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Crocs were originally invented as boat shoes back in the early 2000s. They were made fun of for years—even featured in the 2006 film Idiocracy because the filmmakers thought they were so bad the company would never take off—but in time they caught on, of course. Whether worn ironically, as a fashion statement, or simply for comfort, Crocs are now everywhere.
Which begs the question, besides going full Croc Cowboy, how can one get in on the foam footwear action without feeling like a follower? Read on below for our top picks of the best shoes like Crocs—aka the best Crocs alternatives—for the answer.
Field Mag's Top 12 Picks for the Best Croc Alternatives of 2023:
- Best All-Rounder: Chacos Chillos Clog
- Best GORPcore Upgrade: Merrell Hydro Moc
- Best Biodegradable Croc Alternative: Muck Boots Muckster Lite EVA Clog
- Best Fashiony Upgrade: Suicoke MOK
- Most Wearable: Vans Slip-On Mule TRK
- Most Comfortable: OOFOS OOCANDOO Sandal
- Best Strapless Option: Oboz Whakata Coast Slip-On
- Best Ultralight Option: Birkenstock EVA Arizona
- Best for Athletes: Kane Revive
- Best Clog: Keen Yogui Arts
- Most Sustainable: Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-On
- Best Leather Croc Alternative: Bedrock Mountain Clog
- - Most Versatile: Hoka Hopara Sandal
Below is the full list of our top picks for the best Croc dupes, but first let's examine Crocs' unimaginable popularity. Crocs are made of a non-toxic, proprietary EVA foam that is super lightweight, nearly indestructible, odor-resistant, and anti-bacterial (Ignoring the fact this synthetic foam will never biodegrade and likely outlive us all in a landfill somewhere.) Chefs wear Crocs, kids wear Crocs, backpackers wear Crocs as camp shoes, I once wore a pair on a cross country motorcycle ride. And there are countless other ways to rock 'em. Not to mention the many Crocs collabs that keep the footwear fresh with every seasonal release.
As we approach peak Crocs, we're here to help you get in on the action without feeling like you're just now jumping on an ever-expanding bandwagon. Since the Crocs craze kicked off, many other brands have put their spin on the slip-on adventure clog, creating an entire category of Croc alternatives.
The 12 Best Shoes Like Crocs for Adventure and Everyday Wear
Best All-Rounder: Chacos Chillos Clog
Chaco is another footwear brand with a loyal following to debut an alternative to Crocs with its Chillos Clog. Chacos are renowned for their support, exemplified here with an integrated Luvseat insole, and excel when the going gets slippery, even with this non-lugged, non-marking EVA outsole. With adjustable webbing that runs over the top of the feet and behind the heel, you can dial in the fit of these slip-on shoes. With ventilation holes that are only over the instep, however, the Chillos may be better for city wear than in the water.
Best GORPcore Upgrade: Merrell Hydro Moc
Merrell owners tend to be a dedicated bunch, so it is no surprise that the Hydro Moc has quickly built a cult following, thanks to its elevated performance in and around water. The Hydro Moc has generous ventilation holes for breathability that also allow for drainage after being submerged, and the articulated heel means these will stay secure regardless of terrain, especially with the heel strap. The Hydro Mocs even sort of look like they emerged from a swamp themselves, which, depending on your fashion preferences, may or may not be a good thing.
Best Biodegradable Croc Alternative: Muck Boots Muckster Lite EVA Clog
A significant downside to the Croc craze is that those huge hunks of foam will outlive us all in a landfill somewhere. Good news is, Muck Boots makes a biodegradable Croc alternative that's both stylish and functional. Easy to clean, quick drying, and super lightweight, the one-piece Mock Boots clog is an eco-friendlier option with a textured sole for grip on wet surfaces and water drainage holes that improve breathability.
Best Premium Croc Upgrade: Suicoke MOK
The Japanese brand Suicoke's MOK Injection Sandal, which are more like clog shoes than sandals, look like a Croc that finally grew up and got a degree. The profile is less playful and a little more streamlined, and the style upgrade is reflected in the price point ($139). The MOKs are ideal for everyday wear, but are not going to be the clogs you take on a wilderness excursion.
Most Wearable: Vans Slip-On Mule TRK
With the Slip-On TRK, Vans took its classic slip-on silhouette and created a version made of a single piece injected rubber with ventilation to mimic its iconic checkered pattern and all. Now it's modified the design to create an easy-wearing mule that you can walk into just like a pair of Crocs, resulting in a mighty stylish option in the water-resistant shoe category. Like super-functional loafers, the Mule TRK is ideal for casual forays on water and land, though the sole is heavy and doesn’t provide as much support as you might want in a true adventure shoe. You can feel the rocks underfoot when going off-road, but at a beachside bar these are a standout, especially given the slip-resistant outsole.
Most Comfortable: OOFOS OOCANDOO Sandal
OOFOS have undeniably decadent support that my parents swear by, which, like many things parents wear, makes me somewhat wary. Yet with the OOcandoo they’ve created a highly functional and compelling offering that includes the brand's trademark cushy footbed, and, unlike the Crocs classic clog, a strap for security. They might be the least stylish on this list, but if Crocs are any indication, they will be in about a decade. This could be your chance to be ahead of the pack!
Price: $100
Best Strapless Option: Oboz Whakata Coast Slip-On
Oboz is known for making super-comfy hiking boots, and the Whakata Coast Slip-On offers plenty of plush squish to follow suit. The slip-on, clog-style shoe draws from Oboz' custom insoles for extra comfort and is made of a bio-based EVA and includes an eco rubber outsole for some additional grip.
Best for Athletes: Kane Revive
What do you get when you cross a Croc with a running shoe? The Kane Revive, a unisex pair of shoes that's part slip-on, part recovery sneaker that has been my daily driver for the past few months. The Revive is made from a sugarcane-based EVA foam, making it environmentally friendly, and was designed by an orthopedist to promote recovery. The cushion underfoot is ideal for chasing around my toddler at the playground, and the anatomical design secures the heel just like the heel strap when you wear Crocs. These take a little extra effort to slip on, but they’ve been keeping my feet happy through long, hot, active days.
Best Clog: Keen Yogui Arts
The Keen Yogui Arts is a slip-on pair of clogs with plenty of room and decent arch-support. These are an excellent option for casual endeavors, though the lack of straps will make them liable to slide off when the going gets tough (or the river is flowing). Style-wise, the Yogui Arts is kind of like the art a toddler makes: so strange looking it’s actually…brilliant?
Best Ultralight Option: Birkenstock EVA Arizona
Okay, these aren’t actually clogs, but Birkenstock makes a heck of a sandal, and the vegan EVA Arizonas deserve a shout out for accompanying me on a surprising amount of adventures. Recently, they've earned praise from thru-hikers and bikepackers as a camp shoe because they're nine ounces per pair. They have the main hallmarks of Crocs, too—they're super comfortable and quick-drying—plus they fit in perfectly at my local coffee shop.
Most Sustainable: Ales Grey Rodeo Drive Slip-On
The Rodeo Drive from Ales Grey is another ultralight and breathable slip-on clog, but it's one that you can feel good about buying. That's because it's made of 100% XL extra light foam, which is made from 51% recycled materials and is recyclable itself. They're also made in a solar-powered factory and ship in recycled and biodegradable packaging.
Best Leather Croc Alternative: Bedrock Mountain Clog
By straying away from an all-EVA or rubber build, we're getting a little further from the benchmark set by Crocs, but Bedrock's recently released Mountain Clog fit's most of the other comparison requirements so it makes the list. Just like Crocs, these have an adjustable heel strap that you can use to facilitate real adventure, or you can slip 'em on and wear them casually. They also have a wide toe box, so they're roomy and comfy. And they're lightweight, so you might consider bringing them camping or bikepacking. But in addition to all that, the Mountain Clogs have a grippy Vibram rubber sole, so don't worry about slipping. They're also available in two different styles: synthetic and leather.
Most Versatile: Hoka Hopara Sandal
Speaking of a wilderness excursion, Hoka has entered the fray with a purpose built sandal that could probably perform better than many hiking boots on an ascent and crush most river shoes around the water. The Hopara offers plenty of support, ventilation, and security, even featuring a toe cap to defend against debris. Unlike Crocs, it also has a lugged outsole that's decidedly non-slip on almost any surface. This is the sandal I’d reach for if the apocalypse was coming.
Price: $135
Published 11-20-2023
