There’s no denying that crocs are very popular and in-trend, they have taken the market by storm and have become a staple for almost everyone around different parts of the world.
However, many people say that crocs make your feet sweat and stink.
So, is it true? Do crocs sandals make your feet stink?
To find out the answer, I have tried on crocs myself and also done thorough market research and gathered the answer for you.
Unfortunately, Crocs make your feet stink. Regardless of whether you wear them with or without socks, they will make your feet sweat due to the type of material they are made of, and when your feet sweat so much bacteria present on your skin and the surroundings cause the feet to start stinking bad.
Now that you know that crocs do make your feet sweat and stink – what can you do to prevent them stinking? How do you get rid of the smell?
To know all the answers, keep reading this article till the end.
Why Do Crocs Make Your Feet Sweat?
Despite being so popular and loved by the new generation, crocs have a big drawback – they make your feet sweat and smell bad.
But, why does this happen?
Well, there are a few reasons why crocs make your feet smell bad. What are they? I have mentioned them below.
Here are the reasons for Crocs to make your feet sweat:
The Material They Are Made Of Does Not Allow Airflow
Many people ask whether crocs are made of rubber or plastic – well, they are made of none.
Crocs are made of a synthetic material called Croslite. This material, produced by the Crocs company, is made from closed-cell resin foam which is trademarked by them.
Now, even though Croslite isn’t plastic or rubber, it is very similar to them in the sense that it is not breathable. This means that it does not allow air to flow in and out or through the material itself.
So, when you wear them, your feet sweat a lot and due to the lack of airflow, the sweat eventually starts to stink.
And no, the vents at the front and sides of the crocs do not help much with the airflow, sweat, and smell.
Check out our other post to know the top 6 Crocs Butter Alternatives: Cheaper Ways To Shiny Crocs.
Moisture Present On The Surface Of Your Crocs Make Them Stink
Now, besides the problem with the airflow, your crocs can also start smelling bad themselves. As a result, when you wear them your feet smell bad as well.
This happens when your crocs have moisture or residue of sweat left on them. The bacteria present on the surface start feeding on the sweat and moisture, producing a foul smell.
The perspiration from your feet that is left on the surface of the crocs makes them smell bad and when you wear your crocs, your crocs smell bad.
This also happens when you keep your Crocs in a closed space and do not expose them to fresh air. If you don’t place them in an airy space with a good amount of air circulation, the foul-smelling gas in it does not escape them and remains there when you put them on again.
Storing Or Exposing Them To Damp, Dark, Or Closed Area
The exposure that your crocs receive is also important in determining why they smell bad if they do.
If you wear your crocs to areas that are swampy, muddy, or have puddles, then chances are your crocs will start smelling bad and eventually lead to your feet smelling bad when you wear them.
Moreover, suppose you did not expose them to dirty or smelly water but they still smell – what could be the reason for that?
Well, the reason could be how you store them.
Storing your crocs in a well-ventilated space and exposing them to light and fresh air is important to discharge any foul smell being produced within them.
Check out to know about Crocs Classic Vs. Crocs All Terrain: Ultimate Comparison Guide.
How To Prevent Stinky Feet From Crocs?
Now that you know why your feet stink in your crocs over time, it’s time to tell you how you can prevent your feet from smelling bad in your crocs.
Here are the ways to prevent your feet from stinking in Crocs:
Wear Cotton Socks With Your Crocs
One of the ways of preventing your feet from getting wet with sweat and eventually stinking is to wear socks with your crocs, just like you wear them with your sneakers.
Even though this is not a hundred percent stink-proof solution, it does work for people whose feet do not sweat as aggressively as some people do.
Also, check out our separate post on Oofos Vs Crocs: An Epic Comparison Guide.
Whenever you know you will be wearing your socks for an extended period of time, just put on a pair of fresh and clean socks with them and you’ll be good to go.
Yes, wearing socks in summer with your crocs can seem hot, but it really isn’t if you can get your hands on the right type of socks. Get yourself a few pairs of cotton socks.
Cotton socks are very breathable and perfect for hot weather.
On the other hand, for colder days you can wear your crocs with a pair of warm and fuzzy woolen socks – they will keep your feet warm which keeps them from sweating in your crocs.
However, avoid wearing socks made of nylon, because instead of absorbing, it will make your feet sweat more by trapping all the moisture in due to poor ventilation and will eventually make them smell really bad.
Follow our guide to know Can You Wear Crocs On A Treadmill.
Use An Antiperspirant Deodorant
Another way of preventing your feet from sweating and stinking in crocs is by using antiperspirant deodorant.
Yes, the ones that you use on your underarms, to prevent them from getting sweaty!
You can use the same antiperspirant deodorant for your feet as well.
The antiperspirant deodorant works by preventing the sweat glands from releasing sweat and blocking the sweat pores. So, when there is no moisture being produced your feet will not stink in your crocs.
When used correctly, antiperspirant deodorants can work wonders in stopping your feet from getting sweaty. Just apply them to your clean and dry feet before going to bed.
Wash your feet after waking up in the morning, and repeat the process for three to four days to get the best results.
After repeating it the first time around, start repeating this step once a week. Studies have shown that this works well for people who have comparatively sweaty feet.
Follow our guide on Nothinz Vs Crocs: Which One Should You Get.
Wash Your Crocs Regularly
One of the plus points of Crocs is that they are washable.
Whenever you realize that you have been wearing them for a while and they might (or have already) start to stink, give them a good wash.
Washing them with a good smelling soap or detergent of your choice will clean them up and remove all the unwanted, unpleasant odor from the crocs. They will start smelling fresh again, so your feet won’t smell when you wear them.
Take care of your crocs while washing them and use a soft bristle brush to clean the surfaces without scratching or damaging the crocs themselves.
Once they are washed, dry them fully under the sun or in an airy space.
Expose Your Crocs To Fresh Air And Keep Them Dry
The key is to keep them dry.
First and foremost, keep them away from waterbodies and keep them free of sweat.
Make sure that they are kept in a well-ventilated space. And if not, then regularly expose them to fresh air so that they can de-gas.
You can even stuff your crocs with newspaper so that all the moisture gets absorbed and your crocs remain crisp dry and your feet don’t smell bad when you put them on.
Conclusion
Crocs are very lightweight and comfortable, but they tend to make your feet smell bad.
If you take the proper precautionary measures and ensure that your crocs are free of sweat and moisture, stored properly, washed and dried regularly, then your crocs won’t smell bad, and neither will your feet.
Try out the methods mentioned above, and I’m positive it will work out for you.
If you know any other ways that you can keep your feet from stinking in Crocs, then let me know in the comments below.
