You’ve heard of snakes on planes. But what about the crocodile on the plane?
My wife, a makeup artist who is constantly standing for hours, decided to try a pair of Crocs to relieve persistent foot pain. I lifted my nose last summer as she tried on different shoes at the Crocs store.
“You should give it a try,” she told me after choosing a black-and-white marble suit. I declined, but was curious. Are these clogs going to be comfortable enough for people to wear something so ugly? When she wasn’t paying attention, I put on a pair. I walked a few steps, felt the textured insole cradle, decompressed my instep like a small group of reflexology experts, and quickly ignited my aesthetic doubts.
Founded by three friends in Boulder, Colorado in 2002, these shoes are made from Croslite, a patented resin that is lightweight, non-toxic, waterproof, antimicrobial and easy to clean. A thick, non-slip sole and braille-like interior provide comfort and support, while a honeycomb top allows airflow, reducing foot sweat and odor.
I reasoned that it would be wise to wear them around the house. Good transitional footwear between seasons, like slippers. No one will see them, or see me in them. So I bought a pair of green ones for $49.99.
Classic Croc clogs for ultimate comfort and functionality
Comfort and versatility reign supreme in this versatile shoe. Lightweight and breathable, perfect for travel.
From 2019 to 2020, Crocs’ e-commerce sales in the Americas increased by nearly 81% and wholesale by 42%, according to a July 2021 report by Fortune, which added: During this period, the awkward but comfortable Crocs clogs reached new popularity not only as the ideal work-from-home shoe, but as a fashion statement on Justin Bieber’s feet and the Oscars red carpet worn by Questlove.”
As planned, I wear them around the house. Then I started running errands in them. Then I started wearing them to dinner. Then, as my October 2021 work trip to Orlando neared, I started thinking, “Can I wear them on a plane?”
Again, my wife led the way. “I’m wearing mine,” she said as we packed, and I followed, wondering if we’d end up with passenger shaming. By this time, I’m a total Crocs convert, wearing them more than my new Nikes touting how great my feet feel, but I’m still not sure about wearing them on a plane. While my Crocs provide excellent support and comfort for walking the dog or around Target, I have no way of knowing if they will hold up on a tough walk. I’m about to take a blind test.
Functionally, one of the Crocs’ most useful features is its sturdy shoulder straps. They rotate 180 degrees like bucket handles. Forward lets you dress like slouchy moccasins; flipping them over to your back ensures that your ankles keep walking. This came in handy when TSA PreCheck lanes closed at airport security and I had to put and put on my Crocs – no lacing, no back soiling – though not within two hours Taking a test flight from Philadelphia, the Crocs’ easy on/off feature would be a dream to travel from seat to toilet on long-haul international flights.
Classic clogs come in a variety of colors
If you want to beautify your Crocs, they are available in a variety of colors and designs. Get all the comfort of the original shoe and show off your style and interests.
After a few hours of travel and about 10,000 steps, I checked into the Universal Studios hotel and my feet felt great. Even in the most comfortable sneakers, I usually don’t feel jittery or throbbing after two airport treks.
“I think I’m going to wear them in the park tomorrow,” my wife said. “Are you wearing yours?”
No, I can not. Traveling for a day is one thing. It’s another thing to trek miles around a theme park and wait in line for an indeterminate amount of time.
For the next four days, I could and did, through Universal’s two theme parks, plus Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I am not alone. Alligators may inhabit Orlando’s swamps, but theme parks are fertile habitats for alligators.
What I appreciate most is how cool and dry the perforated top is, keeping my feet cool and dry in the sweltering heat of Central Florida. The holes did let in water when the heavy moisture gave way to the rain, but I just took off my socks and my feet and shoes were dry within minutes when the precipitation stopped. No one would say that in a downpour in Orlando in sneakers.
Classic clogs, but lined with plush fabric
If you want to keep a pair of Crocs inside, this slip-on design will keep your feet warm in winter. Fuzzy lining adds an extra layer of cushioning and comfort.
The versatility of this set of Crocs is also useful in the morning at the hotel, when I sneak out of my room to grab a coffee in the lobby.I don’t know about you but I don’t travel with slippers and I hate having to wear socks and sneakers at 7am
Ultimately, comfort remains the Crocs’ biggest selling point. In four days in Florida, I walked 87,777 steps—about 40 miles—in Crocs. I still have no pain in my feet, and no pain in my legs and back because of this firm, supportive footing. I didn’t wear the pair of Nikes I was packing. I’ll probably leave them at home entirely on my next trip.
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