It’s a question that has long plagued the minds of the curious and the obsessive: Can Crocs melt?
We’ve all seen those intimidating little red warning symbols on the bottom of plastic containers, and we’ve all heard stories about how some things can catch fire—but there was still something about Crocs that seemed resistant to heat. So, I did some research, and in sharing my findings with you, I hope to put this issue to rest once and for all.
When exposed to very high temperatures, Crocs will melt. The material used to make Crocs is a type of plastic known as Croslite, believed to be similar to ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). EVA has a melting point between 100 and 176°C (220 and 350° F).
When I searched for the melting point of Crocs, I found no scientific verdict on the subject. But I did find a couple of videos online where people were trying to melt their Crocs.
This video shows the effects of fire on a pair of pink Crocs. The shoes burn quickly until they become a black, gooey ash-like material in about nine minutes:
Here’s another video of someone burning one lemon Crocs clog. They put the shoe in an aluminum pan, then set it on fire with some witch hazel and a match. The shoe becomes a goopy mess.
As you can see, Crocs will melt when exposed to fire. However, we need not resort to such extremes. Let’s closely examine what happens when you set Crocs ablaze.
What Are Crocs Made of?
The primary material used to make Crocs is a closed-cell resin foam called Croslite. A patent protects this material, and the exact chemical composition of the foam is still a mystery, but experts believe that it’s a form of ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA.
The melting point of EVA can be anywhere from 220°F to 360°F, depending on how it’s manufactured. When Crocs are placed in boiling water (212°F), they soften but don’t melt.
Based on these facts, I would guess their melting point is closer to 220℉.
This video does an excellent job of describing Croslite™ and its advantages:
Can You Shrink Crocs?
Reports of shrinking Crocs have been circulating the internet, but is it even possible for Crocs to shrink?
Crocs can contract if you leave them in a warm location for an extended period. Try keeping your Crocs under the hot sun or in a hot car for too long, and you’ll be shocked at the extent of their shrinkage.
Here is a video showing the shrinking of a pair of Crocs after being left in the sun for a whole day in Thailand.
I’ve been there too: you leave a pair of shoes outside to dry, and when you come back, you discover that they’ve shrunk. Your mind races and rewinds every possible scenario that led to this calamity. What did I do wrong? Can I restore my Crocs to their former glory, aka stretch them?
Yes! There are many ways to stretch your Crocs.
Can Crocs Melt inside a Hot Car?
Crocs are made from a closed-cell resin intended to be sturdily durable. But under multiple heat sources—the sun, the pavement, and even just sitting in a hot car—the resin can begin to soften.
Many people have done experiments where they leave Crocs in their cars on hot days. Based on their findings, the shoes don’t melt when left inside a hot car.
Some Crocs users have even put the shoes in the dishwasher, and they emerged unscathed. No shrinkage or melting was observed—thus providing even more robust evidence that Crocs are strong enough to withstand such heat.
Although Crocs are made to be durable, it’s still best to avoid letting them sit in direct sunlight for a long time. This can cause them to shrink and change shape, which may affect the quality and appearance of your Crocs. So, if you want to protect your Crocs, keep them out of direct sunlight.
Are Crocs Resistant to Heat?
Crocs are not heat-resistant. They will burn if heated past a certain point.
If you don’t store your Crocs in a cool, dry place, the material that makes up Crocs—Croslite™—can shrink, melt and become damaged.
That’s why the manufacturer recommends that you store your Crocs in a cool, dry place. This will help them retain their quality and appearance.
If you want your Crocs footwear to live long, you must treat it with care by following the proper usage guidelines. The quality of the product is not the only factor in determining its durability—adequate care will also ensure that it lasts for years.
You should also avoid leaving Crocs near heat sources, such as under direct sunlight, on the dashboard of a car during the summertime or next to an open flame. It’s best to store them at room temperature in a sealed container to protect them from insects.
Can Crocs Be Stretched?
Yes, as mentioned before, Crocs are stretchable.
Based on my experience, I haven’t noticed any significant shrinkage in my Crocs over the years I’ve worn them. However, I can’t say whether or not Crocs will shrink if you live in a hot climate. I’ve never lived in such an environment, so I have no idea how my Crocs would react to high temperatures.
If you want to keep your Crocs in good shape, protect them from the sun because prolonged exposure can cause them to shrink or lose their original quality.
Please do not leave your Crocs in the car because the heat from the machine can cause them to shrink.
At Last, The Answer Is Here
The answer to the main question is: Yes, Crocs can melt if exposed to a high enough temperature. However, this will only occur when the shoes are left in direct sunlight or some other high-temperature environment for an hour or more. The amount of time needed for melting depends on how hot the area is—the hotter it is, the more quickly your Crocs will melt.
Just like us, Crocs have their limitations. And if you want to wear them more often and for extended periods, then make sure you take good care of them. By doing so, you’ll get more years out of those shoes and will enjoy using them even more.