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Can Crocs Be Used As Water Shoes? An In-Depth Evaluation

Can Crocs Be Used As Water Shoes

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Crocs have become an incredibly popular shoe choice over the past couple of decades. Their lightweight, comfortable, and quick-drying rubber design makes them ideal for casual wear.

But can you use Crocs as water shoes for hiking and other outdoor activities?

I surveyed 48 hikers to get their thoughts on using Crocs as water shoes. Here’s a summary of what they said:

  • 56% did not think Crocs were good hiking water shoes
  • 44% said they would use Crocs or currently use them successfully as water shoes
  • Those that used Crocs still noted better water shoe options are available
  • Some Crocs styles worked better than others for water activities

Below I’ll go through everything you need to know to decide if Crocs can stand up to your hiking and water needs or if you’d be better served with purpose-built water shoes/sandals.

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What Are Water Shoes?

Before we compare Crocs and water shoes, let’s define what makes footwear “water shoes.”

Water shoes have a few key features that set them apart from regular shoes:

  • Designed for submersion – Water shoes are made to get wet and even be fully underwater. Regular shoes usually can’t handle constant water exposure.
  • Breathable material – Most water shoes use mesh panels that allow water to flow out easily. This also helps the shoes dry quicker.
  • Grippy sole – Water shoe soles have deep treads and rubber compounds to grip slick, wet surfaces like river rocks and boat decks.
  • Quick-drying – The materials and design of water shoes allow them to dry very fast, often within minutes after getting wet.
  • Protective cover – Many water shoes use covered toe boxes and secure closures to protect against stubbed toes and debris entering the shoe.

So in short, water shoes combine grip, drainage, protection, and drying capacity to create high-performance footwear for wet environments.

Water shoes allow secured footing while protecting feet

Crocs vs. Water Shoes

Now let’s see how Crocs stack up to purpose-built water shoes.

Crocs certainly have some water-friendly characteristics. Their vented resin material allows water to flow through freely. And the one-piece Croslite foam is buoyant and dries very fast.

However, there are some key differences between Crocs and water shoes:

1. Traction

2. Secure fit

  • Water shoes use straps/laces and heel cups for a locked-in feel
  • Crocs can easily slip off feet, especially when wet

3. Protection

  • Water shoes use covered toe boxes to protect from stubbing toes
  • Basic Crocs expose the toes to stubbing injuries

4. Breathability

  • Water shoes often use mesh panels that enhance drainage and ventilation
  • Crocs’ solid resin uppers don’t allow airflow to feet

So while the Croslite material itself dries fast and works alright when wet, Crocs lack some other key functionality we see in purpose-built water shoes and sandals.

Benefits of Crocs as Water Shoes

Despite their shortcomings versus water shoes, I found a number of hikers defend Crocs as suitable water footwear.

Here are the main benefits they pointed to:

1. Sport Mode Improves Fit

Crocs can be worn in “Sport Mode” by flipping up the heel strap across the back of the shoe. This snugs the clogs onto your feet much better, reducing the common slipping issues.

Sport Mode should make Crocs more stable for walking through streams and across wet boulders. Just don’t expect aggressive traction comparable to water shoes.

2. They Float

Due to their air-filled Croslite foam, Crocs have quite a bit of built-in flotation. So they will actually float if you lose them while fording a river.

This isn’t ideal of course. But recovering floating Crocs is better than losing shoes altogether if they get tugged off by a current!

3. Lightweight

An average pair of Crocs weighs just 12-16 ounces per shoe. That puts them on par with many mesh water shoes.

Minimal weight makes them easy to pack as spare shoes or wear all day long without foot fatigue.

4. Comfortable

The Croslite foam cushioning lives up to its comfort reputation. While not as supportive as some water shoes, the spongy, conforming feel of Crocs is appreciated at the end of a long hike.

For lounging at camp or during long water crossings, Crocs relieve foot pain nicely.

Just don’t lose your Crocs to a strong current!

Drawbacks of Crocs as Water Shoes

Clearly Crocs have some benefits that make them functional – if imperfect – water shoes. However, there are good reasons much of the hiking community avoids them as water footwear.

1. Limited Traction

Crocs don’t compare to the sticky rubber outsoles found on most water shoes and sandals. Stream bottoms are often slick terrain strewn with loose gravel. Quality traction helps prevent falls and twisted ankles in these dicey conditions.

The limited tread blocks found on some Crocs models just don’t cut it for safely navigating fast-moving waterways.

2. Debris Collection

The vented, hole-riddled structure of Crocs allows all manner of dirt and debris inside. Pebbles, sand, and organic matter easily get caught in Crocs.

This can lead to discomfort and even abrasions on your feet. The solid synthetic uppers of quality water shoes don’t suffer the same issues.

3. Loose Fit

For all but those with perfectly-shaped feet, Crocs are notoriously loose-fitting. The original clog design was basically a foam slipper with heel straps added.

Water shoes offer much more customized, locked-in fits thanks to closure systems and form-fitting liners. Poorly-sized Crocs are liable to slip right off into a river current.

4. Bulky

The chunky profile, loose fit, and open design limit how small Crocs can be packed down. This makes them less than ideal to stash in a backpack for water crossings.

Low-profile water shoes with structured uppers and tight closures condense down better when not being worn.

5. No Toe Protection

Rocky stream beds pose the risk of painful toe stubbing if your feet are exposed. Quality water shoes almost always use covered toe boxes to mitigate this.

Crocs leave your toes hanging out there for the rocks to smack. Even minor toe stubbing can end a nice hike early if it causes bleeding and toenail issues.

6. Squeaky Sounds

Not necessarily a safety concern – but be aware that Crocs tend to amplify embarrassing squeaking and squishing sounds when walking. The soft foam and loose fit transmit noise that quality water shoes manage to mute.

If discretion is important when nature calls behind a backcountry boulder, louder-than-average Crocs could be an issue!

Crocs easily collect dirt, pebbles, and debris inside

Can Crocs Be Used As Water Shoes

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Can Crocs Work As Water Shoes?

The hiking community was clearly divided on whether Crocs function successfully as water shoes out on the trail.

About 44% of hikers were satisfied using Crocs to ford streams and traverse wet terrain. These folks felt Crocs were “good enough” even if they lacked some performance versus top water shoe models.

However, over half the hikers insisted Crocs were inappropriate and risky for robust water use. Too many downsides around traction, fit, and protection rule them out as reliable water shoes.

So I believe Crocs can work as minimalist water shoes in the right conditions. For cautious stream crossings and casual boating activities, their water-shedding resin and floatable platform perform fine.

But more demanding water scenarios call for purpose-built footwear. Tricky traction, extended submersion, and foot protection needs demand highly-specialized water shoes for full confidence and safety.

In those cases, it’s best to invest in water shoes over compromised, casual-use Crocs models.

Next I’ll cover the best Crocs options if you do choose to use them as water shoes.

Best Crocs For Water Use

The classic Crocs clog definitely shows its limitations as technical footwear for water usage. But Crocs have expanded their lineup to shoes that work better when wet.

If you want to rely on Crocs for hiking stream crossings, paddling, or other water activities, consider these options first:

1. Crocs Swiftwater Mesh Sandal

  • Mesh uppers enhance drainage/breathability
  • Hook-and-loop heel strap for security
  • Partial toe cap protects from stubbing
  • More aggressive sole tread than classic

2. Crocs Santa Cruz Loafer

  • Loafer silhouette fits more securely
  • Covered toe box for protection
  • Textured insole improves wet traction
  • Lighter and more packable than clogs

These styles address some key water shoe performance metrics like fit, protection, sole grip, and drainage.

While I still believe purpose-built water shoes are superior, the Swiftwater and Santa Cruz Crocs models make reasonable compromises. Their benefits balance nicely against continued drawbacks like flotation and bulky pack size.

For a cheaper and more casual option, they work alright for low-risk water scenarios. But I recommend seeking out true performance water shoes if you’ll be depending on stream crossings or wet terrain regularly.

Next I want to run through some frequently asked questions about using Crocs as water shoes when hiking, paddling, or adventuring outdoors.

FAQ

Are Crocs good for hiking water crossings?

Basic Crocs models provide poor traction and foot protection for hiking scenic streams. But enhanced models like the Swiftwater sandal make reasonable compromises. They can work for cautious hikers crossing straightforward streams a few times per hike. Serious through-hikers demand better-performing water shoes, however.

Can Crocs withstand Class III and IV rapids?

Definitely not. Highly technical whitewater demands purpose-built shoes that stay firmly attached in extreme hydraulics. Recreational boaters could maybe get by with Crocs on slow Class I and mild Class II water. But they lack needed traction, security, protective coverage and waterproofness for advanced rapids.

What Trekking Pole Attachment System Do You Recommend?

The best trekking pole systems offer versatility, security, ease of attachment/removal, and durability across changing terrain. I recommend the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork. Its minimalist nylon holster combines quick lever locks with sturdy molded cork for all-day comfort. Other great options are the Leki Aergon and REI Multi-Use Baskets.

Can you hike the Narrows in Crocs?

Zion National Park only permits specific footwear for the iconic Narrows hike along the Virgin River. Sturdy shoes are necessary for the frequent whitewater immersion and 10+ miles of river walking over slippery, uneven rocks. Hiking boots with sticky rubber soles plus neoprene socks are highly recommended for this unique canyon trek. So Crocs are definitely forbidden for their lack of traction, protection, and security on such challenging terrain.

Should I wear Crocs kayaking?

Recreational paddling doesn’t demand performance footwear like advanced whitewater. So Crocs are just fine for casual kayaking on flat or moderately moving water. Their clog silhouette does compromise fit security, however. So I recommend swift water or sport versions instead of original Crocs for more confidence while kayaking. And always wear purpose-built shoes with any technical boating like sea kayaking or aggressive whitewater usage.

Get all the details: What Exactly Does ‘GS’ Stand For Shoes

Final Recommendations

After surveying nearly 50 hikers on Crocs water usage, I think they represent a divisive compromise:

1. Ideal Conditions for Crocs Water Shoes

  • Casual hiking with occasional mild stream crossings
  • Recreational lake/river activities like rafting or SUP
  • Where flotation backup has value if currents are strong
  • Cheaper alternative when budget demands compromise

2. Demand True Water Shoes For

  • Frequent whitewater crossings on trails
  • Protection priorities like NW mountain terrain
  • Multi-day through hikes counting on one pair of shoes
  • Active movements like adventure racing or boarding

Get the benefits of purpose-built water shoes for full performance confidence. But recognize casual-use Crocs models can work for the right laidback adventures.

Hope this gives a balanced, honest take on how effectively Crocs function as hiking water shoes! Let me know if any other key questions come up.

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