What Are Crocs Made of? Discover the Sustainable Material Behind Your Favorite Footwear

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Our Editors

Ever wondered how Crocs went from a quirky debut to a global sensation? When they burst onto the scene in 2002, they took the market by storm with their unique design and unmatched comfort. But there’s more to these iconic shoes than just their standout look. What are what are Crocs shoes made of? We’ll find out. They’re not only a worldwide phenomenon but also a shining example of sustainability.

So, what are Crocs made of? Are Crocs made of crocodile skin? Are Crocs made from recycled materials? When did Crocs become popular? Hang in there, we’ll clear all of that up.

Let’s dive into the magic behind Crocs, what they are made of, and uncover how the brand is putting sustainability as front and center of their operation!

Crocs: From Ugly Ducklings to a $7 Billion Brand

When Scott Seamans, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, and George Boedecker Jr. launched Crocs in 2002, they were onto something big. Armed with Andrew Reddyhoff’s quirky design from Foam Creations, the trio saw beyond the “ugly” exterior and recognized the game-changing comfort and practicality of what would become Crocs. So, when did Crocs become popular? Keep reading.

Debuting their first model, the Beach, at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, they were amazed when all 200 pairs flew off the shelves in record time. This was just the beginning. As demand skyrocketed, Crocs evolved, embracing the “Ugly Can Be Beautiful” mantra in a game-changing 2005 ad campaign. This quirky charm coupled with comfort not only caught the public’s eye but also propelled Crocs to a successful IPO in 2006.

So, what makes these shoes so iconic and more than just a fashion statement? Besides looking into what are Crocs made of, we’ll also discover how they’re stepping up their game in sustainability. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the comfort—it’s about making a positive impact on the planet! More on that later, but let’s talk about what are Crocs made of. 

What Are Crocs Made of?

Crocs are crafted from Croslite™, a proprietary closed-cell resin that defines the brand’s signature feel and performance. Now, we must mention that this isn’t just any regular material—it’s what gives Crocs their unique combination of softness, comfort, and durability. This innovative resin molds perfectly to your feet, providing a cushiony, almost bouncy sensation with every step. 

But there’s more!

Crocs Croslite shoes are known for its lightweight, soft, and cushiony feel, making it highly comfortable for wear.

Key properties of Croslite™ include:

• Softness: Provides a comfortable, cushioned feel.
• Lightweight: Extremely light, making the shoes easy to wear for long periods.
• Non-marking: Does not leave marks on floors, making it suitable for indoor use.
• Odor-resistant: Helps prevent unpleasant odors from building up.
• Anti-microbial: Naturally resists bacteria and fungal growth, contributing to hygiene and durability.

The closed-cell structure of this material also makes the material water-resistant and easy to clean.

Are Crocs Made of Rubber? Let’s Bust Some Myths

Myth 1: Are Crocs made of rubber? 

Fact: Crocs are made of Croslite™, a closed-cell resin used in Crocs, not rubber. Unlike rubber, this material is lightweight, cushiony, and resistant to odors. It molds to your feet and is easy to clean, providing a unique comfort and durability that rubber doesn’t offer.

Myth 2: Crocs have rubber components.

Fact: No, Crocs do not have rubber components. They are crafted from Croslite material, a synthetic resin designed specifically for comfort and durability. While rubber is common in footwear, Crocs Croslite shoes offer a softer, more cushioned experience.

Myth 3: The soles of Crocs are made of rubber.

Fact: No, the soles of Crocs are not made of rubber. They are made from Croslite™, which is designed to be non-marking and lightweight. The material offers comfort and flexibility, differing significantly from the properties of rubber.

Why Do People Think Crocs Are Made of Rubber? 

Did you think they were made of rubber too? So, what are Crocs shoes made of, really? The misconception that Crocs are made of rubber likely stems from their appearance and durability. So, what are Crocs made of, then? Well, the distinctive feel and properties of Crocs come from Croslite™, not rubber. This material provides a unique blend of softness and support that sets Crocs apart.

Can Crocs be compared to rubber shoes? No, Crocs cannot be directly compared to rubber shoes. While both offer footwear solutions, Crocs provides a different level of softness, lightweight feel, and comfort that rubber shoes do not. Croslite™ is specifically engineered to enhance foot support and durability in a way that rubber does not.

Sustainability & Crocs: How Far Does it Stretch?

Crocs are iconic, durable, and have been around for 20 years, but what are they actually made of? At their core, Crocs are crafted from Croslite material, which is a plastic-like material called PEVA, that comes from fossil fuels. This makes them both comfortable and long-lasting, but also problematic for sustainability. 

Besides focusing on what are Crocs made of, we also love how Crocs plans to reduce their carbon footprint by 2030 by using bio-based plastics, like Ecolibrium, made from renewable sources like tall oil. However, recycling Crocs remains tricky since they aren’t biodegradable, and without a dedicated recycling program, many will still end up in landfills. 

Despite collaborations with thredUP to resell used pairs and donations to keep shoes out of landfills, Crocs still promote buying more of their long-lasting shoes, leaving sustainability efforts a work in progress.

The Crocs Takes Back Program, Explained 

Why toss your beloved Crocs in the trash when you can give them a second life? That’s the question Crocs is answering with its fabulous new takeback program in 10 U.S. states. Imagine keeping old shoes out of landfills while helping create something brand new—doesn’t that sound like a win-win?

Let’s talk numbers for a sec: Did you know that a jaw-dropping 22 billion pairs of shoes are thrown out each year? And yes, roughly the same number are made! The fashion industry is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions—yikes! But Crocs? They’re stepping up (pun intended) with a mission to do better.

But why stop there? Crocs isn’t just about donating your gently used kicks to nonprofits like Soles4Souls (which is already a fab idea). They’re also experimenting with worn-out shoes—imagine your “well-loved” pair being transformed into something brand new. Could they be part of the next stylish Crocs collection?

So, what are Crocs made of, or rather, what WILL they be made of? Let’s find out.

Crocs is made mostly of Croslite™ (no, not magic, but close), a durable resin that’s 35-40% of the company’s emissions. They’ve pledged to source 50% of this material from renewable materials by 2030. Cooking oil and paper byproducts in your shoes? Why not!

While the takeback program is just starting out, Crocs is gathering valuable insights, asking questions like: Who’s returning these shoes? Are they motivated by saving the planet or just cleaning out the closet? And what shoes are coming in? Well-loved favorites or still-in-style staples?

So, are you ready to drop off your old pair, knowing they might be reborn into something amazing? Ecowiser definitely approves this! 

Crocs’ Sustainability Mission 2024

Sustainable Ingredients: What are Crocs made of? Not leather or rubber, that’s for sure! Leather is so yesterday! Crocs is now 100% vegan, moving to bio-based materials to keep your feet—and the planet—happy. Could eco-friendly feel any better?

Resource Use: Renewable energy? Recycling? Yep, Crocs is all over it. They’re cutting waste and aiming to power their facilities with greener energy.

Packaging: Crocs shoes = no boxes. Less packaging = less waste. They’re also on the hunt for even more sustainable packaging alternatives. Wouldn’t you love to see a world with less packaging clutter?

Old Crocs, New Life: Out with the old, in with the new! Crocs donates unsold shoes and is creating ways to give your worn pairs a second life. Ever thought your Crocs could be part of a circular supply chain?

Carbon Reduction Goals: Crocs is serious about limiting global warming, with targets based on Science-Based metrics. Their Classic Clog already has a low footprint—but what if it could get even lower?

The Power of Bio-Based Materials: Who knew waste could be so comfy? Besides what are Crocs made of, the brand is switching to bio-based Croslite™, a material made from industry by-products. Still the same Crocs you love, but with a way lighter environmental impact. How cool is that?

Summing Up!

Crocs have come a long way from their quirky debut to becoming a global icon of comfort and style. But beyond their standout design and cushy feel, Crocs is stepping up to meet the challenge of sustainability head-on.

So, what are Crocs made of? From the innovative Croslite™ material that molds to your feet to their ambitious plans for bio-based plastics, Crocs is committed to making a positive impact on the planet. Their take-back program and efforts to recycle old shoes are just the beginning of a broader mission to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint.

As Crocs continues to evolve, they’re proving that comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand. So, next time you slip on your Crocs, know that you’re not just enjoying unparalleled comfort—you’re also supporting a brand that’s working hard to make the world a better place.

Here’s to walking the path of sustainability, one step at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crocs made of? 

Crocs are made from Croslite™, a proprietary closed-cell resin. This lightweight, cushioning material provides the shoes with their signature comfort and durability. This material molds to your feet, offering a cushioned, supportive feel, and is known for its softness, lightweight nature, and ease of cleaning.

What is Croslite™ and what are Crocs made of? 

Croslite™ is a closed-cell resin used in Crocs footwear. It’s known for its lightweight, cushioned, and durable qualities. The material provides excellent comfort and support, adapting to the shape of your feet while being resistant to odors and easy to clean. It’s also non-marking and water-resistant.

Are Crocs made of crocodile skin? 

No, Crocs are not made from crocodile skin. Despite the name, Crocs are crafted from Croslite™, a synthetic resin. The term “Crocs” is a brand name and has no relation to actual crocodile or alligator products, focusing instead on innovative, comfortable materials.

Are Crocs made of rubber? What are Crocs made of?

No, Crocs are not made of rubber. They are primarily made from Croslite™, a closed-cell resin material. While rubber is often used in footwear, this proprietary material is designed to be lightweight and cushioning, providing a different feel and set of properties compared to traditional rubber.

Are Crocs made from recycled material? 

Crocs are not fully made from recycled materials but are working towards sustainability. So, what are Crocs made of? They’re made of a proprietary material, which is derived from fossil fuels, but the company plans to incorporate more bio-based plastics and renewable sources in the future. Crocs also have a take-back program to help with recycling and repurposing used footwear.