How to Stretch Crocs: Seven Foolproof Methods

Crocs are one of the most popular footwear brands, but they often have sizing issues. This is because Crocs doesn’t use the traditional shoe sizing system. Crocs have their own sizing.

Also, the company does not offer half-sizes. So if you are in-between sizes, you are out of luck.

However, with a bit of time, effort, and the right technique you can easily stretch your Crocs to fit better. In this article, we will show you seven methods on how to stretch out Crocs.

Crocs VS Stretching Methods

How to Stretch Crocs With Hot Water

Materials Required

• Water
  
• Large pot (big enough to submerge Crocs completely)
  
• Stove
  
• Tongs
  
• Socks
  
• Towel
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil. Remove the pot from the stove.
   
2. Step 2 – Place the Crocs inside the pot. Make sure the Crocs are fully submerged. Allow them to soak in hot water for about 30 seconds. Hot water makes the material of Crocs soft and more flexible, which makes stretching them easier.
   
3. Step 3 – After 30 seconds, remove the Crocs from the pot using the tongs. Place them on a towel and let them cool down for 2 minutes.
   
4. Step 4 – Once the Crocs are lukewarm, wear them and walk around until they dry or reach room temperature. Doing so will help to stretch out the material and conform it to the shape of your feet. Make sure to wear socks so that you don’t burn your feet. Please avoid wearing thick socks, or else you will over-stretch the material.
   
5. Step 5 – After you are done walking, allow the Crocs to air dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this will cause them to shrink in size.
   

Once the Crocs have dried completely, wear them without socks. Check the fit. If they are still tight, repeat the process. Please avoid using this method on Crocs with fuzz lining, decorative accessories, or colorful prints. 

Here’s a video that can help. 

How to Stretch Crocs Using a Hairdryer

The hairdryer method for stretching shoes works like magic with Crocs.

Materials Required

• Hairdryer
  
• Water (room temperature)
  
• Spray bottle
  
• Towel
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Wrap the Crocs in a towel. The towel will ensure that the heat from the hairdryer is distributed evenly. Also, it will protect the shoe from the direct heat of the hairdryer.
   
2. Step 2 – Plug in the hair dryer and set the temperature to high heat.
   
3. Step 3 – Pour some water into a spray bottle. Gently spray the water on the towel. The towel only needs to be slightly moistened rather than drenched.
   
4. Step 4 – Place the towel-covered Crocs on a flat surface and direct the hairdryer’s heat onto the towel. Remember to move the hair dryer back and forth slowly and evenly to distribute the heat. Keep heating for 5 minutes. Heat loosens the cellular structure of the Croslite foam.
   
5. Step 5 – After 5 minutes, take the Crock out and let them cool down for a few seconds. Slip the Crocs onto your feet and walk around until the Crocs become completely dry and reach room temperature. This will help the material to stretch and mold to the shape of your feet.
   

Note – Once heated, wear the Crocs right away, or else they will shrink.

You can also use a blow dryer instead of a hair dryer.

The hairdryer method works well if you need to stretch a specific shoe part, such as the toe box or heel straps.

For effective results, we recommend repeating the process twice. Please do not use this method on Crocs with fuzz lining, fancy attachments, or bright designs.

Here is a video to help you out –

How to Stretch Out Crocs Using a Freezer

Materials Required

• Water
  
• Ziploc bags
  
• Freezer
  
• Towel
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Fill a large Ziploc bag with water and seal it properly. Make sure the Ziploc bag has a little room for water to expand.
   
2. Step 2 – Put the Ziploc bag inside the Crocs. Make sure to push the bag as far up the shoe as possible.
   
3. Step 3 – Place the bagged-up Crocs inside a freezer for 12 hours. Water expands when it freezes. Therefore, when the water in the Ziploc bag freezes, it will expand and put pressure on the Crocs. This pressure will be strong enough to stretch out the Crocs.
   
4. Step 4 – After 12 hours, remove the Crocs from the freezer and remove the Ziploc bag. Let them air dry and warm up to room temperature. Make sure to place the Crocs on a towel. This will help absorb water that may have formed due to the freezing and thawing of the Crocs.
   
5. Step 5 – Once the Crocs have dried and reached a normal temperature, wear them and check the fit.
   

The freezing method works incredibly well for stretching the shoe’s toe box. If the shoes are still too tight, repeat the process. Avoid using this method with fuzz-lined Crocs.

How to Shrink Crocs Using a Dryer Machine

Materials Required

• Dryer machine
  
• Clothes
  
• Thick socks
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Set the dryer to the lowest heat setting and place the Crocs inside. Make sure to put some clothes in with the Crocs so that they don’t bang around and get damaged.
   
2. Step 2 – Run the dryer for about 10 minutes. The heat will cause the material to soften.
   
3. Step 3 – Remove the Crocs from the dryer. Immediately put on a pair of thick socks and slip the Crocs onto your feet. Walk around in them until they have cooled down to room temperature. This will help the Crocs take on the shape of your feet, making them comfortable.
   

A dryer machine can cause serious damage to your Crocs. Therefore, it is essential to use the lowest heat setting. Also, avoid using this method to stretch out a new pair of Crocs.

We don’t recommend using this method with Crocs with fur lining or other decorative materials.

Here is a video tutorial –

How to Make Crocs Bigger Using Socks

Materials Required

• Three pairs of thick socks
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Wear three pairs of socks, one on top of the other.
   
2. Step 2 – Slip the Crocs onto your feet. You will feel pressure while putting the Crocs on, but that is normal. However, if they hurt your feet, remove them immediately. Try fewer layers of thick socks next time.
   
3. Step 3 – Take a 30-minute stroll wearing the Crocs. The socks will put pressure on the Crocs and cause them to stretch.
   
4. Step-4 – After 30 minutes, take off the Crocs and socks. Let your feet breathe for a few minutes. Now, wear them without socks and check the fit.
   

Repeat the process at least three times for maximum effect.

The socks method is entirely safe and will not damage your Crocs. If you want to stretch the width of your Crocs, this method works brilliantly. This method is also great for breaking in new Crocs.

The socks method can be used on any Croc, including those with fur lining or other decorations.

Take a look at this video – 

Stuff Crocs With Balled-Up Socks or Newspapers

Materials Required

• Old socks, clothes, or newspapers
  
• Rubber bands (if it is an open-toed Croc)
  

Process

1. Step 1 – Ball up some socks/clothes or crumple up some old newspaper. The goal is to create big, circular pieces that fit snugly inside the Crocs.
   
2. Step 2 – Stuff the Crocs with as many socks/clothes or pieces of newspaper as possible. Make sure to push the material all the way to the toe. If you are stretching open-toed footwear, use a rubber band to secure the material in place.
   
3. Step 3 – Leave the Crocs for at least 24 hours so that they can take on the new shape. In the morning, remove the socks/clothes or newspaper. Wear them and check the fit. If they are still too tight, repeat the process.
   

The stuffing method is an excellent way to stretch the straps of sandals and other open-toed Crocs. It is also a safe method that will not damage your Crocs. The only downside is that it takes a long time to work.

Use a Shoe Stretcher

Materials Required

• Two-way shoe stretcher
  

Process

Shoe stretchers are innovative devices that can increase the length and breadth of your Crocs. Follow our guide on Shoe Stretchers to learn how to use them effectively.

Please leave the shoe stretcher inside for at least 12 hours to achieve the best results. Also, ensure you wear the Crocs after stretching them, or else they will not keep their new shape.

Shoe stretchers are an excellent way to stretch Crocs quickly and efficiently. They can be used to stretch the length, width, or both. You can also use them to target specific tight areas. A shoe stretcher works amazingly well with Crocs shoes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Crocs Stretch?

Yes, Crocs do stretch. They are made from a unique resin-like material called Croslite. This Croslite material is soft, flexible, and comfortable. It also has the ability to stretch slightly.

On average, Crocs stretch by half an inch to a full inch, depending on the usage and your foot shape.

Can I put my Crocs in the dryer?

Yes, Crocs can be placed in the dryer.

However, we recommend using the lowest heat setting to prevent any damage. Also, put some clothes in the dryer with the Crocs to prevent them from banging around.

How Often Should I Stretch my Crocs?

Crocs, once stretched, do not lose their shape. You can stretch them once and wear them for years to come.

If your Crocs feel tight, you can repeat the stretching process as needed.

How Do I Know if my Crocs are too Small?

If you experience any of the following conditions, your Crocs are probably too small:

• You have trouble getting your Crocs on
  
• They pinch your feet when you try them on
  
• Your toes feel cramped, particularly if you wear them for long periods. Check out our guide to see whether Crocs are good for standing all day.

However, it is also essential to remember that sometimes a new pair of Crocs will feel a bit tight at first. In this case, give them some time to break in. They will eventually loosen up and conform to the shape of your feet.

You can follow our guide on how to break in Crocs to speed up the process.

How Much do Crocs Stretch?

Crocs usually stretch by half an inch to a full inch. The amount of stretching will depend on the model and the method you use to stretch them.

Can I Stretch the Toe Area of my Crocs?

Yes, you can target specific areas of your Crocs for stretching. The following methods are excellent for stretching the toe area:

• Freezing method
  
• Stuffing them with balled-up socks or newspapers
  
• Using a shoe stretcher
  

How Long Does it Take for Crocs to Stretch?

The amount of time it takes for Crocs to stretch varies depending on the stretching method used. For instance, the boiling water method works quickly, while the stuffing method can take up to 24 hours. 

Can You Shrink Overstretched Crocs?

Yes, you can shrink overstretched Crocs. Here is a dedicated guide on how to shrink Crocs.

Conclusion

Crocs can be stretched in various ways, some of which are safe and efficient. The most common way to stretch Crocs is by using boiling water. This will work quickly but can damage the material if you’re not careful.

Other methods, such as the stuffing method, are safe but can take up to 24 hours to work effectively. You can also use a shoe stretcher to target specific tight areas.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which method is best for your needs. Whichever way you choose, ensure you’re patient and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your Crocs.

We hope you found our guide on how to stretch Crocs helpful. If you are facing the same issue with other shoes, check out our article “How to Stretch Shoes for Wide Feet.”

If you have bought shoes that are big for your feet, we have a solution for that as well. Check out our blog post “How to Make Big Shoes Fit” to get the perfect solution.

Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. And don’t forget to share this guide with your friends. 

Happy stretching!