Why Crocs are the top choice for adventure travel footwear

"Wait, you're actually wearing those?" a friend from out of town asked me as we geared up at the trailhead for our hike.

"Just wait and see," I responded. "I think you might regret not wearing a pair yourself."

The playful back-and-forth about my hiking shoes — Crocs — while tackling a steep, rocky trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains was nothing new. I could sense the doubt. Most other hikers were strapping on their robust leather Vasque hiking boots or Salomon trail runners. It did seem a bit silly that I chose shoes that were little more than cleverly designed foam blocks with holes.

I wasn't always a believer in Crocs

Before moving to a quaint mountain town in New Hampshire, I spent a decade in Philadelphia. I may not have always been on top of the latest clothing and footwear trends, but I ensured that my choices were at least socially acceptable. Crocs never quite made the cut.

When I first encountered them in college, I quickly dismissed them. "The beauty of Crocs is that they not only serve as shoes, but they also double as excellent flotation devices if you happen to fall off a boat," I would joke whenever the topic arose.

However, my days of dismissing Crocs ended when I settled in New Hampshire and started prioritizing practicality and functionality over fashion and impressing others.

As I delved into the rock climbing scene, I observed climbers effortlessly transitioning from their Crocs into their climbing shoes, then back into their Crocs after completing their climbs.

"I've hiked Mount Washington in my Crocs," shared Quddus Snyder, a former university professor who now often frequents New Hampshire's popular climbing spots with his favorite grey Crocs. "And I didn't even use the adventure strap when tackling the steep parts. Like I always say, 'If you can't Croc it, fok it.'"

The allure of Crocs

These lightweight foam shoes, featuring ventilation holes on the upper and small traction-enhancing raised dots on the footbed, have become quite popular in the climbing community. Crocs and socks seem to complement each other perfectly. (According to Crocs fans, wearing them without socks can lead to a sweaty experience on warm days.) Whether with socks or without, I felt like the odd one out.

Here are some Crocs styles for travelers:

• Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs
• Crocs Unisex-Adult Crocband Clog
• Crocs Unisex-Adult Men's and Women's Baya Clog

Inspired by a boating clog created by Quebec's Foam Creations, Inc., the inaugural Crocs clog, dubbed "The Beach," made its debut in 2002 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The three friends behind this idea — Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson, and George Broedbecker Jr. — all shared a passion for sailing. They were captivated by Foam Creation's closed-cell resin technology, known as Croslite, which offered exceptional grip on a boat's deck.

When "The Beach" was showcased at the boat show, it garnered attention not only from boaters but also from restaurant staff and hospital workers. These shoes boasted a slip-resistant sole, odor resistance, and conformed perfectly to each wearer’s feet, providing unparalleled support and comfort compared to ordinary sneakers, while also being easy to clean.

Since then, the shoe's popularity has surged, aided by celebrities like Justin Bieber and Post Malone, likely reflecting a cultural shift towards valuing comfort and practicality.

For me, these shoes represent more than just a trend. My Crocs and I have become inseparable since I bought my first pair in 2016, taking the place of my daily Adidas Samba sneakers. When I travel, leaving my Crocs behind is not an option. I know they're the perfect fit for any situation, whether it’s enduring a 12-hour flight, heading to the beach, or sipping cocktails at a fancy restaurant (though whether the last one is truly acceptable attire is still up for debate). For casual outings, I wear them as slip-ons, but I gladly use the "adventure" strap for more active adventures, securing the heel in place.

I've even managed to convert several never-Crocers (a term I coined) into Croc fans, including my partner. When I gifted her first pair for her birthday in 2018, her reaction clearly showed her displeasure with the present.

"Um, I don't think I'll be wearing those," she said apologetically.

But less than a week after I returned them, she found herself at the Croc outlet, having had a change of heart.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the growing popularity of these shoes, attracting a wide range of age groups and demographics who appreciate their comfort and versatility.

"I started wearing them during the pandemic because we had just bought a house and I was home a lot more," said Matt Macekura, 34, from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. "I could easily transition from lounging on the couch to doing yard work to climbing a ladder, as long as I kept the strap secured."

Macekura isn't the only one. According to the company’s third-quarter earnings for 2021, revenue has surged by 73% compared to the previous year, surpassing expectations by $16 million.

Bottom line

With the recent boost in Crocs' popularity — along with growing recognition of their versatility and comfort — you can expect to see more pairs on flights in the weeks, months, and years to come. But before you slide them on for a flight, do yourself (and your seatmate) a favor by wearing socks.