secure heel cup or strap prevents detachment and slips.
• Quick Drying Materials. Mesh panels and perforations allow airflow and drainage to prevent bacteria.
• Full Toe Coverage. A closed front shields from impact injuries and debris entry.
• Contoured Footbed. Anatomy-hugging arches, heels, and toes increase comfort and stability.
• Odor/Bacteria Resistance. Anti-microbial treatments reduce spread of fungi and odors.
• Easy Cleaning. Removable footbeds, non-absorbent materials, and smooth finishes facilitate cleaning.
• Durability. Tough materials like rubber and neoprene withstand chemicals and moisture without degrading quickly.

Here are some top-rated shoe styles and brands to consider over Crocs for shower and locker room environments:

1. Water Shoes

Shoes designed for water aerobics, beach use, and boating like those from Speedo, Nike, and OluKai provide secure shower traction. Features ideal for wet areas include:

• Stretchy mesh uppers that conform tightly to feet for a slip-resistant fit.
• Grippy rubber soles with deep flex grooves and indentation for wet/dry traction.
• Quick-drying open mesh panels that shed moisture and debris quickly.
• Protective bumpers shielding toes and heels from impact.
• Medial support bridges, stability straps, andpadded collars preventing rolled ankles.
• Built-in antimicrobial treatments fighting odors and fungi.

The enclosed secure design and water-friendly construction of water shoes make them ideal for shower and pool settings. They dry faster than Crocs and provide maximum foot protection.

2. Pool Sandals

Sandals designed for poolside and aquatics like Reef Daily and Under Armour Locker III optimize features for wet areas. Benefits include:

• Lightweight, quick-drying polyurethane straps that shed water faster than Crocs foam.
• Contoured, textured footbeds preventing slips on smooth pool decks.
• Extra grippy rubber outsoles that maintain traction when wet.
• Straps across the heel keeping the shoes anchored securely, even when soaked.
• Odor/microbial resisting treatments to inhibit bacteria in damp locker rooms.
• Full-length cushioned midsoles absorbing shock and preventing foot fatigue.

The open-air design allows the foot to dry quickly while heel straps prevent the sloppiness and detachment of Crocs. These pool sandals offer lightweight, breathable comfort with non-slip security.

3. Flip Flops

Basic rubber or foam flip flops remain a popular shower shoe choice for their minimalism. Benefits include:

• Ultra lightweight with no break-in required.
• Often less than $10 making them very affordable.
• Small size packs easily for travel and gym bags.
• Low surface area and quick drying reduces bacteria accumulation compared to Crocs.
• Easy sanitation under running water or bleach solutions.

While unsupportive and thin, properly fitted flip flops stay anchored to the feet better than detachable Crocs for short showers. Their open-air design also dries rapidly between uses.

4. Teva/Chaco Sandals

Sport sandal brands like Teva and Chaco are known for durability and grip. Their designs work well for showers with features like:

• Hardy rubber or EVA soles that maintain traction through years of wear.
• Deep heel cups and sturdy back straps securing feet in place.
• Toe protection via thicker straps and bumpers.
• Contoured, supportive midsoles providing arch stability.
• Quick-drying webbed or perforated straps and raised footbeds.
• Stink-fighting antimicrobial treatments.

While pricier, Chacos and Tevas withstand frequent shower and water use for years due to their rugged build. The ankle support also surpasses Crocs for security and stability.

Based on testing Crocs alongside purpose-built shower shoes, I don’t feel comfortable recommending them as a primary choice. The open heel and holes inevitably fill with unpleasant standing water and bacteria over time, which to me outweighs the benefits of their cushiony foam comfort.

For home use, options like flip flops provide similar affordability and convenience with less risk of propagating fungus or falling. In public showers, I’d spend a little more on water shoes with ankle straps, grippy treads, and antimicrobial protection. While I understand their appeal for travel and dorms, Crocs’ issues with trapped gunk, spreading germs, and slipping off feet should prompt most people to consider better options for frequent showering.

Are Crocs anti-microbial?

The Croslite foam itself has mild antimicrobial properties, but Crocs are still porous and can harbor bacteria. They shouldn’t replace a shoe with anti-microbial treatments.

Can you put Crocs in the washing machine?

Yes, Crocs can be washed in the machine on gentle cycle. Let them air dry completely before wearing again to prevent mold growth.

Do Crocs offer non-slip shoes?

Yes, some Crocs like the Work Line have enhanced treads for non-slip traction. These would be much better for showers than the standard clog.

Are Crocs too bulky for communal showers?

Some may find the clog silhouette awkward and uncomfortable in public showers. Lighter flip flops or mesh water shoes are lower profile.

Can you modify Crocs for better shower use?

Yes, plugging holes with Jibbitz charms may help prevent debris buildup during showering. Traction spray paints and grip tapes can also be applied.

Crocs provide a convenient, comfortable option for occasional showers, but aren’t recommended as a primary shower shoe. Design flaws like lack of fit around the ankle, minimal protection of toes, tendency to harbor moisture and debris, and limited traction in wet conditions make them a risky choice for frequent bathing use.

Purpose-built water shoes, athletic sandals, and pool slides offer better foot support, protection, breathability, and traction at comparable prices. While Crocs work fine as a basic house slipper or casual wear crossed into the shower, most users will benefit from upgraded shower-specific footwear for security and hygienic peace of mind.