Last Updated: August 30, 2023
Why Are Crocs So Expensive? Are They Worth Your Money?
Crocs Clogs are probably the most polarizing footwear ever manufactured. People either love them or hate them, but no matter what your personal opinion of the clogs might be, you can’t deny that they’re comfortable.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I absolutely hated these shoes until I tried them on. I used to wear knock-off Crocs and you couldn’t convince me that they were worth the money, but wearing genuine Crocs around the garden absolutely changed my mind, and now I have a solid collection of Crocs footwear.
So, if you’re suspicious of Crocs prices and you’re not convinced they’re worth the money, this detailed guide might just change your mind!
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High-Quality Materials
Crocs manufactures all of its footwear from Crocslite, a resin material developed by the brand. That’s why none of the fake Crocs can even come close to the comfort and durability of the real deal.
Crocslite material does not contain any plastic, but it’s also not entirely made from rubber. EVA is the main component of Crocslite, and it’s the main reason why the clogs are so comfortable and lightweight. EVA also has high-impact resistance and offers excellent cushioning, which is why walking around in Crocs feels like you’re walking around on clouds.
The only downside of this material is that it shrinks when exposed to heat, and I’ve learned this the hard way. Don’t ever leave your Crocs out in the sun for more than 10-15 minutes at a time because they will shrink and they’ll never fit you the same again.
Unique Design
When Crocs shoes first hit the market, they were absolutely unique. There wasn’t anything similar on the market, especially in terms of comfort and durability. Sure, you could buy rubber clogs and flip-flops, but you couldn’t really find rubber shoes with such great traction, drainage, and anti-slip features.
The footbed design is probably my favorite feature of Crocs, and that’s because I prefer to walk into the sea wearing shoes. I can’t even count all the times when I slipped and fell because I was wearing regular flip-flops, but that never happened again once I upgraded to Crocs flip-flops.
The traction on the outsole of Crocs shoes is surreal, plus the non-slip footbed is absolutely perfect for walking around in the water. Even the clogs are great for stepping into bodies of water thanks to the large drainage holes on the uppers, but it’s essential that you put them in sport mode (put the heel strap around your heel).
Durability
If you buy Crocs shoes you will be able to wear them for years to come. I’m not exaggerating even a little bit; I still wear shoes (from Crocs) that I bought more than a decade ago, and other than some fraying in the back, they still look pretty good.
Sure, the outsoles are worn out, but not so much that the shoes have become slippery. I still have plenty of grip and traction in the decade-old shoes, and the footbed is as good as new. I also regularly wear a pair of Crocs flip-flops I purchased 2-3 years ago, and those still look brand new.
The durability of Crocs shoes is surreal and it’s exactly why it’s worth it to spring for the real deal. You will be able to wear Crocs for several years, possibly even a decade, depending on how often you wear them and how you take care of them.
Comfort
Crocs are some of the most comfortable shoes out there and if you’ve ever worn them, you know exactly what I’m talking about. When you wear them properly (heel strapped), they’re also super stable and perfect for walking around.
The EVA construction is the main reason why the shoes are so comfortable. The material offers a lot of cushioning and it’s very supportive, so your feet don’t get tired as quickly. There’s also nothing on these shoes that can cause blisters even if you have sensitive feet. Trust me on this one – the Crocs flip-flops were the first pair of flip-flops I ever bought that did not make my feet blister.
Brand Recognition
The Crocs brand has been around for more than two decades and it has a very loyal customer base. People who like wearing Crocs can hardly be persuaded to try other shoes, at least when it comes to comfortable clogs, flip-flops, and slides.
Over the decades, Crocs have become synonymous with comfort, quality, and performance. They’re absolutely worth the money, and anyone who has owned a pair of Crocs for a few years will tell you that Crocs are so expensive because they will last you a long time and you’ll get a lot of wear out of them.
Health Benefits
Crocs offer multiple health benefits to the wearer’s feet, something even I was unaware of until recently. For one, they feature ergonomic and supportive footbeds that allow you to walk around longer without being in pain or sore.
Additionally, Crocs are also highly breathable and promote circulation in the feet. They also avoid compression of the toes because of the wide toe boxes, plus they keep your feet cool thanks to all the ventilation and drainage holes in the uppers. But they’re still not perfectly comfortable because they don’t offer a lot of arch support, so you shouldn’t wear them every single day.
Easy to Maintain
Crocs are super easy to clean and I love that about them. If you manage to get them dirty you can easily clean them with water. They’re surprisingly stain-resistant and most dirt will come off if you just give them a brush or wipe them with a damp towel.
That’s one of my favorite features about Crocs – I can wear them around the garden all day, and if they get muddy or dirty, I can just spray them with the hose and they’ll be brand new in a matter of seconds.
Another thing to note here is that Crocs dry super quick. I know I told you not to leave them out in the sunlight because it can cause them to shrink, but you can just let them dry for 5 minutes in direct sunlight and they’ll be good to go.
Ethical & Sustainable Production
Crocs is committed to having net zero carbon emissions by 2030, and that’s just one of the brand’s several sustainable practices. They already have a very low carbon footprint to begin with, especially when compared to other big names in the shoe industry.
Also, Crocs uses sustainable ingredients in the manufacturing process. They’ve been a 100% vegan brand since 2021, plus they’ve slowly started to transition to a more environmentally friendly version of Crocslite, the proprietary material used in the manufacturing of all Crocs.
Most pairs of Crocs are sold without boxes, and the brand uses recyclable packaging for all the footwear they sell. Crocs also donates unsold footwear to those in need, unlike other popular shoe brands that burn their excess products to keep the supply and demand in check.
It costs a pretty penny to research and develop a more sustainable version of their existing materials, as well as to put all their other efforts into practice, which is one of the reasons for the higher cost of Crocs shoes.
Limited Editions
Limited Edition KFC Crocs
When Crocs first launched their signature clog, the brand didn’t offer too many different options for footwear models. That has significantly changed over the years, and whether you prefer wearing sandals or platform slides, you’ll find at least a couple of decent options in the product range of this brand.
Crocs also does limited edition shoe models that are a little more expensive than their signature styles, but honestly worth the money because they usually sell out fast and get resold for 2-3x the original price. Crocs has done limited edition clogs that glow in the dark, they’ve collaborated with KFC and Taco Bell, and they’ve done loads of collaborations with various celebrities.
Brand Collaborations & Celebrity Endorsements
Post Malone’s collaboration with Crocs
The brand collaborations and celebrity editions of Crocs are the most expensive versions of these shoes, but probably not as expensive as you think. First, let’s talk about brand collaboration, and I’m mostly thinking about all the Balenciaga Crocs out there. Those are very expensive with price points that exceed $1,000, but that’s because it’s Balenciaga that manufactures and sells those shoes.
Balenciaga is a luxury designer brand and all of their products are expensive, so it’s no surprise that their take on Crocs is also very expensive.
On the other hand, if you look at the various limited editions Crocs that were designed by celebrities, you’ll notice that they’re significantly more affordable. Justin Bieber, Post Malone, and even Karol G have all done collaboration with the brand, and those Crocs cost maybe $60-80 when they were first released, which is very close to the original price point of Crocs.
The problem is that all the limited edition Crocs sell out super quick and then get resold for 10x their initial value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were Crocs previously more affordable?
Crocs originally cost around $30, but that was back in 2002. The cost of materials necessary to manufacture them has gone up since, as has the cost of labor and so the Crocs are more expensive today, more than 20 years later.
Do counterfeit Crocs offer comparable quality?
No, counterfeit Crocs absolutely do not offer comparable quality, comfort, or performance; they’re not even close. Instead of counterfeit Crocs, look for EVA slides and clogs from other established shoe brands such as Birkenstock.
Why are Jibbitz so expensive?
Jibbitz charms are pricey because they are manufactured by only Crocs, so they’re an official product. You can get knockoff charms that are significantly cheaper at websites like eBay and Aliexpress, but keep in mind that the quality and durability are not comparable to the official Jibbitz charms.
Are Crocs worth the investment?
Yes, Crocs are without a doubt worth the investment. If you need a comfortable pair of shoes, know that you’ll be able to wear Crocs for years.
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About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
