How to Shrink Crocs: A Guide to Reduce the Size of Your Crocs

Crocs are great for comfort, but not everyone has the same experience. For many, Crocs comes up big and causes discomfort. Problems such as heel slippage can make wearing Crocs uncomfortable. 

Fortunately, there are methods you can use to shrink Crocs and make them fit better. This article will share a step-by-step guide on how to shrink Crocs.

Each method has its own set of materials and instructions. Be sure to follow the steps carefully, so you don’t damage your Crocs.

If you find your Crocs too tight, don’t worry. We’ve got your back with our easy guide on how to stretch Crocs. Follow the steps, and you’ll have a perfect fit.

Crocs VS Shrinking Methods

How to Shrink Crocs in Dryer Machine

Materials Required:

• Clothes dryer
• Two towels (big enough to wrap Crocs)
• Rubber bands or threads (strong enough to hold a wet towel around Crocs)

Process:

1. Step 1 – Start by wetting two towels. Wring them out so that they’re damp but not dripping wet.
2. Step 2 – Next, take a wet towel and wrap it around the Croc. Secure the wet towel in place with rubber bands or threads. Ensure the towel is tight enough so that it does not come loose in the dryer.
3. Step 3 – Place the Crocs in the clothes dryer. Set it on a medium heat setting. If your dryer has a delicate cycle, use that as well. Run the dryer for about 10 minutes. The heat from the dryer loosens the cellular structure of the Croslite foam, while the water in the towel causes the foam to shrink. Keep checking the dryer. If towels become separated, turn off the dryer and reattach them.
4. Step 4 – After 10 minutes, remove the Crocs. Allow them to cool down in a well-ventilated space. Once they’re cooled, check the fit. You’ll notice a significant change in size.

Note – Do not wear the Crocs when they’re still warm. Doing so will stretch them out.

Tip – Throw in some damp clothes in the dryer along with your Crocs. This will prevent Crocs from rattling inside the dryer.

Using a clothes dryer machine is the quickest way to shrink Crocs shoes. It’s also the most effective method.

However, this method isn’t without its risks. There’s a chance you can damage your Crocs if you’re not careful. Damages include –

• Cracks in the material
• Change in color
• Shape distortion

We do not recommend using this method on a new pair of Crocs. Also, avoid using this method on Crocs with fuzz lining, animal prints, tie-dye, or other delicate designs.

How to Make Crocs Shrink in Dishwasher

Materials Required:

• Dishwasher

Process:

Shrinking Crocs in a dishwasher is similar to shrinking them in a clothes dryer. The heat and water work together to shrink the Croslite foam.

The main difference is that you don’t need to use wet towels. Instead, you can place Crocs directly in the dishwasher.

Here’s how to reduce the size of Crocs in a dishwasher –

1. Step 1 – Place your Crocs in the dishwasher. The top rack is preferred.
2. Step 2 – Set the dishwasher to a normal cycle with medium-hot water. Run it for 10 minutes. Check on your Crocs periodically to ensure the water or heat does not damage them.
3. Step 3 – After 10 minutes, remove them from the dishwasher. Allow Crocs to cool and dry in a well-ventilated space. Once they’re cooled, check the fit. You’ll notice a significant change in size.

Note – Wearing Crocs when they are still warm is not advised. Doing so will cause them to stretch out.

How to Shrink Crocs With Hairdryer

Materials Required:

• Hairdryer
• Spray bottle filled with lukewarm water
• Towels (big enough to wrap Crocs)

Process:

1. Step 1 – Place the Crocs on a flat surface. Spray them lightly with lukewarm water. Crocs should be damp but not dripping wet.
2. Step 2 – Next, take a towel and wrap it around them. The towel will help in distributing the heat uniformly. Additionally, it will protect the Crocs from extreme heat.
3. Step 3 – Turn on the hairdryer to its highest heat setting. Hold it about six inches away from Crocs. Slowly move the hairdryer back and forth. Direct the airflow over the entire surface of the shoe for 15 minutes. Avoid holding the hairdryer in one spot for more than 2 minutes.
4. Step 4 – After 15 minutes, remove the towel and let Crocs cool in a well-ventilated space. Once cooled, wear them and check the fit.

Note – Do not wear Crocs when they are still warm. Doing so will cause them to stretch out.

A blow dryer can also be used in place of a hair dryer. We recommend repeating the procedure twice for the best results. This method should not be used on Crocs with fuzz lining, decorative attachments, or colorful design patterns.

How to Shrink Crocs in the Sun

Materials Required:

• Muslin cloth (large enough to wrap Crocs)
• Rubber bands or threads
• Spray bottle filled with water

Process:

1. Step 1 – Take the muslin cloth and wrap it around Crocs. Make sure that the entire shoe is covered. Secure the cloth in place with rubber bands or threads. Muslin cloth will protect Crocs from direct sunlight and help retain moisture.
2. Step 2 – Next, spray the cloth-covered Crocs lightly with water. Two sprayings should be sufficient.
3. Step 3 – Place Crocs in direct sun and let them sit for about four to five hours. The heat and water will cause the Croslite foam to contract, resulting in smaller shoe size.
4. Step 4 – Remove Crocs from the direct sunlight after four to five hours. Allow them to cool in a well-ventilated area. Once cooled, check the fit.

Using sunlight to shrink Crocs is the most gentle method. However, it takes the longest amount of time. This method can be used on all types of Crocs.

How to Shrink Crocs With Fur Lining

Shrinking Crocs with fur lining is a challenging task that must be undertaken with caution. The heat can damage the fur, resulting in patches of discoloration. It may also cause the fur to shed, causing irreversible damage. Therefore, we do not recommend shrinking Crocs with fur lining.

However, if you still wish to proceed, you can follow two methods to shrink Crocs with fur lining:

1. Hairdryer method
2. Direct sunlight method

Please follow the same steps mentioned in the ‘Hairdryer’ and ‘Sunlight’ methods. However, here is a list of precautionary measures that must be taken:

• Cover the fur with a moist cloth before starting the process.
• Use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting.
• Do not direct the hot airflow towards the fur at any cost.
• Do not leave fur-lined Crocs in direct sunlight continuously for more than three hours.
• Keep checking the Crocs to ensure that the fur is not getting damaged.

Effects of Shrinking Crocs

Shrinking Crocs may cause some irreversible damages such as:

• Change in color and texture
• Abrasions or cracks on the surface
• Hardening of the Croslite material
• Reduced cushioning and support
• Reduces the lifespan of Crocs
• Permanent deformation
• May emit an unpleasant plastic burning smell

Frequently Asked Question

How Long Does it Take for Crocs to Shrink? 

The time required for Crocs to shrink depends on the method used. For instance, using a clothes dryer will take 10 minutes, while placing Crocs in direct sunlight can take four to five hours.

Do Crocs Shrink in Cold Water? 

No, Crocs do not shrink in cold water. In fact, cold water will make Crocs hard and uncomfortable. Plus, Crocs will start to make an annoying squeaking sound. Here is a guide on how to stop Crocs from squeaking.

Leather shoes are also notorious squeakers. Read how to prevent leather shoes from squeaking.

Can you Shrink Crocs in Hot Water?

No, you cannot shrink Crocs in hot water.

Although heat make Crocs shrink, hot water doesn’t do the same. Croslite material becomes softer and more pliable when exposed to hot water. As a result, Crocs become loose and baggy.

Do Crocs Shrink in the Washing Machine?

No, Crocs do not shrink in the washing machine. Washing machines use cool or warm water, which will not make any difference to the size of Crocs.

How Often Should I Shrink Crocs? 

It would be best if you only shrink Crocs when they become too loose. Shrinking Crocs too often will cause irreversible damage and reduce their lifespan.

Also, Crocs once shrunk last a long time. So you don’t have to worry about them getting loose anytime soon.

Is There a Way to Unshrink Crocs? 

Yes, there are a few methods that you can use to unshrink Crocs. You can use any of the following methods:

• Hot water method
• Using a Hair Dryer or Blow Dryer
• Freezing Crocs Overnight
• Using Dryer Machine
• Wearing thick socks
• Using Balled-Up Newspapers or Cloths
• Utilizing a Shoe Stretcher

Our step-by-step guide on how to stretch Crocs will give you a detailed description of each method.

Final Thoughts

Shrinking Crocs is an excellent way to achieve a snug and comfortable fit. It is also an economical method as you don’t have to buy a new pair of Crocs.

We hope this guide was helpful in understanding how to shrink Crocs. Do remember to take all necessary precautions before starting the process. Also, follow the instructions carefully to avoid any irreversible damage.

If you want to get perfectly fitting Crocs, check out our blog “Do Crocs Run Big or Small.”

Also, check out our blog “How to Make Big Shoes Fit.”

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us in the comments section below. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends who might find it useful.

Happy shrinking!