You order a pair of Crocs for your birthday. As soon as the package lands on your doorstep, you try on the shoes. That’s when you notice the problem: your new shoes are a little too tight. You don’t know whether this is normal—are Crocs like other shoes? Will they stretch over time and get bigger?
Crocs do not stretch with wear. Wearing Crocs for extended periods will make them warm, and the foam will conform to your foot, but Crocs do not naturally get bigger. There are some things you can do to make your shoes a little more roomy, though!
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of stretching your Crocs, I want to note that if you have just purchased an undersized pair, return them and ask for a larger size. Crocs’ return policy is quite liberal, and as long as you haven’t worn your Crocs outside, you can return them or exchange them with little hassle.
If you have a pair of Crocs that fit well but you want to make them a little more comfortable, there are some things you can do.
How to Loosen Up Your Crocs?
If your Crocs feel a little snug, you can employ several methods to stretch them out. Let’s take a look at them!
Blowdrying
Blowdrying is one of the most effective ways to make your Crocs breathable, comfortable, and large. To do this, wear thick socks with Crocs and use a blow dryer to blast the tight sections of the shoes for at least 20 intervals of 30 seconds each. Keep the dryer a few inches away from your feet, so you don’t get burned.
While you do this, don’t forget to wiggle your feet and toes to allow the shoes to expand.
To hasten the stretching process, you could walk around in the Crocs for about 10 to 20 minutes.
If the shoes are still too tight, repeat the blow-dry > wiggle > walk around process until your feet feel comfortable enough in the shoes.
Freezing Water
It may sound strange, but the next time you have to blow-dry your Crocs, try placing bags of frozen water in them first and see if it works! Here’s how to do it:
Pour water into a resealable plastic bag until it is half full. Next, press out the air in the bag and seal it tightly.
Place the bag in Crocs. Make sure it goes all the way up to the toe box of the shoe. You could unseal the bag and pour some more water into it if necessary. What matters most is that the bag should take up every inch of space inside your Crocs.
Put the shoe, with its water bag, tucked into its crevices, inside another bag. Then leave the bundle in the fridge overnight. When the bag of water freezes, it will cause the shoe to expand.
The next day, remove the bundle from the fridge and allow it to thaw for a few minutes. Then bring out the shoe and wear it. Suppose you’re satisfied with how the shoe fits, all well and good. If not, repeat the process until you’re satisfied.
Taking Advantage of a Stretcher
If you don’t have a shoe stretcher, you can buy one from the nearest Walmart store. It’s are relatively inexpensive and won’t cost an arm or a leg. If this is your first time using a shoe stretcher, there’s nothing to worry about as it is beginner-friendly.
To use the stretcher, turn its knobs clockwise until it fits in your Crocs. Once it’s inserted, twist the knob anti-clockwise three times to loosen up the shoe.
Some people leave stretchers in their shoes for only a few minutes before wearing them again, but it’s okay to let the stretcher sit in your Crocs for up to twenty-four hours, depending on how wide you want the shoe to turn out.
Other Methods
Besides blow drying, freezing water, and using a shoe stretcher, another way to soften Crocs is to expose them to the sun. The heat will make them more pliable but cost you nothing.
Be careful not to leave your shoes in the sun too long, or their colors will fade.
Blowdrying, Frozen Water, or Shoe Stretcher: Which Works Best?
All three methods take time to work. Whether you use a shoe stretcher or blow-dry your Crocs, you won’t see a difference right away. But if you keep at it and employ these techniques regularly, your shoes will gradually expand.
What Would You Do If You Buy a Different Style of Crocs?
Now you know how to stretch Crocs clogs. But the tutorial doesn’t end there. If you buy other styles of Crocs, such as flip-flops, sneakers, or loafers, they may feel too snug on your feet initially. What do you do in such cases? Well, there’s only one way to find out—read on!
Loafers
For those who have trouble tying their shoes, loafers are a godsend. They don’t require lacing or tying, which makes them ideal for anyone with dyspraxia.
However, unlike clogs, loafers take time to be broken into. If your loafers are too tight initially, continue wearing them. After some time, they’ll expand to accommodate the width of your feet.
Flip Flops
Crocs is a world leader in producing flip-flops for both men and women. Their slippers are designed to be comfortable and stylish, as well as easy to use. Plus, they come in various designs, allowing customers to choose from a broad spectrum of colours and styles.
But do they get bigger over time? Yes, they do. It’s not uncommon for slippers to expand in size due to long-term use.
Sneakers
Crocs is renowned for producing high-quality, comfortable, versatile, breathable, and durable sneakers. However, over time, the sneakers may fade or over-expand. If your current Crocs sneakers are too loose, buy another pair from the company or their reputable competitors.
Boots
For those who don’t want to compromise on warmth and practicality, Crocs offers a wide range of boots. From classic rain boots and chukka boots to boots designed for the snow, Crocs has you covered. If you already have a pair of Crocs boots that are too tight, don’t worry—they stretch out over time.
How to Shop for Crocs Like a Pro
You bought a pair of Crocs, and suddenly they were either too tight or too loose. Doesn’t that suck? Luckily, I want you to be happy with your purchase, so I’ve put together this little guide to help you avoid that problem in the future.
Know Your Size
Measure your feet before you choose any pair of shoes. If possible, have somebody else measure your feet for you.
Don’t Be in a Hurry
Be patient when you shop for Crocs online. Resist the urge to make an impulsive purchase because an ill-chosen pair of footwear can be a real disappointment.
If you have questions or concerns about Crocs, please don’t hesitate to comment below. I’d love to hear from you.