Buying guide for Best Crocs for kids
Comfortable and colorful, Crocs have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity over the last several years as the company refocused its efforts. Crocs burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a hybrid boat shoe/clog design that got many people buying up the footwear and forming passionate opinions about it. Today, some of Croc’s most reliable consumers are kids.
These cozy, instantly recognizable shoes have endured. Crocs come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs, which means youngsters can find a fun pair that expresses their personal style. What’s more, Crocs’ supportive design is perfect for kids whether they’re at school or at play.
There is a signature Crocs design, but in recent years the company has come out with a variety of other styles that appeal to different ages and needs. Our guide can help you discover the best Crocs for your kids based on their interests and activities. And take a look at our favorites, which we’ve highlighted on this page.
Key considerations
Style
Classic Clogs are by far the most popular and recognizable style. These look like wide boat shoes with a single strap around the heel. The rubbery shoes are made of patented Croslite material and are both durable and comfortable. Just like adult Crocs, the classic Crocs for kids have 13 holes on the top for ventilation, although some smaller sizes have fewer.
Sandals are popular Crocs, with both slides and flip-flops available for casual warm-weather outings and trips to the pool or beach.
Sneakers come in a few options for kids, though these are best for casual wear as opposed to sports.
Boots are good for rainy weather. They have a reflective heel and most include handles so they’re easy to pull on.
Slip-on Crocs shoes come in kid sizes as well.
Size
The Crocs website offers a Customer Fit Report so shoppers can better understand how the shoe fits (small, true to size, large) if your kids aren’t able to try them on.
- Ages 1 to 6: Size range is 2 to 13 in most styles.
- Ages 7 and up: Size range is 1 to 6.
The clog style is designed to have a roomy fit in which there is a bit of space around and above the foot; toes should not touch the front of the shoes. The roomy fit allows for comfort and breathability, but it can lack stability, so running in them is not advised.
Slides and rainboots are also designed with a roomy fit, while flip-flops and sneakers have a relaxed fit, which provides a bit more stability.
Color and design
Crocs are appealing to kids in part because of the many vibrant colors and patterns available. The clogs come in both solid colors and prints. While they come in standard colors like white and black, they also come in colors like Lime Zest, Banana, Powder Blue, Neon Purple, and Electric Pink.
A variety of common patterns are also available, including flowers, fruit, camouflage, and tie-dye. Some Crocs feature characters from pop culture, including Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, and Snoopy. Crocs regularly releases new designs so kids can keep up with what’s trendy and fun.
Did You Know?
Crocs doesn’t offer replacement parts like straps or liners for their footwear. However, the shoes are covered by a 90-day warranty, and unworn products can be returned within 30 days of purchase.
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Features
Jibbitz
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Crocs for kids is Jibbitz. These trademarked accessories can be attached to any of the holes in the clogs as well as some slides.
The shoe charms range widely in style, color, and content to allow kids to show off their interests and personality. Among the many options available are characters and logos from licensed content, such as superheroes like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man; Disney princesses like Elsa, and Anna; video game notables, such as Mario and Luigi; as well as the stars of Paw Patrol. Kids can also choose from a variety of national flags, zodiac signs, and slogans. Other Jibbitz feature animals, sports, nature, food, and beverages. In addition to these trinkets, there are also letters and numbers available in different styles to further personalize the shoes. Most Jibbitz cost around $5 each.
Crocband
Designed for kids and adults, this Crocs collection takes the classic design and adds a sporty twist. It prominently features a striped band around the Croslite foam sole, with the Crocs name printed in bold. They come in a variety of colors as well as some select designs.
LiteRide
Also found in styles for adults as well as kids, these Crocs feature the brand’s patented LiteRide foam footbed for added comfort. This style of Crocs is ideal for active kids and comes in the classic design as well as a sneaker style with laces for a more secure fit.
Collaborations
Crocs regularly works with other brands and artists to create unique, limited-edition shoes. Most of the collaborations are meant to appeal to kids and teens, with partners that include Justin Bieber, Post Malone, and Ruby Rose. A partnership with Diplo features glow-in-the-dark Jibbitz, while the Disney Pixar's Cars shoes showcase Lightning McQueen. Crocs regularly pairs up with PizzaSlime to produce inventive and colorful Crocs too. Some collaborations also lead to one-of-a-kind Jibbitz that can’t be found anywhere else.
Beware of Crocs knock-offs. Some companies have tried to ride the company’s coattails by selling similar footwear, but these may not be as high quality or durable.
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Pricing
Inexpensive: There are a variety of classic Crocs and sandals available for between $20 and $25. Most come in only one color.
Mid-range: Most kid’s Crocs cost between $25 and $40. These include classic styles as well as some boots and sneakers in plenty of colors and patterns.
Expensive: For over $40, you can find some sneakers and boots as well as collaborations and the trendiest designs.
Did You Know?
Social media savvy youngsters can follow Crocs on TikTok and Instagram, where it has an active presence. Kids are encouraged to show off their Crocs style. If you have a complete set of Jibbitz on your footwear, you’re #FullyLoaded.
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Tips
- Break in the Crocs. While Crocs are made of flexible materials, they still require a breaking-in period. Have your kids take some short walks in them before wearing the shoes all day.
- Change the color. If your child gets bored with single-color Crocs or wants to express their creativity, they can paint the shoes at home. They’ll need a bucket of warm water, acrylic paint, and some patience. You can find instructions online.
- Change the Jibbitz. Kids like to decorate their Crocs with Jibbtiz to express their personalities. The variety of the trinkets and their low cost make them a great accessory for friends to swap.
- Donate old Crocs. Kids grow out of their shoes, and sometimes they simply want a new design or pattern. You can donate old shoes to a local charity or to Soles4Souls, a Crocs partner that gives gently used shoes to those in need.
FAQ
Q. How do I clean Crocs?
A. Most Crocs are easy to clean, which is one of their selling points, especially for kids’ shoes. Warm water and gentle soap will clean the Croslite material in classic Crocs. They can also be put in the washer on a gentle cycle. Sneakers can be spot-cleaned, while boots and sandals can be washed with soap and water. Crocs should be left out to air-dry, not dried in a dryer.
Q. How do I put on and take off Jibbitz?
A. The best way to affix these shoe charms is to squeeze together the top of the shoe in order to make the hole wider. The Jibbitz pops in: you should hear a popping sound that means the Jibbitz is fully inserted. The same process can be used to remove the Jibbitz.
Q. Are Crocs good for kids?
A. Crocs are durable, comfortable, and supportive shoes that have gained in popularity across a wide spectrum of consumers, including kids. Most Crocs have a slip-resistant outsole for safety and stability. Their comfort and breathability means they’re sought after by students who walk a lot during the day. These features also make them popular with teachers and other professionals who spend a lot of the day walking or standing. The shoes also appeal to parents shopping for their kids because the shoes are easy to clean and resist the buildup of bacteria and odor.
However, one point of concern may be heel support. While Crocs for kids have a strap that wraps around the heel, it may not fit securely on all feet.
