There’s nothing more annoying than buying a pair of shoes, only to discover that they actually feel a little too big when you wear them.
Maybe you ordered them online and didn’t get to try them on. Perhaps the brand runs large. Or maybe you were wearing thick socks when you tried them on. Whatever the reason, finding out that your shoes don’t fit you as well as you expected isn’t fun.
This often happens with Crocs. So today, we’re looking at how to shrink Crocs (and shoes like Crocs) that are too big. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to do, and if you do it properly, it won’t damage your shoes.
Why Would You Need to Shrink Crocs?
Crocs are comfortable and durable shoes that are known for their oversized-toe box. But when buying a new pair of Crocs, it can be challenging to find a pair with a snug fit straight out of the box.
Crocs are only available in full sizes in adult shoes, and if you’re between sizes, they could be slightly too big for you. You’ll also find that Crocs can stretch when you wear them regularly.
Regardless of the reason, your Crocs may be too big for you. Wearing socks with crocs may make them fit better. But there are also multiple easy ways to shrink them to a comfortable fit.
How to Shrink Crocs That Are Too Big
Crocs are made from a material called Crosslite foam—a proprietary closed-cell resin— that molds to the shape of your foot when you wear it. Fortunately, thanks to the properties of this EVA foam, you can easily and safely shrink your Crocs.
Here are some of the multiple ways of applying heat to Crocs to make them shrink:
Leave Them In the Sun
Place your Crocs outside in direct sunlight on a hot day when the sun is at its peak. Leave them in direct sunlight for about 20 minutes. Then, put them on to see if they’ve shrunk to a comfortable fit.
If you feel that they’re still a bit too big, leave them in the sun for another 20 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on your Crocs, as they can shrink more quickly than you expect in direct sunlight.
Boil In Hot Water
Choose a pot that will be big enough to fit both Crocs. Fill it 3/4 of the way with water and bring it to a boil.
If you don’t have a large enough pot to fit both shoes, then place one shoe at a time. Be careful with this, though, as you will need to be precise so that they don’t shrink differently, and you end up with two different-sized shoes!
Once the water has started to boil, place the Crocs into the water with a pair of tongs. After 30 seconds, use your tongs to gently stir the Crocs in the water, so both shoes are covered equally with water.
After 1 ½ minutes, remove the Crocs from the water and let them cool down. Once they’re cool to the touch, put them on to see if they have shrunk and fit comfortably.
You can repeat this step if the Crocs are still slightly too big for your feet. Don’t worry if they feel too tight after you’ve removed them from the boiling water. Just wear them for a few days, and you’ll find they’ll stretch out a bit to fit your feet.
Put Them In the Dryer
Placing your Crocs in the dryer is another effective method for shrinking them. Make sure to set the timer for 10 minutes and change the heat setting to medium.
Wrap each Croc in a thin, damp towel and secure it with a rubber band before placing the shoes in the dryer. The wet towels will help provide some moisture, making the Crocs more pliable and preventing them from getting damaged by the heat.
After 10 minutes, take them out and let them cool down. Then try them on and see if your Crocs have shrunk to a comfortable fit. If they’re still too big, put them back in the dryer for another 10 minutes.
Use a Hairdryer
Using a hairdryer to shrink your Crocs lets you apply heat to specific parts of the shoe that you want to shrink. It’s also a great way to shrink the strap if it’s stretched.
Start by placing your Crocs on a flat surface like a table, and then place a thin, damp towel over the shoe. The wet towel will help prevent the Croc from getting too hot, which can damage or warp the shoe.
Turn the blow dryer onto medium or high heat and slowly move it back and forth over your shoe. Make sure you don’t spend too much time in one spot, as you want to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed.
Allow your Crocs to cool down for 5 minutes, and then try them on for size. If they’re still a little too loose, repeat the step on the shoe until you have the desired fit.
Tips for Shrinking Your Crocs
Let Them Cool Before Trying Them On
You may be tempted to put your Crocs on as soon as they’ve cooled down enough to touch them but don’t wear them while they’re still warm. If you do, you may actually stretch them out again.
Rather wait until your Crocs have cooled down properly and then wear them for an hour or two. This will allow your body heat to warm the now-shrunken material of the shoe so that it can mold to the shape of your foot again.
Go Little By Little
Make sure you don’t leave your Crocs in the heat for too long, regardless of your method. Warming your Crocs for too long can cause irreversible damage that may include:
- Fading or changing of color
- Changes to the texture
- Cracks or abrasions
- Hardening of the foam
- Flattened cushioning
- Loss of support
- Deformation of the shoe’s shape
- Burning plastic smell
- Reduced lifespan
It’s important that you keep a close eye on the shoes as you apply heat to them. Rather do three shorter sessions of heating, cooling, and trying on to get the right fit, than do one longer session and shrink them too much.
With that being said, you should not try to shrink your Crocs too often. Doing any of these techniques just once should be enough, and if you do them more than once, you’re putting the quality of your Crocs at risk and may damage the shoes.
Crocs With Fur Linings
If your Crocs are lined with faux fur, and you need to shrink them, then only use the following two methods:
- Direct sunlight
- Hairdryer method
Putting them in the dryer or boiling water could damage the fur lining, causing it to shed and resulting in patches. It can also cause the fur to become discolored.
Make sure you cover the fur with a thin, moist cloth before you start shrinking the shoes. Use a low heat setting if you’re using a hairdryer, and try not to direct any of the hot air at the fur.
If you’re leaving the Crocs in direct sunlight, make sure you don’t leave them exposed for more than three hours.
Crocs With Designs
Crocs with animal prints, tie-dye, camo, marble, or glitter designs should not use boiling water, hairdryer, or dryer methods to shrink the shoes.
The best way to shrink Crocs with delicate designs is to put them in direct sunlight. It may take a little longer to get a perfect fit, but it will ensure the lifespan of your shoes.
Don’t Leave Your Crocs in the Car
Crocs are fine for the beach, but leaving your Crocs in your car during the summer will expose them to extreme heat, causing them to shrink and possibly warp. If the temperature is hot enough, you’ll find that your Crocs can shrink substantially in 30 minutes.
This can be helpful if you intend to shrink them, but you may be disappointed if you already have Crocs with a perfect fit!
