Running In Crocs: Separating Reality from Ridiculousness

Crocs shoes have a massive fan base of people who enjoy these clogs’ style and comfort. This line of shoes also has plenty of people who despise the product because they think it looks ridiculous or lacks function. With a shoe this popular and controversial, you might wonder how practical footwear like this is for running.

You should not run in Crocs because they lack the stability, tread, and cushion found in traditional running shoes. You also need to work hard to keep these shoes on, distracting you while you run and putting unnecessary strain on your feet. Additionally, Crocs slip easily off your feet, making them a tripping hazard during a run. 

Continue reading to learn why Crocs are a poor choice for running and why you should choose different footwear to exercise in.

Running in Crocs – is it a good idea?

Crocs are meant for casual use like going to the grocery store, lounging around the house, and styling an outfit. They are simply not designed for any form of athletic activity especially running.

You should not run in Crocs because they don’t provide any of the cushioning, stability, or performance runners need. Using Crocs for a race or casual runs on the road is a recipe for foot injuries, blisters, or other issues.

So, if you’re interested in a shoe that you can slip on quickly and walk out the door, then a pair of Crocs are a great option. However, if you’re looking for shoes for working out, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Safety

While Crocs are very popular because of their overall comfort and the ease of slipping them on and off, they are appropriate for running in for various reasons.

In addition to being generally uncomfortable when running, Crocs pose a major safety concern. The same features that make them excellent for casual wear mean that Crocs are likely to slip off easily and do not provide the ankle and arch support required. Additionally, the minimal tread poses a slip risk.

One of the main reasons Crocs are unsafe for running is because they slip off your feet easily, so you need to focus on keeping them on during your run. This makes them a tripping hazard and adds unnecessary strain to your toes which can cause tendonitis.

You need ankle support and arch support when you look for a quality running shoe, or you could risk long-term damage to your feet and ankles. Ankle support in running shoes helps you avoid twisting your ankle during your run, and arch support takes the stress off of your feet and reduces your impact. Crocs offer neither of these safety features.

Crocs also don’t have much tread on the bottom of them and are made of foam instead of sporty rubber that has some grip, which can make you slip and slide when moving at quick speeds. And, although they are water-resistant, they aren’t very durable either.

Comfort and stability

While Crocs are very comfortable for daily use because they are lightweight and slip-on, attempting to run in them is a very different story.

Crocs are uncomfortable for running because they don’t offer any heel support during exercise. You also need to hold them on with your toes which will hurt your feet.

So if you run in these shoes, you can expect to feel pain in your feet during your run and afterward.

Performance

Crocs did not design their clogs for performance; they’re made for outdoor leisure activities and style instead. Although they have seen a bit of a resurgence in fashion lately, these trendy little sandals shouldn’t replace your running shoes.

Running shoes are designed specifically to improve the runner’s performance and may include a breathable upper, an intensely cushioned sole, and a heel drop to aid your stride. Crocs offer none of these features.

You shouldn’t attempt to run in Crocs, but, if you do, don’t expect to set any records in the half marathon or marathon.

Can you run in the Crocs Literide?

Crocs Literide differs from the clogs you recognize when you hear the Crocs brand. These Crocs come in a few different styles; sneakers and clogs. For the purpose of this section, we will discuss the Literide Pacer Lace-up Sneakers because they are the only plausible options for running.

The Crocs Literide Pacers can lace up and stay on your feet like most running shoes, but they lack the crucial comfort and safety features you need when running. 

These shoes are better for running than normal Crocs but still aren’t the best choice, especially for serious runners or long distances.

Safety

The Literide pacers will stay on your feet because of their lace-up design.

Overall, these shoes are a safer option to run in because you won’t have to worry about lasting damage to your feet, and they aren’t a tripping hazard. They offer the right cushion for your run, so you don’t have to worry about long-term lower body damage to your knees, ankles, or feet.

However, these shoes also don’t have much tread at the bottom of them, which can cause you to slip. 

Comfort and stability

Crocs Literide Pacers will keep you stable during your run because they offer more ankle support and lace-up to stay on your feet. A running shoe’s stability is important because proper arch support helps prevent lower body damage that nearly 50% of runners experience.

They are also comfortable for running because they have a .82” heel and a decent cushion. One of the biggest problems about regular Crocs heels is that they don’t offer enough support for running, so these shoes are much better in that regard.

However, even though these shoes offer more stability than standard Crocs, they still aren’t the best for comfort and stability because they have a loose fit. Runners would feel more comfortable in shoes that fit snugly around their feet. 

Performance

Even though the Crocs Literide Pacers won’t damage your feet during your run, they also won’t improve your performance.

If you’re looking for a performance sneaker, then you should find one with a tighter fit. These shoes are designed to keep your feet comfortable during long walks and not necessarily improve your running performance.

Are Crocs good for walking long distances? 

Crocs clogs are not good shoes to wear when you walk long distances.

They slip off easily and don’t offer the heel support you need to stay comfortable. Crocs are more suitable for running quick errands like going to the supermarket or completing chores. These shoes are not a good choice if you want to walk long distances or plan to be on your feet all day.

However, the previously mentioned Crocs Literide lace-ups, while inadequate for running, may be comfortable for walking long distances. Your mileage may vary, especially given the terrain you plan to walk.