Once upon a time, Crocs were the punchline of every footwear joke as a shoe so polarizing, that nobody thought they would ever catch on in real life. Fast forward to the present, and these clunky, foam clogs are everywhere, unironically found on the feet of chefs, gardeners, nurses, and more for their comfort and recovery-friendly benefits. Love them or hate them (because there really is no in-between), Crocs have somehow wiggled their way into our hearts due to their practical yet expressive allure.
If you’re fixing to be in your foam footwear era without the Jibbitz Charms or going full-bore Croc Cowboy, you’re in luck. As we approach peak Croc season, we rounded up the best Crocs alternatives that deliver the same comfort, functionality, and unique, ahem, aesthetic. Whether for adventure or everyday wear, get ready to slip into something more comfortable this summer with alternatives that range from recovery-focused to statement-making.
In This Article
The best Crocs alternatives, at a glance:
- Best budget: Rugged Shark Comfort EVA Clog Sandal, $13
- Best classic clog: Vonmay Unisex Clogs, $26
- Best overall: Merrell Hydro Moc, $60
- Best for comfort: OOFOS OOcandoo, $100
- Best open-back clog: Keen Yogui Slip-On Clog, $75
- Best sneaker: Kane Revive, $75
- Best for the outdoors: Chaco Chillos Clog, $65
- Best cushioning: Hoka Ora Recovery Mule, $80
- Most sustainable: Oboz Whakata Coast Slip-On Shoes, $60
- Best for water activities: Vans TRK Mule, $60
- Best for standing: Birkenstock Super Birki Clog, $80
Shop 11 of the best Crocs alternatives
Best budget: Rugged Shark Comfort EVA Clog Sandals — $12.00
Available sizes: 6-10 (in whole sizes)
With a familiar design and a variety of colorways that range from punchy to pastel, Rugged Shark’s spin on the foam shoe can certainly hold its own around camp or the community pool this season. The swivel backstrap can be worn over the top of the shoe or around the ankle for an adjustable, secure fit while the fin-like air channels keep your feet cool on summer days working in the yard—and for an unbelievable fraction of the cost
Colors: 14
- Affordable
- Bold color options are an easy way to add some pizzazz to your outfit—even if it’s just for your daily dog walking fit
- Swivel backstrap can be worn on or off
- Less cushioning and support compared to other options on this list
- Whole sizes only
Best classic clog: Vonmay Unisex Clogs — $26.00
Available sizes: Women’s 4-14 (in whole sizes, unisex)
Featuring a high-resilient EVA rubber sole that provides shock absorption, cushioning, and support, Vonmay’s clog certainly works for long days on your feet by reducing the fatigue from getting your daily steps in. The non-slip footbed is textured to provide extra stability and grip while on wet surfaces, too. For just $26, they can’t be beat.
Colors: 6
- Simple, Croc-like construction and perforation while providing ultra-light comfort
- Affordable
- Plenty of size options
- Bulkier design
- May be less durable than other options on this list
- Whole sizes only
Best overall: Merrell Hydro Moc — $60.00
Available sizes: 5-11 (in whole sizes)
Channeling that same weird but wonderful vibe of a Croc, this trail-trusted shoe brand launched its own version of a foam slip-on. Crafted from a single-density injected EVA, the Hydro Mocs are incredibly lightweight and flexible, perfect for water activities and beyond. Meanwhile, the perforations are done in a way that is a bit more fashion-forward and taper in size around the upper. Whether you’re rocking these kicks to brunch, kayaking the waterways, or hiking the backcountry, this shoe’s got style.
Colors: 15
- Contoured arch support and articulated heel strap ensure a secure fit
- Advanced traction outsole keeps you steady on both wet and dry surfaces
- Comes in a variety of color options for both men and women
- Some folks say they’re more cumbersome to put on and take off than Crocs
- Whole sizes only
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Best for comfort: OOFOS OOcandoo — $100.00
Available sizes: 5-15 (in whole sizes)
This recovery-focused slip-on is all about comfort, featuring OOFOS’ signature OOfoam technology that is built to absorb impact. That means less strain and less stress on your feet, knees and back—perfect for those long days on your feet at the hospital or long road trips driving across interstates. Backed by science and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). OOcandoo was awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality.
Colors: 2
- Designed specifically for recovery (with APMA Seal of Approval)
- Highly rated by folks with foot issues or foot pain
- Secure design makes them easy to walk in
- Exceptional shock absorption
- Whole sizes only
- More expensive than other alternatives
- Limited colors
Best open-back clog: Keen Yogui Slip-On Clogs — $75.00
Available sizes: 6-11 (in whole sizes)
Easy on when you’re on the go, Keen’s foam slide-on clog is as synonymous with travel, outdoor activity, and innovation as the brand itself. Compared to the classic Croc clogs that run anywhere from $20-$50, you’ll spend a bit more but in return get an athletic-looking slide with quality comfort, a grippy rubber sole, and extra support cushioning.
Colors: 8
- Extremely lightweight and durable
- Good ventilation
- Easy to slip on when you’re on the go
- No-back design is more of a slipper than a shoe and may be a downfall for those who prefer more heel support when wandering about
- Whole sizes only
Best sneaker: Kane Revive — $75.00
Available sizes: 5-18 (unisex, whole sizes only)
Kane’s Revive recovery sneakers are beloved by editors at W+G for their breathable yet supportive style you can wear with literally any outfit. Apart from the shock-absorbing, floaty cushioning, the Revives are packed with thoughtful features, like raised footbed nodes that stimulate blood flow and siped soles for better grip. They also sport sustainable materials and swap traditional EVA foam for a sugarcane-based foam that’s lighter on the planet. A cute shoe that is easy on the feet and socially responsible? Score.
Colors: 20+
- Lightweight and breathable
- Supportive and shock-absorbing
- Crafted with sustainable materials
- Wide variety of sizes and colorways for the whole fam
Best for the outdoors: Chaco Chillos Clog — $65.00
Available sizes: 5-15 (in whole sizes)
Chaco retains its devoted following within the outdoor and adventure subculture, so it’s no surprise its Croc alternative boasts a hip yet outdoorsy design worthy of a nod from a fellow hiker on the trails or in the grocery store. Don’t let the casual look fool you—the Chillos have excellent traction to prevent you from slipping and sliding indoors and out. The closed-toe design protects your toes from the occasional stub while the LUVSEAT™ footbed provides arch support and all-day comfort certified by podiatrists. That means you can go from early-morning coffee runs to late-night campfires without having to change your shoes.
Colors: 15
- Good breathability and ventilation (quick-drying)
- Heel strap with lock buckle adds support
- Design uses recycled polyester canvas webbing and materials made in USA
- Great traction
- Whole sizes only
- Insole is firmer than other options on this list
Best cushioning: Hoka Ora Recovery Mule — $80.00
Available sizes: 5-16 (in whole sizes)
Featuring Hoka’s signature oversized midsole and meta-rocker technology, these gender-inclusive mules offer a cloudlike cushioned ride that reduces stress on your feet and joints with an almost futuristic design that could be mistaken for high-fashion. The ergonomic engineering and open-back style ensure easy on-and-off convenience for a day at the beach or home office. But these funky Crocs alternatives are also a win for providing some cushy relief post-race training while showing off a bit of your unique style.
Colors: 6
- Springy, buoyant insole
- Ventilation also provides a funky, modish look to pair with the textured grooves on the mid and outsoles
- Excellent shock absorption
- Whole sizes only and runs small
- Open heel makes them less secure
Most sustainable: Oboz Whakata Coast Slip-On Shoes — $60.00
Available sizes: 5-16 (in whole sizes, unisex)
Step into sustainable footwear in style with the Whakatā Coast slip-ons. This versatile mule is another great option for casual outings and outdoor adventures, crafted with Oboz’s injection-molded foam, I’m Green™ EVA, in the upper and midsoles. Meanwhile, the outsoles are made with Trail Tread Eco rubber pods for increased durability.
Colors: 10
- Comfort and quality rivals Crocs
- Brand utilizes recycled materials wherever possible
- Designed for a narrower heel, so might not work for wider foot types
- Whole sizes only
Best for water activities: Vans TRK Mule — $60.00
Available sizes: 5.5-14.5 (whole sizes, unisex)
For the saltwater babes looking to surf, rinse, and repeat, these waterproof Vans may become the main character of your growing shoe collection—especially if you’re a loyalist to the brand. The TRK mule offers the same beloved checkerboard design Vans is known for but with deconstructed drainage holes, as well as a beach-to-street vibe and oversized reverse waffle sole for incredible traction on those wet and wild surfaces.
Colors: 5
- Durable and rinsable for water-lovers
- Classic Vans midsole that you know and love
- Trendy design
- May take a bit more time and effort to “break in” and don’t provide the same cushion or arch support as other kicks on our list
Best for standing: Birkenstock, Super Birki Clog — $80.00
Available sizes: 5-15 (in half sizes, unisex)
Crafted from faux leather with a removable, cushioned insole with arch support, Birkenstock’s Croc-like option is a solid slip-on with an oil- and grease-resistant synthetic sole and dirt-resistant upper. While the shoe is constructed to be water-resistant, too, Birki’s features seem to work better for those choosing to anchor closer to land. The utilitarian slip-on is especially a great option for those in the medical and culinary fields who are on their feet all day, or even the avid gardener!
Colors: 13
- Work-ready construction and comfort features are worth noting for those on their feet for long shifts
- Moisture-wicking microfiber inside for quick-drying comfort
- Inner microfiber and footbed is removable and washable
- Made with a PU or polyurethane shell, which makes it slightly less water-resistant and durable
- Limited breathability can lead to increased heat and moisture buildup inside the shoes—potentially causing some foot odor (socks may keep the stink away)
What to look for in a Crocs alternative
“When considering a foam shoe, it’s important to look at fit, cushioning, and arch support,” shares board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Daniel Geller, DPM.
Dr. Geller, who also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Kane Footwear, explains that shoes with a wider toe box tend to allow for better airflow, which ensures a better feel overall. You should also consider the foam density of your shoe: “A medium to firm cushion system allows for better alignment of bones and joints,” Dr. Geller says. “If the shoes are too soft, you might risk compromised support for the foot and the ankle due to the lack of structure. Similarly, better support results in better alignment. With considerable arch protection, a shoe has the opportunity to prevent pronation and help decrease things like foot and ankle pain, knee, and hip strain, or even low back pain.”
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