Crocs have become one of the biggest brands in shoe fashion. Over the last few years, endorsements and collaborations by celebrities has seen the average price of a croc shoe almost quadruple.
So, whether you own a pair of Crocs or are looking to purchase a pair, you might be wondering how long Crocs last. I did the research, and here is what I found!
How Long Do Crocs Last In 2024?
Crocs have been known to last for a lifetime due the material they’re made of called Croslite. Croslite is a rubber polymer mixed with gas at a very high pressure, this makes the shoes almost indestructible. However, if Crocs are put under tough conditions outdoors, they may last for around 5 years due to normal wear and tear.
If you want to know more about how long different types of crocs last, their durability, if they can break down, and if they hold up, keep on reading for more facts!
How Well Do Crocs Hold up Indoors & Outdoors?
If you are using crocs only within the house, their wear and tear can be so minimal that you might outgrow them.
On top of lasting a longtime indoors, Crocs also hold up very well outdoors. This is mainly due to their indestructible build and their ability to be easily cleaned.
However, too much outdoor activity increases the Crocs chances of tearing or the soles becoming worn due to increased wear and tear, hence decreasing their durability.
Are Crocs Shoes Durable?
Unlike most other rubber based shoes, Crocs are far more durable, thanks to Croslite, which is a rubber-like polymer that was invented by the Crocs company.
Croslite is more durable than an average rubber, because it is made under a lot of pressure.
In return, this makes Crocs more squishy (which is why they are so comfortable) and less prone to cracking and shrinkage.
Additionally, Croslite makes Crocs even more durable, as it makes them more resilient to wear and tear, inhibits fungal growth, and they have a firm grip that prevents falls.
Do Crocs Break Down?
Crocs do break down, but it takes a very long period of time to get your Crocs written off.
When worn under warm temperatures, Crocs stretch a lot, and this increases their chances of breaking down.
When going outdoors, especially hiking, crocs can be pierced by sharp stones and objects.
This increases the shoes chances of deteriorating the structure and soles tremendously.
Do Crocs Get Flat?
Crocs do get flat after a long period of use, due to pressure applied by the body.
Since crocs are mostly filled with air, their flattening will mostly come from normal daily use over a long period of time.
As the Crocs tear or flatten, most of the air is released, and they lose their fluffiness.
Crocs getting flat is mostly because they have lost most of the air trapped within the rubber. This will also reduce the comfort level of the shoe.
How Long Do Fuzzy Crocs Last?
Fuzzy Crocs can last for 5 or more years, depending on the amount of care you give them.
The fuzzy coat lasts this long because it is made from polymers, and not from animals as you might think.
Most people believe that the fuzzy coat can absorb moisture that will make the crocs not last as long. However, water has little effect on this coat since it’s waterproof.
How Long Do Light up Crocs Last?
Light up Crocs last for about 5 or more years of average use. However, the lights are known to run out faster than the crocs can wear out.
In most cases, the lights often run out in the first few years of use.
Additionally, light up Crocs have no mechanism whatsoever to replace the batteries to the lights when they run out of power.
This is because they are completely closed up to allow you to walk on water and get the shoes wet without any problems.
How Long Do Lined Crocs Last?
With constant use, lined crocs can last up to five years. The lining can become flat after a few years of use.
After some time, the lining becomes flat. However, it doesn’t interfere with how long the croc will last, since the lining can always be removed.
Can You Repair Crocs?
Crocs can be repaired by swapping some of its worn out parts. Strap and rivets are the most repairable parts of the Croc.
To repair the strap, release the rivets from both sides of the Croc. Take your desired strap and rivet it to your shoe.
For a more detailed procedure on how to repair your crocs, check out this video.
What If My Crocs Break Before the End of Warranty?
Crocs that break down or have defects within the 90 day period of warranty can be returned to the store. Upon return, you will be given an option of exchange or refund.
This warranty is not applicable when your Croc supplier is not licensed, and when the breakdown resulted from normal use by the consumer.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Crocs
To get the best of your Crocs, you will need to use them for a long period of time.
Though shoes like Crocs don’t come with a manual of use to help you prolong their lifespan, here are some tips that might help you:
- Air dry your Crocs, and do not expose them to too much harsh sunlight. Sunlight makes crocs stretch, and this causes stress to the material. Extreme temperatures also cause the Croc shoe to flatten very easily because it’s vulnerable to heat.
- Clean your crocs often to avoid discoloration from dust and dirt. This will maintain your crocs appearance and color.
- Polish your crocs. There are special polishes made for crocs that allow you to bring back their luster and original shine.
- Minimize the amount of time you wear the shoes while also not wearing them on hard surfaces. This reduces the wear and tear of the crocs.
Conclusion
Crocs have proven to be durable and better than any other flip flops. Their durability has led to them having decreasing sales over the years. We are not sure if they will prioritize profitability over quality soon.
Nevertheless, the future still looks great for the brand, because it still holds the patent to the croslite making process.