So I’ve never owned a pair of Crocs. But I got a chance to pickup a pair for $24. So I said, “What the heck?,” and went for it. To preface, I’ll be using them in a hospital setting. And I am also fully aware that they are a non-breathable material. So with that out of the way, my first priority was a solid top. If blood or other infectious material were to spill, I did not want it on my foot and socks. Some of the models come with holes everywhere. I could not have that in my situation. So a solid top was a must-have. Now…a caveat. I did drill a few holes on the SIDES of the Crocs. (See photos). This reduces the chances of having fluids contact my feet and socks when spilled….and most importantly, let’s my feet breathe. Once again, this is a non-porous, non-breathable material. And without proper ventilation, you are going to have funky sweaty feet after the end of your shift. I wear wool socks to work. Pure wool is naturally bacteriostatic. (Significantly reduces the chance of bacterial growth). And without bacteria, no odors. (No funky, stinky feet). Also take into account that they are basically sandals. So don’t FOOLISHLY think they are some crazy high-tech foot support. (Even the newer models). Once again…they are sandals. So if you purchase them thinking they are some type of “work-all-day-orthopedic-support-machines”…then I have a bridge to sell you for really cheap. Once again, they’re sandals. So don’t write negative reviews when your dumb self gets disappointed. I also read and saw great videos on how to properly fit your Crocs to your feet. And I’m glad some have taken the steps to experiment with ideas, and then share them with us. I followed these steps, and they fit perfectly…like a glove. 1) Place two damp towels, and your new Crocs, in the dryer. Set it on HIGH, and let them tumble for exactly 5 minutes. No more, or you may damage them. 2) Put on 3 (three) pairs of socks. That’s three socks on each foot. 3) After the 5 minutes have passed, place the warm Crocs on your feet. Squeeze your feet in, so your toes are all the way into the tips of your Crocs. (DO NOT PUT ON THE REAR STRAP. LEAVE IT UP TOWARDS THE FRONT, AND NOT LOOPED AROUND YOUR HEEL)! Now walk around in them. Just walk around till they cool off. (A few minutes). Once again, make sure your toes are all the way to the front, and you are stretching the Croc material to confirm to your feet. 4) Once the Croc has cooled, remove it, remove the extra socks, and put them back on. You should have a perfect fit. Like a glove. And juuuuuuuuust in case the rear strap may be too tight, put a blow dryer on it for a few seconds. And while the strap is still warm, put on the Crocks and place the strap behind your heel while it is still warm. Wa-La…perfect fit. Anyhoo, that’s what I did, and it fits like a glove. I’ve never had sweaty feet, even after 10+ hour shifts. And bodily fluids have never penetrated the top of the Crocs, nor gotten into the sides of the Crocs. I’m totally okay with sandals, as that’s all I wear in the hot, summer, NorCal months. So I have no problem wearing Crocs (sandals) during work. But like I said before. If you have never worn sandals for extended periods of time, and you expect an orthopedic miracle from plastic sandals…you’re an idiot. In closing, for $24, I got a smoking deal on a nicely designed pair of hospital working shoes. By the way, I’m part of a surgical team, and I do a ton of walking. Nuff said.
