Are Crocs Closed Toe Shoes? Ultimate Guide on Crocs

Are Crocs Closed-Toe Shoes?

From a formal health and safety perspective, classic Crocs are not considered closed-toe shoes due to the 13 holes in their design. Closed-toe shoes are meant to fully cover the foot.

However, Crocs does offer closed-toe shoes as part of their work range, which you can explore on their website.

Law Insider defines closed-toe shoes as footwear that fully covers the entire foot, including the top and the heel. Shoes with large perforations, like classic Crocs, are not considered closed-toe because they don’t prevent spills from reaching the foot.

This definition is based on a laboratory safety self-inspection document created by the Office of Physical Plant Environmental Health and Safety at Pennsylvania State University.

The document elaborates on the importance of wearing closed-toe shoes in a lab:

• Everyone working in a lab must wear closed-toe shoes.
• Closed-toe shoes help minimize potential damage if something falls on your feet.
• The entire foot, including the top and heel, should be fully covered. Shoes with large perforations, like classic Crocs, are not permissible since they won’t protect the foot from spilled chemicals.
• Open-toed shoes, such as sandals, must not be worn in the lab.

You might think, ‘I don’t work in a lab,’ but the definition of closed-toe shoes still applies to other activities. Classic Crocs are not closed-toe shoes. For example, while gardening, falling tools could injure your foot through the holes. The same risk applies to spills in the hospitality industry or falling chemicals and tools in the medical field.

If you work in the medical or hospitality industries and need to wear closed-toe shoes as part of a dress code, avoid classic Crocs. Instead, explore the Crocs work range, designed to meet closed-toe safety requirements.

In the following section, I’ll discuss which Crocs styles are closed-toe, so you can learn about their features before buying a pair.

Which are Closed-Toe Crocs Styles?

Below is a table showcasing closed-toe Crocs styles and their features (with Amazon links for convenience, but you can also compare prices on Crocs.com):

Are Crocs Open or Closed-Toe Shoes?

Crocs is an American company initially known for producing foam clog shoes. Later, the foam was replaced by a more durable material called Croslite, a closed-cell resin material, for enhanced comfort. The shoes’ distinctive shape and perforated style led to the name “crocs.”

Crocs can be both open and closed-toed. The company originally started with closed-toe shoes, so they are often mistaken for only offering that style. However, due to customer demand for more breathable footwear, Crocs expanded its range to include open-toed shoes.

Why Do Crocs Have Two Sizes?

When you purchase a pair of Crocs, you may notice two sizes printed on the bottom, even though the brand uses US sizing standards. The reason for this is that most Crocs are designed to be unisex, catering to both men and women.

For example, in an adult Crocs pair labeled as 7/9, the size 7 is for men, and the size 9 is for women. Sometimes, the initials “M” (for men) and “W” (for women) may also be indicated underneath the sole to further clarify the sizes.

Pros and Cons of Wearing Closed-Toe Shoes

How to Differentiate Between Open and Closed Crocs Shoes?

It’s essential to recognize that Crocs can be either open or closed-toe. Identifying the difference is relatively simple.

Both styles share the same basic structure: a boat-shaped design, an open-heel strap, and a perforated upper surface. The key distinction lies in the toe box, which is the front part of the shoe that covers the toes.

An open-toed Crocs shoe has perforations throughout the entire toe box, or it may even lack a toe box entirely. Closed-toe Crocs, on the other hand, have no perforations in the toe box. An example of this type of shoe is the LiteRide.

LiteRide Crocs have 13 small holes on their surface, creating a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to the traditional wide-holed clog Crocs. The presence of holes on the upper shoe surface does not determine if the shoe is closed or open-toed, as both types can have them.

You can also find semi-closed-toe Crocs on their main website. These shoes have one or two holes at the end of the toe box. To cater to a broader audience, Crocs has extended its product line to include flip-flops, sandals, and flats, further expanding the range of open-toed Crocs options.

Are Crocs Considered Water Shoes?

Crocs are often considered water shoes, although they may not be suitable for extended water crossings. Wearing Crocs as water shoes has its advantages and disadvantages.

Many people choose to use Crocs as water shoes because they are comfortable, don’t retain water, and dry quickly due to the Croslite material. Additionally, Crocs are versatile, multifunctional, and can float.

The primary drawback of using Crocs as water shoes is their lack of security around the foot compared to genuine water shoes. Nonetheless, some Crocs styles are better suited for water activities than others.

Are Crocs Considered Shoes?

Crocs are indeed classified as shoes, as they cover both the front and back of the foot.

Interestingly, you can purchase Crocs in two variations: open and closed-toe shoes.

Crocs are not only comfortable but also lightweight. They can be easily put on and taken off, and provide a degree of support. Moreover, Crocs are suitable for various activities, from professional outings to casual gatherings.

Furthermore, maintaining Crocs does not require significant expenditure, unlike other types of footwear that can be more costly.

Can Crocs Be Worn to Work?

Wearing Crocs to work is possible, but it largely depends on the company or organization you work for. There’s no doubt that Crocs are comfortable and durable.

However, it’s important to note that each company has its own dress code policy that must be followed.

If your company allows you to wear Crocs at work, you’ll likely enjoy several benefits, such as improved grip due to slip-resistant soles and increased comfort for your ankles and calves.

Can Crocs Be Worn Anywhere?

Crocs are versatile and can be worn both indoors and outdoors.

You generally won’t face criticism for wearing Crocs to various locations or events, as there are different styles and models to choose from, depending on the occasion.

Are Crocs Closed-Heel Shoes?

Crocs do offer closed-heel shoes, which differ slightly from traditional Crocs footwear.

These closed-heel Crocs lack the pivoting heel strap commonly associated with Crocs clogs. It’s worth noting that these shoes are designed for work environments and may be a bit heavier than regular Crocs.

Nevertheless, this type of footwear remains easy to wear and continues to provide comfort for your feet.