Is it OK to boil Crocs?

Crocs, the popular rubber clogs known for their ventilation holes and lightweight design, have been a divisive fashion statement since their introduction in 2002. With their bright colors and unconventional shape, some wearers love how comfortable and practical they are, while others criticize their look as unfashionable.

This debate takes on a whole new dimension with the question – can you actually boil Crocs? Would doing so affect the material or shape? Are there any advantages or disadvantages to boiling this type of shoe? While an unusual inquiry, examining whether it’s OK to boil Crocs can provide some interesting insights into how this distinct footwear holds up under extreme conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore some quick background on Crocs and their composition, look at some key considerations on why you may or may not want to boil Crocs, and provide a final verdict on if this cooking method can be safely applied to the iconic clogs. Let’s take a closer look at this hot debate.

Table of Contents

Crocs: A Quick History

To understand if Crocs can handle boiling temperatures, it helps to first understand what they’re made of.

Crocs were launched in 2002 by shoe manufacturers Foam Creations and became popular very quickly due to their lightweight, slip-resistant material. The signature clogs are made from Croslite, a proprietary closed-cell resin that is soft and flexible but also durable and waterproof.

The first model of Crocs featured ventilation holes for breathability and a heel strap for a secure fit. While initially popular as boat shoes, their use soon expanded to healthcare, hospitality, and recreational activities. Their vibrant colors and casual style also made them popular as everyday shoes.

Over 200 million pairs of Crocs have been sold to date. The company has expanded its offerings to include other styles like sandals, flats, loafers, and boots, but the classic clog remains its signature model.

With this background on what gives Crocs their distinct look and feel, let’s examine how boiling temperatures could impact their composition.

What Happens When You Boil Crocs?

So what exactly occurs when you boil this distinctive foam footwear? Here are some key things that happen:

The Croslite softens – When exposed to prolonged heat, the Croslite resin starts to soften and becomes more malleable. The clogs will be easier to compress or deform when boiling.
Color may fade – Hot temperatures often cause materials to fade or discolor. The vivid colors of Crocs could become more muted with boiling.
Odor increases – Heat accelerates odor retention in shoes. Boiling Crocs can make them retain even more smell if not properly cleaned.

Ventilation holes widen – The signature holes along the top and sides of Crocs can become more widened or misshapen when boiled.
Rubber softens – The thermoplastic elastomers that make up parts of the Crocs can soften and decline in durability.
Risk of cracks – Rapid temperature changes increase the chance of cracks forming in the Croslite material.

Can lose shape – Prolonged boiling could lead Crocs to become misshapen or warped when people wear them afterwards.

So in summary, exposing Crocs to high temperatures through boiling will likely soften them and cause shrinkage or deformation. They could also fade in color, develop odors, and have shortened durability. But will they be ruined completely? Let’s explore that next.

Are Boiled Crocs Ruined for Good?

While boiling Crocs can certainly impact their look, feel, and structure, it likely won’t ruin them beyond use. Here are some key factors to consider:

Reversibility – Many of the changes caused by boiling, like softening and warping, could be temporary or reversible. The Crocs may regain their prior shape and rigidity once cooled and worn again.
Odor removal – While boiling can initially worsen smells, it could also allow for effective cleaning afterward. A thorough scrub after boiling can eliminate foul odors.
Not melting – Croslite resin has a very high melting point of around 200°C/400°F, far higher than boiling. So the Crocs won’t melt away.

Ventilation intact – The signature ventilation holes may widen but likely won’t disappear or close up, preserving breathability.
Retains properties – Key properties like slip resistance, waterproofing, and cushioning will remain despite deformation.
Still wearable – The softened Crocs will still be intact enough to comfortably wear for most people. They may just feel more loose.

So while boiling isn’t ideal and can temporarily diminish aspects of Crocs’ look and feel, it likely won’t make them completely unusable or write them off. Many of the changes can be reversed or retained to a degree that still enables use.

Reasons You May Want to Boil Crocs

Despite the risks, there are some reasons Crocs owners may be tempted to boil their iconic clogs:

Odor removal – Boiling can initially worsen smells but also allows for a deeper clean afterwards by sanitizing and deodorizing.

Custom fitting – Softening through boiling could allow people to mold Crocs more closely to their feet for a custom fit.
Desired deformity – Some wearers may boil to purposefully deform Crocs for aesthetic reasons.
Loosening tight pairs – Boiling can help loosen overly tight pairs that are difficult to break in.

Humidity resistance – In theory, boiling could reduce porousness and increase humidity resistance in humid climates.
Eliminate bacteria – The heat kills most microbes and bacteria, disinfecting the Crocs.
Prep for crafts – Boiling helps soften Crocs into a moldable state for craft projects and DIY repurposing.

For owners seeking more customized fit, wanting to eliminate odors, or prepping for craft projects, boiling may be seen as an option to achieve those goals. But significant risks remain.

Reasons to Avoid Boiling Crocs

On the flip side, there are also compelling reasons Crocs wearers may want to avoid tossing their clogs into a vat of boiling water:

Warping and shrinkage – Deformation from high heat could lead to a warped, misshapen fit.

Reduced durability – Softening and widened holes weaken long-term wearability.
Difficult to reverse – Changes like faded color could be permanent and irreparable.
Not recommended – Crocs advises against boiling and doesn’t recommend it for care.

Odor retention – Smells can linger without complete disinfection after boiling.
Safety risks – Hot Crocs straight out of boiling water can cause burns or injury.
Voided warranties – Damages from boiling may void manufacturer warranties on Crocs.

The potential for permanent damage, safety issues coming into contact with boiled Crocs, and voided warranties make boiling too risky for many Crocs enthusiasts. Outside of niche cases, most can be better off avoiding this extreme tactic.

Best Practices for Care and Cleaning

Instead of the risks of boiling, Crocs are designed to be cared for using much gentler methods over time. Here are some best practices for keeping Crocs looking and smelling fresh:

Wipe with damp cloth – Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to routinely wipe surfaces clean of dirt.

Air dry – Allow Crocs to completely air dry after washing or getting them wet before wearing again.
Deodorizers – Lightly spray interior deodorizers designed for shoes to freshen smell.
Baking soda – Lightly sprinkle baking soda across the insole and leave overnight to absorb odors.

Vinegar rinse – Mix a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar to rinse away bacterial buildup.
Deep clean – Use soap and warm water for a deeper clean; scrub with an old toothbrush.
Disinfectant sprays – Use antimicrobial shoe sprays to kill bacteria and protect from odors.

Using this mix of gentle cleaning approaches, deodorizing tricks, and occasional deeper scrubs can keep Crocs looking and smelling like new without the need for the extreme boil.

Conclusion

While an unconventional tactic, boiling Crocs is generally not recommended. The iconic resin clogs can withstand a quick dip without catastrophically melting. However, extended boiling can lead to diminished aesthetics, more bodily odor retention, and reduced structural integrity over time.

For most Crocs owners, the special properties and comfort Crocs provide straight out of the box are ideal. But for those seeking a more customized fit, hoping to sanitize smelly pairs, or repurposing them for crafts, a brief boil can strategically soften them before careful reshaping. Just take precautions against burns and inspect for any cracks or hidden damage afterward.

Ultimately if you want your Crocs to maintain that fresh-out-the-box look and feel, skip the boil and opt for gentler cleaning practices over time. But for those unafraid to experiment in pursuit of customization or restoration, a dip in hot water can strategically soften without outright destroying these iconic clogs. Just be sure to wave goodbye to any manufacturer warranties before dunking them in!