Are Crocs Good For Hiking? [6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wear Them]
People are always searching for a shoe to hit the hiking trail with that’s more comfortable than the average boot.
So it’s no surprise that many people have become interested in wearing Crocs as their choice of hiking footwear.
But, are Crocs good for hiking? And what are some of the pros and cons that come with wearing them?
In this post, I’ll tell you everything that you’ll need to know about wearing your lounging Crocs for your next day on the trail.
Are Crocs Good For Hiking?
There are many reasons why people might be interested in wearing Crocs for hiking.
A few include the fact that they’re comfortable, they dry quickly, they don’t hold in smell, and they are certainly breathable.
But we should also think about the fact that they provide almost no support, are slippery when wet, and can cause lots of blisters.
The cons certainly outweigh the pros here.
So in the end, I would say that Crocs are not good for hiking and that you should opt for something a bit more protective and supportive.
Even a good pair of hiking sandals are better to wear on the trail than Crocs, since they offer more traction and support.
But let’s dive a little deeper into the reasons why I don’t recommend them.
Pros of Wearing Crocs Hiking
Here are a few of the pros that come along with using Crocs as your trail shoes.
There aren’t many, and that’s because they don’t come in as one of the top hiking shoes on the market.
Breathable
One of the biggest reasons that people enjoy wearing Crocs is because they’re breathable and keep your feet cool on hot days.
This is a great perk of wearing them hiking because it allows cool air into the shoes.
Especially on hot summer days when the sun is beating down on you, you’ll appreciate the airflow to your feet.
It also prevents your feet from sweating as much, so they don’t get at stinky.
And you don’t have to wear socks with them, so it takes away an extra piece of clothing to have to buy.
Fast-Drying
Crocs are extremely fast drying. I mean, they’ll probably be dry within 5 minutes of getting them wet.
This is really nice for crossing streams or if it rains because you won’t have to lug around soaking-wet boots.
They also stay lightweight, even if they’re wet because of the foamy/rubbery material that they’re made with.
But- they can be very slippery if wet (more on that below).
Odor Control
Because of the breathability of Crocs, they tend to hold less odor than a lot of other shoes on the market.
And when your feet do sweat, you can easily wear them in the water to prevent the odor from sticking around.
Plus, they’re easily washable, so if they do stink, you can just throw them under the hose with some soap and scrub them clean.
Lightweight
Crocs are made of a foamy, rubbery material called Croslite (which isn’t actually made of foam or rubber at all).
They’re extremely lightweight, which is one of the main draws to them.
When they’re wet, they’re light. When they’re dry, they’re light. People love this about Crocs!
Crocs weigh usually under 1 pound for both shoes, which is heaps lighter than your average hiking shoe or boot.
So when you’re on the hiking trail, you can expect your feet to almost float off the ground.
Cons of Wearing Crocs Hiking
Now that you’ve seen the short list of pros that wearing Crocs while hiking brings, let’s go over the cons.
These are all really important things to consider before slipping into a pair and going out to hit the trail.
Slippery
One of the biggest risk factors while wearing a pair of Crocs is slipping on wet ground.
Although they can be nice for crossing streams because they dry quickly, wet Crocs can also put you in danger.
Whether it be rain or a stream crossing, Crocs can get very slippery when they’re wet, which puts you at risk of falling.
And while they’re easily dried (if crossing a stream and drying after), it can be really annoying to have to stop and dry them out.
Especially if water gets into the shoe itself, your foot might be sliding all around the Croc, creating an even bigger fall risk for you.
No Support
Support is a huge factor in choosing hiking shoes or boots because your ankles and feet need that when walking on uneven ground.
Having a pair of shoes that has support while hiking will not only feel better during that hike but also will help you in the long run.
Crocs provide almost no support on your ankles and heels and pretty minimal support on the arch.
This can make getting sprained ankles easier, which is definitely no fun at all.
Especially for long-distance hikes, having the proper support is really important, so I wouldn’t recommend Crocs for more than a few miles max.
No Protection
Because of their thin sole and tops, Crocs also don’t provide much protection for your feet.
Stubbing your toe on a rock will definitely feel a lot more painful in these than in a sturdy boot.
It’s also more likely to get scrapes on your ankles and feet if you were to accidentally catch it on something (tree roots, rocks, etc.).
You’ll also be able to feel sharp rocks, sticks, and tree roots underneath your foot a lot more easily, which can be painful or just uncomfortable.
Blisters
The material that Crocs are made out of raises the chances of getting blisters, especially when hiking longer distances.
When that material rubs against your ankles or feet, your skin might get a hot spot, creating a blister.
This can happen even quicker if the shoes are wet.
If you feel a blister or hot spot coming on, I would recommend changing shoes and using moleskin to protect the spot.
Collects Rocks
One of the most annoying parts for me about wearing open shoes while hiking is when rocks collect inside of them.
This is uncomfortable on my feet and forces me to stop every once in a while to empty them out.
And because of the holes in Crocs, small pebbles or sticks tend to find their way into the shoe.
While not a huge reason not to wear them, it’s still definitely annoying!
Not Good on Rough Terrain
Lastly, Crocs aren’t built to scale mountains or climb boulder fields.
They certainly won’t get you to the top of a peak and will probably be quite uncomfortable if you try it.
If you’re planning to traverse any rough terrain such as snow, scree, or harsh rocks, leave the Crocs at home.
Crocs are better for staying on flat, well-maintained trails with minimal elevation gain.
What to Consider When Choosing Hiking Footwear
When you’re getting ready to head out on a hike, there are a few important things to think about before lacing up your shoes.
These are all important factors in choosing what the best pair of shoes for you will be.
Trail Length
The first thing that you should consider is how long the trail is.
Shorter trails can be great for wearing crocs, but once you get above 2 or 3 miles, you’re going to want something more supportive.
Crocs just aren’t great for long distances, and I think that most people are aware of that.
Hike Terrain
You should also consider the terrain of the trail.
Trails with lots of rocks, scrambling, snow, or water should be avoided with Crocs, and you’ll definitely want a solid pair of hiking shoes or boots.
Elevation gain is also important to look at, because you won’t want to wear them on a trail that is too steep!
This means that even if the trail is 1 mile long but has a lot of rough terrain, you should opt for something else.
Weather
Lastly, take a look at the weather and see if it’s an appropriate time to wear Crocs on the trail.
Days where it’s supposed to snow or rain are days where they should be avoided.
These two factors can make your shoes really slippery and become a hazard to you and others.
Sunny days with flat, easy, short trails are best for your Crocs.
What Are The Best Hiking Crocs?
Well there really aren’t any great options for a pair of Crocs to wear out on the hiking trail, I wanted to give you my top recommendation if you’re still looking for a pair.
The Crocs Classic Hiker has a thicker bottom and a better sole for traction, along with a more sturdy ankle strap.
It will provide your feet with more protection and support, if you happen to decide to wear a pair for hiking.
FAQ
Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions to help you solidify your decision for what kind of hiking shoes you’ll wear.
Are Crocs Good For Your Feet?
While Crocs are lightweight, airy, and comfortable, they don’t support your foot in the way it needs.
Your feet need support in the ankles and arches, and these don’t provide that very well.
So while they aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ for your feet, they aren’t really great either.
Is it Okay to Walk Long Distances in Crocs?
It’s not recommended to walk long distances in Crocs, especially on uneven ground, like on a hiking trail.
Again, they don’t provide your feet the support that they need and you’ll likely end the day sore.
When going long distances (over 2 miles or so), you should have shoes that support your ankles and arches.
Are Crocs Good for Crossing Water?
Crocs are decent for crossing water streams because they have holes to dry out quickly and get rid of excess water.
However, they can become very slippery when wet, so it’s important to be careful with them.
Are Crocs Comfortable for Hiking?
Crocs can be comfortable for hiking if you like wearing them in your everyday life.
They’re soft, flexible, and loose-fitting.
For short distances, they might be great, but for longer distances, they can become uncomfortable very quickly.
How Do I Prevent Blisters From Crocs?
One of the most obvious ways to avoid getting blisters in Crocs is to wear socks, but most people don’t want to do that.
Putting the strap behind your heel rather than in front can help prevent blisters.
Also, putting moleskin on the spot on your foot that’s prone to blisters can help keep them away.
If you feel that a blister is coming on, I really recommend changing shoes.
What Are Crocs Good For?
Many people love wearing Crocs for their everyday shoes.
They’re great for wearing around camp, around the yard, slipping on after a swim, on the boat, or maybe even as a house shoe.
They can be great for many things, but not as great for hiking.
Are Crocs Good for the Outdoors?
Crocs can be great for wearing around camp or going for a quick walk.
They can also be good worn in a boat or playing on the beach.
But for hiking and more strenuous outdoor activities, they aren’t the best option.
Can You Wear Crocs Without Socks?
Yes, you can definitely wear Crocs barefoot!
But you’ll want to be careful because rocks tend to make their way into the shoe and may be painful.
Crocs can also become very slippery when wet, so use caution when the ground is wet.
Are Crocs Lightweight?
Crocs are very lightweight, typically weighing only about a pound per pair.
Wrap-Up: Crocs for Hiking
So now that you know all of the pros and cons of Crocs, you have a better idea of whether you should use them on the trail or not.
Because of the lack of support and protection, slip risk, and risk of blisters, they shouldn’t be used.
But they are great for other activities such as wearing around the yard or using them during a camping trip.
I hope that I’ve been able to answer the question, are Crocs good for hiking, for you.
