When wearing our favorite pair of shoes, it’s not uncommon for our feet to sweat up a storm. After all, even the most comfortable sneaker in the world can’t prevent perspiration from seeping into the fabric from body heat. But what about Crocs? Do they make your feet sweat?
Your feet may sweat when you wear Iconic Crocs. The shoes have holes that allow your feet to breathe, but they’re made of Croslite, which is non-porous and therefore can’t absorb moisture or sweat from your feet.
So don’t be surprised if your feet get hot and clammy when you wear Crocs on a steamy day.
That said, let’s examine the relationship between Crocs and sweaty feet.
Why Do Crocs Make Feet Sweat?
Most shoes are made of either porous or nonporous materials.
Porous materials like canvas, suede, and leather allow air to pass through, making it possible for your feet to breathe when you wear these shoes. However, this same porous quality allows bacteria to live within the shoes, which means they will smell if they’re not cleaned properly.
Nonporous materials are also known as nonabsorbent materials because they don’t allow liquid or gas to pass through them. As a result, they’re less likely to support bacterial growth. Materials like rubber, plastic and Croslite ™ are non-porous.
Crocs are made from a non-porous material called Croslite, a closed-cell resin foam that has anti-bacterial properties. So, when your feet perspire, the sweat cannot escape, making them wet. The Crocs had vent holes to allow the “steam” and “sweat” to leave the shoe even though the material doesn’t absorb the moisture.
What Happens to Crocs When Exposed to our Sweat?
Since Croslite doesn’t absorb sweat, any sweat droplets emitted from your foot will build up inside your Crocs. As a result, the interior of the shoe will become slippery.
If you wear your Crocs for an extended period, they may start to smell. However, Croslite won’t absorb the bacteria, causing that odor so that the bacteria will accumulate on your feet and inside the Crocs.
Fortunately, Crocs are water-friendly. Whenever your Crocs start smelling, hose them off or dunk them in a bowl of water. A quick rinse with water will give your hot and sweaty feet some relief and eliminate most of the bacteria that might be breeding inside the Crocs.
What to Do When Your Crocs Get Smelly
If you’ve owned a pair of Iconic Crocs, you know they can get pretty smelly. But there is an easy way to keep them odor-free: Give them a good washing with soap and water!
Studies have found that household detergent and water are as effective at killing germs as a specific antibacterial soap. As long as you work the detergent into all the nooks and crannies of the shoes, they’ll be bacteria-free in no time.
If you own fuzzy Crocs, you could put them in a delicate mesh bag and wash them in the gentle cycle of a washing machine. Afterward, please place them in a ventilated area to air-dry.
Some fuzzy Crocs have removable linings. If you own a pair of such Crocs, detach the linings and wash or spot-clean them with mild soap and water. Then wash the Crocs with soap and water—Air-dry the shoes and their linings.
4 Tips To Stop Your Feet From Sweating In Your Crocs
I used to wash my Crocs every time my feet sweat in them but soon realized that it was too inconvenient. My Crocs never had enough time to dry before I wore them again, and my feet were often wet and itchy. Now, I follow the tips below, and my feet don’t sweat in my Crocs anymore.
Wear the Right Socks
In summer and spring, wear cotton socks to keep your feet dry. When fall and winter approach, choose moisture-wicking wool socks. And stay away from nylon socks, which can make your feet sweat.
Apply Enough and Trusted Antifungal Powder
For many people, wearing the right socks is a powerful way to avoid foot odor. But if that doesn’t work for you, you might try antifungal powders. They keep feet dry and odor-free, even while wearing shoes made of non-porous materials, like Crocs.
If you don’t have antifungal foot powder, use cornstarch. It is less effective than an antifungal powder, but it’s better than nothing.
Use Antiperspirant
Research has proved that antiperspirants can effectively counter sweaty feet. In the same way, that antiperspirant works for your armpits—clogging up your pores, preventing sweat from escaping—it does the same for your feet.
To apply antiperspirant to your feet, wash them thoroughly—including between your toes—and then dry them off with a towel. Once your feet have been washed and dried, spray antiperspirant directly onto your feet and wait for it to dry before wearing your shoes.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you apply the antiperspirant to your feet before bedtime, allow it to dry for a few minutes, and then wash it off in the morning. Repeat the process for three to four consecutive nights in the first week. You also shouldn’t wear socks to bed. This is because socks can trap heat and moisture against your feet—the very thing you’re trying to avoid with your preventative regimen.
After the first week, apply the antiperspirant to your feet once or twice weekly. For better and faster results, consult an experienced dermatologist to guide you.
Purchase the Right Shoes
Your feet may smell if you wear shoes too small. If you have bought Crocs and they are too tight, try to exchange them for a pair in a bigger size. Ensure you provide all the necessary information when returning your shoes so there will be no delays in the process.
To learn more about preventing smelly feet, visit the United Kingdom’s National Health Service website.
Other Tips to Get Rid of Sweaty Feet While Using Crocs
Wash Your Feet at Least Once a Day
It’s essential to wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap, dry them thoroughly and apply antifungal powder or cornstarch to them before slipping on socks or Crocs. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the rinsing water can help fight bacteria too.
Soak Your Feet in Black Tea
Another natural remedy for sweaty feet is to soak your feet for about 20 minutes in warm water infused with black tea bags. This can help close the sweat pores in your feet, reducing perspiration over time.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol
The best part about using rubbing alcohol as a foot odor reliever is how fast it works. Unlike other remedies that require you to soak your feet for hours before seeing any results, rubbing alcohol will dry within minutes, leaving you with fresh and clean feet for the rest of the day.
However, refrain from applying rubbing alcohol on your feet regularly because it can dry out your skin and cause other problems.
Drink Lots of Water
Experts suggest that staying hydrated helps to regulate body temperature, especially during physical activity or in hot weather.
Why and How to Change Your Shoes
Wearing Crocs can cause foot odor because of their non-porous material, which makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate.
When replacing your Crocs, choose quality and a comfortable alternative. Patronize a brand you trust from the outset.
Sweaty feet can lead to a variety of health problems, including athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and rashes. To prevent your Crocs from getting stinky, you should clean them daily with a strong detergent. Apply antifungal and antiperspirant powder to your toes and other areas to reduce the amount of sweat produced by your feet.
You can also consult a licensed medical professional for more information about the best ways to treat sweaty feet.