Crocs are the weatherproof loungewear that can be spotted from a mile away – they are famous for their classic clogs.
The expressive footwear is fully customizable and just as easy to wear around the house as it is around town. One of the most common praises for Crocs is how comfortable they are.
Crocs offers different styles and fits to suit many consumers. If you need a more roomy shoe, you can try the Bistro or Bistro Pro models.
If you like a relaxed fit that will still provide a secure fit for work, opt for the Neria. Otherwise, the Classic Croc is what many people know and love in a fun, comfortable shoe.
Before getting any new shoes, though, it is important to do your research. After all, you need to know if they will run small or big. Or do Crocs stretch?
Perhaps, you have already made the purchase just to discover that they are tight around your toes! Well, not to worry.
With a bit of work and some home remedies, you can quickly break in your new crocs or reshape your old ones.
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Are Crocs Supposed to Be Tight?
If you have never purchased a pair of Crocs before, you may not know how they should fit. Their pliable rubber material helps cushion the foot and provides a comfortable fit that is snug but not tight.
There should be enough room to wiggle your toes but not touch the end of the shoe. Your heel should fit in the back securely without slipping or moving while you walk.
The shoes should never pinch the toes or rub, causing skin irritation or blisters.
If you find your Crocs rub too much or cramp your toes, stretching them slightly with one or more simple methods can improve the overall feel.
Do Crocs Stretch?
The majority of Crocs clogs fit true-to-size. This means that if you wear a size 12, then you should buy a size 12. However, the author mentions that not every pair of Crocs fit perfectly.
Specifically, the Crocs Bistro, Bistro Pro, and the Crocs Specialist II run slightly larger, in which case you may want to buy a size down from whatever your current size is.
Additionally, different models will have more or less toe room and accommodate slender or broader feet.
One excellent resource for assistance with finding the right Croc size for you is to use the Croc size chart.
On average, a pair of Crocs will stretch from normal wear and tear and be half an inch up to a full inch larger, depending on use and your foot.
Unfortunately, even with all the preparation in the world, you can wind up with your Crocs rubbing against your ankle because they are too tight or falling off because they are too loose. That is when it is time to get creative.
Normal Wear Will Stretch Crocs Slightly
Before you go trying out more extreme measures to reshape your new Crocs, take a week or so to break them in. It may not be the fastest or most stylish way of reshaping them, but wearing your
Crocs is going to be the best way of truly getting them to form to your feet.
If you are only a half-size away from the perfect comfort level, you may want to hold off on any significant modifications.
Normal wear will not change the shape of your Crocs overnight drastically.
However, you may be able to notice a difference in their fit within a few weeks. First, the material needs to “learn” the shape of your feet. It takes time to find that sweet spot for each person.
Of course, this will not be the fastest way, and it will not lead to any sudden changes. If you need to reshape your Crocs a lot (or just as soon as possible), you will need alternative methods.
Read Also: Real Crocs vs Fake Crocs
How to Stretch Your Crocs on Purpose?
If you find yourself with a pair of Crocs that are too loose or distorted, you can quickly rectify it at home. Thankfully, there are different ways to do this, including:
- Use boiling water (fastest method)
- Use a clothes dryer (quick process)
- Use a hair dryer (quick solution)
- Wear thick socks (slower process)
- Stuffing them when not in use (slowest method)
Some of these methods can be more time-consuming than others, so if you want to wear your Cross in a hurry, the first approach is probably your best solution.
Alternatively, if you have a wide foot that rubs on the flap, you can heat up the strap and pull back on it slightly until it cools to give your ankle more space.
This slight adjustment may be all you need to have a better-fitting shoe.
Use Boiling Water (Fastest Method)
Because this process involves boiling water, anyone under the age of 18 should not attempt this on their own.
Instead, they should have supervision or adequate help.
First, you will want to fill a pot with hot water and set it on the stove. The pot should be large enough to fit your crocks into.
You may have to do one shoe at a time if your pot does not accommodate both at once.
Turn the stove on until the water is boiling. Then, carefully use tongs to set your Crocs into the boiling water.
That is right, put them right into the boiling water. Let them soak for about a minute before removing them carefully with the tongs.
When removing the Crocs, be careful not to touch them because they will be very hot. The shoes should be relatively easy to bend.
After allowing 15-20 seconds to pass or until the shoes are cooled down enough to touch, slide them onto your feet and walk around.
It can help to wear socks during this step to keep your feet from getting too hot and provide a better stretch while still pliable.
As the shoes cool in the air, they should begin to stiffen. Within three to five minutes, your pair of crocs should be the perfect fit!
Read Also: Crocs Repair Guide
Use a Clothes Dryer (Quick Process)
Naturally, this process requires access to a clothes dryer to work. However, the inside of a dryer can get extremely hot, so throwing a towel or two with your new Crocs can help them from getting damaged inside when they come in contact with the hot drum.
Place your shoes and a couple of dry towels inside your clothes dryer and turn it on. It is critical to supervise this process since you do not want them to melt or get damaged.
Overall, your Crocs should only need about three minutes in the dryer to heat them up enough for stretching.
Then, remove your shoes from the dryer and put them on your feet while wearing thick socks.
The socks will protect your feet from the hot material and help stretch out your Crocs while you wear them around the house for five to ten minutes until the material has cooled down and becomes stiff once again.
If your Crocs still feel tight once they cool, you can repeat this process and continue to stretch them as necessary.
Remember to monitor the material since using extreme heat from a clothes dryer can melt the material or cause misshaping if they are inside the dryer for too long.
Read Also: Can You Put Crocs in the Washing Machine?
Use a Hairdryer (Quick Solution)
If you do not have access to a pot large enough to fit your Crocs or want to try an alternative method, using a hairdryer can help.
This process does involve using a hairdryer, socks, and a closed space for your shoe during heating.
Having a large box with a towel or blanket for coverage can help retain the hot air while you complete this procedure.
Naturally, Crocs have holes, so any forced air will escape easily. Keeping the shoe in a closed space will speed up the task.
Use a hairdryer on a high heat setting and place it inside the shoe so the hot air will point towards the toes.
You should monitor the condition of your Crocs during this time, but it should take approximately three minutes.
After they are warm and flexible, turn off the hairdryer, and while wearing thick socks, put your Crocs on to walk around the house.
Continue to walk around for five to ten minutes until the shoes cool down and become stiff once again.
You can repeat this process if your shoes are still not a comfortable fit. Remember to keep an eye on the rubber, though.
You do not want to overheat the material, causing it to melt or burn in some areas.
Sometimes you will need to reposition the end of the hairdryer to ensure that it does not focus on one section specifically.
Wear Thick Socks (Slower Process)
The last way you can stretch your Crocs is also the slowest process. However, these shoes’ material composition allows them to shape to your foot after long-term wear gradually.
To slowly stretch your pair of Croc shoes, put on several pairs of socks at once. Depending on the type of socks you have, you may have four or more pairs on before it becomes too difficult.
Once you have your socks on, wear your shoes around as much as possible. This task may take a few days or up to a week if necessary.
After two or three days, you may notice that your Crocs are slowly getting looser when you put them on without socks.
However, you can continue to wear multiple socks with your shoes until you reach a desirable stretch for daily wear.
This slower method is helpful for anyone who wants to avoid getting blisters from a new pair of shoes.
It is also a great way to stretch out your Crocs without using heat if you are afraid of damaging your new shoes by trying other DIY methods.
Stuffing Them When Not In Use (Slowest Method)
The final way you can help stretch your Crocs is by using other materials to do this while you are not wearing them.
For example, you can use balled-up socks, hand towels, a baseball, or other household items that you can force into the shoe to keep it full and force it to stretch out.
Stuff as many socks, towels, or other items inside your Crocs after purchase and allow the shoes to slowly stretch out in your home while you sleep, watch television, or eat dinner.
This method is the slowest way to stretch your Crocs, but it can be the simplest way for many people since it does not involve much work on their part.
Here’s a video on how to shrink or stretch your Crocs:
Crocs That Do Not Stretch
While we covered most of Crocs’ shoes, we left out a few specific lines of footwear.
The three pairs of shoes are as follows:
- Crocs Bistro
- Crocs Bistro Pro
- Crocs Specialist II
If you buy your standard size, these three pairs will be a little loose. If you plan on getting any of these three pairs of Crocs, then it is recommended to order a half size smaller than what you usually would wear.
The Bistro and Bistro Pro models sport a fully enclosed toe, while the Specialist II is covered but offers vent holes along the sides.
Unfortunately, you will not get these to stretch because of their alternative shape and construction from the Classic models.
These models are ideal for working professionals. Some options will also have specialty insoles for added comfort and support.
If you try to stretch out a Bistro shoe, you could warp it and damage the shoe, making it unwearable.
Read Also: Why Are Crocs So Expensive?
The Crocs Functionality
However, Crocs are not just comfortable and weatherproof. Instead, crocs have a simple flap on the back of their clogs, which essentially changes the entire functionality of the shoe.
When you want to lounge, you flip the flap up. You flip the flap down when you want to go for a walk.
Of course, it is up to the person wearing the Crocs whether they like the flap up or down.
These shoes are easy to keep clean, and some models meet workplace standards, providing closed toes against spills and a non-slip tread.
This way, you can wear them with or without socks, making them versatile footwear for many situations.
How to Keep Your Crocs in Shape?
Now that you finally have your shoes fitting perfectly, you want to keep them that way. Thankfully, it is easy to care for your Crocs so that they will last.
Do Not Leave Them in a Hot Car or Direct Sunlight
You now know that heat will make your Croc material soft and pliable enough to reshape and stretch temporarily.
However, if you forget your shoes in a hot car or direct sunlight, the heat can soften your shoes, and with time, it will warp, making them unable to return to their original size and shape.
Do Not Wash Them in the Dishwasher
Crocs are easy to clean and stain-resistant, but never wash them in your dishwasher. A dishwasher will reach extremely high temperatures and create substantial warping of your shoes.
Instead, clean them in the sink or tub with cool soapy water to avoid any misshaping during the cleaning process.
Do Not Stretch and Shrink Them Often
Although you can stretch and shrink many models of Croc shoes, this should not be a regular occurrence.
If you must stretch or shrink them, you should only do it to fit your feet and refrain from continually exposing them to hot water or air from a dryer.
Crocs are incredibly durable, but when under continuous stress, such as resizing every few months, the material will eventually break down and lose shape.
Try to get your perfect fit with one or two stretches when you first purchase them and then enjoy them.
Read Also: Are Crocs Closed Toe Shoes?
So, Do Crocs Stretch?
In short, yes. Other than the three kinds we list above, your Crocs can stretch slightly between half an inch and one full inch from regular wear.
However, if you find them fitting too tight on your toes or other areas, you can manually stretch them yourself.
Crocs are versatile and comfortable, but they may take some time to break in. If you are desperate for that perfect fit, then it may come down to taking matters into your own hands.