Can You Hike In Crocs? Crocs are very comfy to wear for everyday purposes. You can wear them at home or while walking to the mall, going outside while carrying a casual look. Also, they have extra cushions that keep the feet relaxed, which is why people with diabetes or foot pains prefer to wear crocs wherever they go.
Crocs have holes in them, which makes them slightly ugly, but also, you won’t have to lace them up, and they can move freely. Also, the holes carved into the shoes will cause the feet to remain dry during the summer days.
The crocs are breathable and durable, you can turn them one way around, and still, they will be intact and provide the same comfort to your feet.
But, can you hike in crocs? It’s quite a yes and a no both. Many hikers claim that they like to wear the crocs while walking, even on the longer terrains, while the others say that the crocs are only good when hiking for short intervals or on smooth terrains.
Wearing crocs while hiking depends on the type of terrain, how long the trails are, and your foot condition. If you have blisters or rashes around the feet, you must not wear crocs while hiking because it can worsen the allergies.
Are Crocs good For the Feet In General?
Yes, crocs are very comfortable if you look for shoes that are good-to-go or want to relax inside your home. They adjust according to your foot and provide ample support while wearing them.
Also, if you accidentally drop the water on the shoes, you’ll not have to worry because they will not be affected even slightly by it. However, make sure not to run around while the floor is slippery; otherwise, the grip of crocs isn’t that much stronger to prevent you from falling.
Crocs are the best choice if you have flat feet, have heel pain, or want to wear comfy shoes while running errands. Because the crocs have holes that support airflow, you can also wear them on the beach. They are super lightweight so if you lose any of your crocs in the water, be sure that they will float back up.
Pros And Cons Of Wearing Crocs While Hiking
Can you hike in crocs? Yes, many hikers use crocs as their hiking boots and claim they feel more comfortable. While there are mixed reviews about the crocs, let’s discuss the pros and cons of these shoes to decide if you can hike in crocs or not.
Pros
Comfort
If you are a person who uses crocs daily, then you must already know that these shoes are very comfortable to use. They have EVA material foam inside them which supports the feet and adjust according to the feet’ shape. People with flat feet or diabetic patients, or people with joint pains can all wear the crocs if they want comfort and support with lightweight shoes.
While hiking, you’ll need maximum comfort for your feet so that they don’t get stressed much being on the terrain. The crocs will protect the feet while also supporting you to carry your extra backpack.
Breathable
Since the crocs have holes on their front side, the air flows quickly through them. It is what makes crocs breathable. If you have to wear shoes for a long time, even if you are running around the city, you may experience sweaty feet. The sweaty feet can, later on, cause blisters on the feet. If you want to switch to more breathable options, then try crocs.
You’re not wrong if you’re considering crocs for the hiking terrains because of their breathability. Wearing crocs while climbing your way up or down the trails will put your feet at ease, and they will not sweat because of the crocs.
Price Value
If you compare the crocs with the hiking boots in terms of price, then the crocs are way cheaper. Hiking boots cost around $100 while the crocs will be 50% less than them. The price is nothing compared to the pros you’ll be getting while buying them. So, it’s a win-win situation.
So if you are on a tighter budget or a beginner and do not want to invest much in hiking boots, you can try on the crocs and go hiking.
Water Shoes
Crocs can also be called water shoes because you can cross the rivers or any wet area through them. While if you’re wearing the hiking boots and encounter any river crossings, you’ll have to take them off because the shoes will get all muddy and wet later on, causing problems for you and your feet.
Wet feet are the magnets to blisters and allergies. Also, foot smells. It can cause bacteria in the shoes and feet as well. So, to avoid the crucial situations, you can try wearing the crocs while on the wet terrains; your feet will dry in 15 minutes or so after you’re done crossing.
No Odor Or Smell
As discussed before, the wet feet inside full-packed hiking boots will cause the bacteria inside them, and ultimately your feet will smell terrible. It’s not always about the river crossings that make your feet wet; you can sweat in the hiking boots, which can cause the odor.
Since the crocs have holes in them and they quickly dry, there are fewer chances of any stinky smell that you’ll have to endure.
Lightweight
Crocs are almost 400g in weight, whereas hiking boots vary from 1lb to 3 lb. being lightweight is one of the main reasons the crocs are popular among the hikers. You can jump around freely, carry the extra weight of the backpack, and your feet will be at ease.
Cons
Slippery And No Grip
When crocs get wet, they’ll get slippery. If you are around some areas like swimming pools, beaches, or muddy hiking terrains, then the crocs can cause you to slip. However, they dry quickly but cannot withstand continuous wet surfaces because the foam has low traction.
Also, the crocs are not meant for hiking terrains; manufacturers don’t focus much on the grip of the crocs. So, the crocs cannot provide you with a firm grip like the hiking boots. The professionals do not advise them to be worn by you or any beginner hiker on rocky or muddy terrains.
If the crocs get wet, you should take them off for a few minutes until they dry, then resume the journey; otherwise, it can cause serious injuries.
Bad Holes And Soles
Although the holes of the crocs make them quick-drying shoes, the same reason makes them an attraction site for pebbles and rocks. Also, insects can crawl into them without you knowing. If you’re hiking on the muddy terrain, the mud can enter the crocs and dry on your feet.
Also, the soles of the crocs are thin, so they are not suitable for rough terrains. It is so because they may encounter several rocks, and you’ll feel the stones beneath your feet after a while or so. Crocs are easy to wear shoes if you’re walking on flat smooth surfaces compared to the rough ones.
Final Thoughts
Crocs are very comfortable shoes that people wear when they want to feel relaxed after a long day shift or run errands and want something comfortable to be beneath their feet. But, can you hike in crocs? Yes, you can certainly, if the terrains are short and smooth.
Crocs are best if you wear them near water crossings like rivers or ponds. They are a great solution for the people who sweat a lot because the crocs dry quickly. Moreover, they are super lightweight means that you’ll feel like a weightless feather while wearing them.
But they are not good for the rocky or muddy terrains because the soles are thin, and the holes are open sites for insects and water to come into the feet and make them wet and dirty. Crocs are not meant for hiking, but many hikers do wear them. Its all about the terrains and how you’re planning to wear them.
The crocs have advantages and disadvantages that we have mentioned in detail, review them and decide for yourself.