Like Crocs? These EVA Shoe Alternatives Are Even Better

Field magazine

Crocs were originally invented as boat shoes back in the early 2000s. They were made fun of for years—and featured in the 2006 film Idiocracy because the filmmakers thought they were so bad the company would never take off—but in time they caught on, of course. Whether worn ironically, as a fashion statement, or simply for comfort, Crocs are now everywhere.

Which begs the question, besides going full Croc Cowboy, how can one get in on the foam footwear action without feeling like a follower? Read on below for our top picks of the best shoes like Crocs—aka the best Crocs alternatives—for the answer.

Field Mag’s Top 12 Picks for the Best Croc Alternatives of 2023:

But first, let’s examine Crocs’ unimaginable popularity. Crocs are made of a non-toxic, proprietary EVA foam that is super lightweight, nearly indestructible, odor-resistant, and anti-bacterial. This combo is appealing far beyond the boating world—chefs wear Crocs, kids wear Crocs, backpackers wear Crocs as camp shoes, I once wore a pair on a cross country motorcycle ride, and there are countless other ways to rock ’em. Not to mention the many Crocs collabs that keep the footwear fresh with every seasonal release.

As we reach peak Crocs, we’re here to help you get in on the action without feeling like you’re just now jumping on an ever-expanding bandwagon. Since the Crocs craze kicked off, many other brands have put their spin on the slip-on adventure clog, creating an entire category of Croc alternatives.