View Full Version : Hiking in Crocs Full time
Gambit McCrae
09-06-2016, 08:44
I think I am probably going to get a "I think you have answered your own question here" but all the same to sooth my overthinking mind..
Current shoe situation: I am on my 3rd pair of Soloman speedcross 3s. as seen below:
36120
When I start a hike they feel great. about 20 miles into the hike, usually on day 2 my pinky toes on both feet hurt so bad, the nails black, figure I'm going to loose those little guys, and well..it sucks, trip after trip my toes hurt and feel like they are getting crushed in the front of my shoe.
NOW, 2 trips in a row now I have strapped my Solomans to my pack, and put on my crocs. 2 trips ago I walked the 8 miles over dragons tooth in crocs, and this trip I walked 26 miles in crocs and MAN WAS IT NICE. Now the down fall to them is that I do have to watch out for the jagged rocks but I think that the crocs proving themselves over DT and Daleville north says something.
Ankle support really isn't an issue for me as I roll my ankle freely and it causes me no pain. Just looking for thoughts on this 3 season footwear option, and maybe some options on what would be most similar to them in a show form. Maybe what I need to be looking for a much more square toe box?
36121
Traillium
09-06-2016, 09:06
I actually did some racewalk training in Crocs, up to 30km distances. Very comfortable, using 2-layer Wrightsocks.
I was wondering about taking them on the Bruce Trail here in Ontario, but when I tried them out on our stony and rocky trails, they were too soft … On dirt trails, I can well imagine they're great!
Bruce Traillium, brucetraillium.wordpress.com
DuneElliot
09-06-2016, 09:21
Sounds like you might need to go up half a size. I tried both a 7 and 7 1/2 and there wasn't much difference in the feeling of the sizes, but just enough to make a difference to my feet. Might be worth looking into. I have a pair of 7s I bought before I realized the 7 1/2 was a slightly better fit. I will use them on day hikes and overnighters where I'm not hiking as many miles. I love my Salomon Speedcross 3 TR too, although the rocks are a little rough on the knobby bits of the sole
nsherry61
09-06-2016, 09:38
Two thoughts:
1) Crocks suck in wet and slippery conditions, i.e. they can be seriously dangerous on steep wet trails.
2) Ditto on the above comments about being great on flat dirt and bad on sharp rocky terrain.
3) Yes, this is my third of two thoughts.
4) I have a similar problem with my little toes and Soloman shoes, which used to fit me better than any other and now I cannot wear them without problems. Feet change over time damn it! And NO, going up in size does not solve the problem for me.
5) My toe issues have finally been solved by either wearing Chaco sandles (I use the ones with the toe loop) or wearing Altra Loan Peak 2.5 shoes. The Chaco's work surprisingly well, even on horribly rough and rocky terrain like in the Presidentials of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Altras just have a wonderful toe box and being a closed shoe work better in winter snow than the Chacos do. The Altras are also significantly lighter than the Chacos.
Good luck. There are lots of great shoes out there to experiment with until you find ones that work. Just make sure you buy your experiments from someplace like REI that allow you to return them if the experiment doesn't work.
AfterParty
09-06-2016, 09:43
Keens have wider foot box. I also just got some adidas swift r and really like them so far but only have 24 miles on them.
bigcranky
09-06-2016, 09:46
My original Waldies rubber clogs are great, but they get very slippery on wet surfaces. Like "break your neck" slippery. Not sure how Crocs fare in those conditions, but I'd want to know before counting on them for a long hike.
SteelCut
09-06-2016, 09:49
Even though I have narrow feet, Salomon's have always caused problems for my small toes since they seem to run narrow. I switched to the Brooks Cascadia's and found they have a much better toe box and I have zero issues with my pinky toes since switching to them. For maximum toe box comfort, take a look at the Altra Lone Peak. They look like clown shoes sometimes but very comfy. The zero-drop takes a while to get use to and may not be for everyone.
MamaBear
09-06-2016, 09:51
In 2015, I hiked the AT on/off with a woman whose trail name was Corky, who did the entire trail in Crocs. From what I remember, her shoes weren't comfortable for her, either for some reason. She put on the Crocs one day, hiked in them and that was it. That was somewhere during her first completion of the AT. In 2015, on her second thru, it was Crocs all the way.
I remember a couple of other individuals that were hiking in Crocs, too. People hike in all sorts of footwear, or not in some cases. I suppose it is a whatever works for you situation.
TexasBob
09-06-2016, 09:54
Two thoughts:
1) Crocks suck in wet and slippery conditions, i.e. they can be seriously dangerous on steep wet trails.........................................
I broke my ankle from a slip on my patio in wet weather while wearing Crocks. The nurse at the ER said "that happens a lot with Crocks". They might be OK in dry conditions but I can't imagine wearing them on a wet steep trail.
saltysack
09-06-2016, 10:30
I had similar issues but since switching to a wider toe box trail runner problem went away....
Switched to laSportiva wildcats....great width and comfort...not sure why but thought I try the Altras....just bought a pair of Altra LP 3.0....so far so good.....very happy with both of these...
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I've just been using the cheap walmart knockoffs for camp shoes, but I ha c e to find something better. the 12s are a little too tight and the 13s are way too loose.
Hiking in Crocs Full time
Accident waiting to happen hiking in Crocs full time on anything but the driest, flattish, non rocky, maintained trail. Much care has to be given not to let an accident happen LD hiking in Crocs routinely on the AT.
Definitely sounds like a trail runner shoe width issue. Some get away with too narrow a shoe but over the longer term hot spots, irritation, hardened calluses, and blisters can form on the inside of the small toe. I'm getting over this mistake on my left foot right now. The pain started creeping into the rest of my foot from the little toe not having enough space to allow all my toes to splay out. And, it was a mistake because I knew better but still attempted to wear Brooks Ghost in wide rather the Altras, Keens, or HOKAS(some models are definitely wider than others) I could have opted for.
Have you replaced your Solomon stock footbeds with another perhaps of greater volume which can lead this to happen also? Make sure the custom footbeds fill the entire shoe's footbed. Even a small pencil's width or less drop off in the tip of the footbed can lead to the blisters under the little toe as well as elsewhere on the foot. I have a selection of after market footbeds with one change being some are THIN or Low volume which can help.
Same is true if you change out to lower volume less bulky socks that take up less volume. Try a dress sock for example.
New Balance has wide widths if you think that night help. I wear 4E. Your pinky toes might like a wider shoe.
"And, it was a mistake because I knew better but still attempted to wear Brooks Ghost in wide rather the Altras, Keens, or HOKAS(some models are definitely wider than others) I could have opted for."
For me, just going to a wide wasn't good enough. It's the same with Nike. The toe box is simply cut the wrong way for my forefeet's width.
Little things like this can that definitely can be avoided can erupt into sidelining injuries that can take an excruciating long time to heal properly when you're in the gotta go zone.
Gambit McCrae
09-06-2016, 12:46
Insoles: My feet have different arches, the left foot requires a copper superfeet insole, and right foot requires a bright orange one. With this matchup the arch pain goes away for the entirety of my trip.
Socks: I am wearing smartwool PhD mediums which I am happy with.
I am not saying it cant happen, as I know I am not invincible but I have never sprained an ankle(rolled it countless times), have never fallen on the trail, I guess my worry now is more of a slippery when wet issue then a crash and burn injury. Looks like I need to find a SHOE the has the same characteristics as the toe box of the Crocs.
Pros for me of the crocs:
light
100% breathable
soft on the feet
no chance of blisters
dry almost immediately
cheap
cons:
Zero ankle support (but compared to below ankle runners?...)
slippery when wet
jjozgrunt
09-06-2016, 19:05
I had this problem so I tried Injinji liner socks and it was a vast improvement. But since changing to Brooks 910s I haven't had the problem liner socks or not. I think it's just a matter of finding the right shoe for your foot.
Then they will stop making them and it will be back to square one! :)
Agree that this is an ill fitted shoe problem, due to Soleman's more narrow foot box. However, one other thing to try is to re-lace the shoes with a different lacing configuration. Check You Tube for video on different lacing techniques. I have the same problem with a larger right foot that aches, goes to sleep and loses nails more than the left foot. I love Merrils and also have a pair of Solomen Trail Runners. Both fit my left foot wonderfully but the right foot is in pain. Going up a 1/2 size helps the right but the left is too loose and sloppy. The solution was a normal lacing on the left boot but a different lace configuration on the right. Now I am able to hike without issues. Just one more suggestion that I hadn't seen mentioned.
Ditch the Salomons and try some Altra Lone Peaks. Your toes will be happy toes.
Phoenix, who Thrued in 2010 (and use to post on WB) did the entire AT in Crocs. I believe Crocs even sponsored him by providing free footwear.
Hikingjim
09-06-2016, 20:34
Not all crocs are made equal.
I wear a pair of sport ones sometimes to mix things up, and they're ok if it's a bit wet. But I wouldn't use them as a primary
Sarcasm the elf
09-06-2016, 20:51
Ditch the Salomons and try some Altra Lone Peaks. Your toes will be happy toes.
Malto, on a side note, have you tried the Lone Peak 3.0 yet? I am curious to know your opinion of the toe box size vs the 2.5.
Sarcasm the elf
09-06-2016, 20:55
With regards to crocs, they are okay for dry conditions and easy terrain, but that's all I'd trust them for. I have hiked in the crocs in the rain exactly once, the traction of the sole was okay, but my feet kept slipping inside the croc. After a couple of miles I ended up tearing the heel strap apart when my foot slid backwards while hiking up hill.
On the plus side, Shoe Goo adhesive worked great to repair the torn strap.
mattjv89
09-06-2016, 20:59
I hiked with a guy last year who did a lot of the trail in Crocs and liked it. He switched over to trail runners for some of the rocky sections but other than that I didn't hear any complaints. He was going to finish the trail wearing them until the strap broke within sight of Baxter Peak, go figure.
FlyFishNut
09-06-2016, 21:08
Ditch the Salomons and try some Altra Lone Peaks. Your toes will be happy toes.
Better yet - try the Altra Olympus! These shoes are COOSHY soft, closer to the feel of the Crocs that you like so much.
Like you, I have lost a few toe nails to Speedcross as well as NB and even Hoka. The only shoes that keep my little piggies happy are the Altra. I have both Lone Peaks and Olympus, but for cushion the Olympus win out.
OkeefenokeeJoe
09-06-2016, 21:28
I say wear what's comfortable and functional for you; however, I must also say that, no doubt, you are wearing improperly fitted/sized hiking footwear, given the description of the problems you have identified. It has been my experience that most people, especially men, have ZERO clue about shoe size and proper fitment. In fact, I was at a large nationally known outdoors store this past weekend and observed two millennials trying on hiking boots. I found it absolutely amazing that neither of them had any idea of their shoe size. They started with a men's size 8, and as I was leaving, they were up to size 10.5. I suggest you go to an old fashioned, high end, shoe store and have them properly measure your foot with a brannock device by someone who is experienced on how to use one. At least then you will have a foundation and a starting point for trying on properly fitted shoes.
OkeefenokeeJoe
Studlintsean
09-06-2016, 21:59
I met a CDT thruhiker coming west over Knapsack Col in the WRR in a pair of crocs a few weeks ago. I of course asked about them and learned he had switched to crocs part way through his AT thruhike and had sense hiked the PCT, CT twice, a few other trails and was working on the CDT. After I got to the top and down knapsack Col I had a whole new respect for him.
Studlintsean
09-06-2016, 22:00
*sense= since
Malto, on a side note, have you tried the Lone Peak 3.0 yet? I am curious to know your opinion of the toe box size vs the 2.5.
No not yet. But I did just order two more pairs of the 2.5s. Given they are known for the spacious toe box, they would get rebellion from the ranks if they abandoned them.
saltysack
09-07-2016, 06:21
Malto, on a side note, have you tried the Lone Peak 3.0 yet? I am curious to know your opinion of the toe box size vs the 2.5.
I hear the 3.0 toe box is smaller than previous LP versions but after trying the LP 3.0 coming from laSportiva wildcats the box seems roomy to me. I've always thought the wildcats had a wide toe box but not compared to the Altras.....so far I really like the LP 3.0 and look forward to giving them a shot in two weeks on the Collegiate loop.
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MtDoraDave
09-07-2016, 07:10
I dated a nurse for a while, and as a result ended up wearing crocs. I really liked the pair that are like boat shoes, leather uppers and leather laces. Super comfy. However, as others have said, when they wore down they became extremely dangerous on wet ground. Super slippery.
Regardless of the brand name of hiking shoes or boots, regardless of how much they cost or how many people swear by them, if they don't fit YOUR feet properly, they are just about worthless, and will cause you more pain than a cheap pair of sneakers would.
Try different brands to find the right one. Bring your pack and walk around in the store for a while to see if your toe starts to rub after a while... or as someone else said, buy them at REI so you can wear them for a while around your house/ property (with your pack on) to see if they start rubbing after a while. This is what I did (but not from REI) and is why/how I ended up with the Keen Targhee 2 Mids. They simply fit me the best.
Greenlight
09-07-2016, 07:50
You probably need 2E or 4E width shoes if you have wide feet. But then, if the Crocs are working for you, why question it?
I think I am probably going to get a "I think you have answered your own question here" but all the same to sooth my overthinking mind..
Current shoe situation: I am on my 3rd pair of Soloman speedcross 3s. as seen below:
36120
When I start a hike they feel great. about 20 miles into the hike, usually on day 2 my pinky toes on both feet hurt so bad, the nails black, figure I'm going to loose those little guys, and well..it sucks, trip after trip my toes hurt and feel like they are getting crushed in the front of my shoe.
NOW, 2 trips in a row now I have strapped my Solomans to my pack, and put on my crocs. 2 trips ago I walked the 8 miles over dragons tooth in crocs, and this trip I walked 26 miles in crocs and MAN WAS IT NICE. Now the down fall to them is that I do have to watch out for the jagged rocks but I think that the crocs proving themselves over DT and Daleville north says something.
Ankle support really isn't an issue for me as I roll my ankle freely and it causes me no pain. Just looking for thoughts on this 3 season footwear option, and maybe some options on what would be most similar to them in a show form. Maybe what I need to be looking for a much more square toe box?
36121
Although overall improvements were made going from the Lone Peak 2.5 to 3.0(low cut, non Neo shell) and Olympus 1.5 to 2.0 it seems the toe box got more snug in the same size. I'm not the only one to notice this. This was with the same socks. Olympus is a max cush yet didn't give that teetering atop a pedestal feel and has great traction which I too prefer over the LP.
A wide toe box is great but more to consider in a hiking shoe than just toe box width.
Gambit McCrae
09-19-2016, 17:12
I have decided on the Altra lone peak 2.5's. I ordered in 9.5 and 10s. Sounds like I might even need a 10.5 or a 11 but we will see. Ordered thru amazon so I have the ability for free returns
la.lindsey
09-19-2016, 17:18
I have decided on the Altra lone peak 2.5's. I ordered in 9.5 and 10s. Sounds like I might even need a 10.5 or a 11 but we will see. Ordered thru amazon so I have the ability for free returns
I switched to the 2.5s from salomon speed cross a week or two ago. I went for the same size in Altra as Salomon (that I wear hiking, which is a size up from my street shoe size). I've run a few miles in them outside and found it great- not the insane arch support that I need, but good cushioning and a nice fit.
Taking them to VA for a section this weekend. Excited to see how they hold up.
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Gambit McCrae
09-19-2016, 17:24
I switched to the 2.5s from salomon speed cross a week or two ago. I went for the same size in Altra as Salomon (that I wear hiking, which is a size up from my street shoe size). I've run a few miles in them outside and found it great- not the insane arch support that I need, but good cushioning and a nice fit.
Taking them to VA for a section this weekend. Excited to see how they hold up.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Let me know how they work out, I too am doing a section in VA this weekend..
I am a traditional boot wearer, but have been considering changing to a trail runner. Couple of concerns: 1- I am very heavy, so wear and tear would be maximum. 2-I carry a heavy pack (40#). 3-I am famous for kick rocks and roots when my legs get tired toward the afternoons.
Would trail runners be a smart choice for me to even look at really?
jjozgrunt
09-19-2016, 18:26
Getting back to crocs, I found the rear strap to lose and a waste of time. I now use https://www.nothinz.com/diamond-breeze and they are lighter with a strap that actually keeps the thing on your foot.
Gambit McCrae
09-20-2016, 07:18
I am a traditional boot wearer, but have been considering changing to a trail runner. Couple of concerns: 1- I am very heavy, so wear and tear would be maximum. 2-I carry a heavy pack (40#). 3-I am famous for kick rocks and roots when my legs get tired toward the afternoons.
Would trail runners be a smart choice for me to even look at really?
With that kind of pack weight, and prone to kick your toe box I would have to say no, perhaps after reducing pack weight and being vigilant at the end of long days would be step 1 before changing over. That said, the ankle support of boots may be a hidden plus
Slo-go'en
09-20-2016, 08:32
There was a AT thru hiker named "Tenderfoot" hiking in Crocks this year and as far as I know, he did the whole trail in them. I don't know how he did it. Personally, I can't keep them on my feet and find them very uncomfortable. But I guess they do work for some people.
Gambit McCrae
09-20-2016, 11:15
There was a AT thru hiker named "Tenderfoot" hiking in Crocks this year and as far as I know, he did the whole trail in them. I don't know how he did it. Personally, I can't keep them on my feet and find them very uncomfortable. But I guess they do work for some people.
I love them, I have now put about 65 miles on them but have not tested them in all day rain walking. I am worried about their traction control. I hope that the Altras are a shoe conversion to how the crocs feel on my feet.
LoneRidgeRunner
09-20-2016, 16:51
Just my thoughts. I would NEVER hike in crocks any more than around the camp or shelter or to the water source (if not too far or rough) But I don't have very strong ankles. Plus I saw a documentary not too long ago in which an AT hiker had to be rescued on the trail in Maine when he couldn't walk any more. He was hiking in Crocs.
perdidochas
09-20-2016, 17:33
My original Waldies rubber clogs are great, but they get very slippery on wet surfaces. Like "break your neck" slippery. Not sure how Crocs fare in those conditions, but I'd want to know before counting on them for a long hike.
I've found that crocs wear out fast, and when they are worn down they are "break your neck slippery." They aren't bad when new. I love Crocs, but would never consider them for a hiking shoe. They are great camp/river crossing shoes (when not too worn out).
Another Kevin
09-20-2016, 23:11
I am a traditional boot wearer, but have been considering changing to a trail runner. Couple of concerns: 1- I am very heavy, so wear and tear would be maximum. 2-I carry a heavy pack (40#). 3-I am famous for kick rocks and roots when my legs get tired toward the afternoons.
Would trail runners be a smart choice for me to even look at really?
I'd have to say, "try it, but maybe not yet." When I get into regular hiking, I start to shed the excess weight. The excess pack weight - well, you know what to do about a lot of it. The rock kicking - I find that I still kick rocks when I'm in boots. In trail runners, my feet seem more nimble.
I'd have to say, "try it, but maybe not yet." When I get into regular hiking, I start to shed the excess weight. The excess pack weight - well, you know what to do about a lot of it. The rock kicking - I find that I still kick rocks when I'm in boots. In trail runners, my feet seem more nimble.
Thanks AK. I lighter weight on my feet is enticing, but I do like the protected feel of the boots too. I feel like they can handle me, ya know? And the hard toes of the boots have saved my toes. My legs get lazy at the end of the day and I begin to drag them a little more. I can't imagine nailing one of those rocks in thin little running shoes. Maybe a little farther down the road for me, then.
LoneRidgeRunner
09-22-2016, 15:03
[QUOTE=Slo-go'en;2093614]There was a AT thru hiker named "Tenderfoot" hiking in Crocks this year and as far as I know, he did the whole trail in them. I don't know how he did it. Personally, I can't keep them on my feet and find them very uncomfortable. But I guess they do work for some people.
I was doing a section hike back in early March this year. Met a guy named "Tenderfoot" just north of Sam's Gap at I26 and again at Curly Maple Gap shelter and caught up with him again at Cherry Gap shelter just before Iron Mountain Gap. He was preaching to me about my pack size/weight and how it was slowing me down, yet I caught up with him twice in 5 days. I'm pretty sure he was wearing sneakers at that time.
Gambit McCrae
09-26-2016, 08:11
Got my Altras in the mail, really like the toe box and the left foot is 100% good to go. Getting some good heel slip out of the right food, don't know how to correct that yet
ChrisJackson
09-26-2016, 08:24
Here is an option...down at the bottom of this page: https://www.altrarunning.com/run-better Check out the "Altra Alternate Lacing" section.
Alternatively here is a related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cam2JsVpNzM
At first I was concerned about the slight heel slipping I felt in my Altras and this lacing method did help. But, now-a-days on moderate terrain I wear them so loose they slip around and don't bother me a bit.
illabelle
09-26-2016, 09:08
I love them, I have now put about 65 miles on them but have not tested them in all day rain walking. I am worried about their traction control. I hope that the Altras are a shoe conversion to how the crocs feel on my feet.
Just my thoughts. I would NEVER hike in crocks any more than around the camp or shelter or to the water source (if not too far or rough) But I don't have very strong ankles. Plus I saw a documentary not too long ago in which an AT hiker had to be rescued on the trail in Maine when he couldn't walk any more. He was hiking in Crocs.
Gambit, now that we've done a bit of the trail in Maine and NH, I can see just how important traction is on those sections of the trail. The trails I'm used to here in the South have their challenges, but I learned a thing or two up north. There are MANY spots where you have to walk up or down steep rock slabs. By steep, I mean in the neighborhood of 45° (maybe they're less than this, but they feel like much more!) Usually there's not much available for handholds, and the rocks are too smooth to safely plant a trekking pole. The only way for me to walk up these rock slabs is to rely on the grip of my shoes. At home I'm a barefoot girl outdoors and use crocs when I need to (thorns, sharp rocks, winter, etc), but I wouldn't even dream of trusting those crocs on those slabs.
Gambit, now that we've done a bit of the trail in Maine and NH, I can see just how important traction is on those sections of the trail. The trails I'm used to here in the South have their challenges, but I learned a thing or two up north. There are MANY spots where you have to walk up or down steep rock slabs. By steep, I mean in the neighborhood of 45° (maybe they're less than this, but they feel like much more!) Usually there's not much available for handholds, and the rocks are too smooth to safely plant a trekking pole. The only way for me to walk up these rock slabs is to rely on the grip of my shoes. At home I'm a barefoot girl outdoors and use crocs when I need to (thorns, sharp rocks, winter, etc), but I wouldn't even dream of trusting those crocs on those slabs.
Exactly! One cannot emphasize enough in these types of discussions that context matters greatly. :)
Gambit McCrae
09-26-2016, 12:46
Gambit, now that we've done a bit of the trail in Maine and NH, I can see just how important traction is on those sections of the trail. The trails I'm used to here in the South have their challenges, but I learned a thing or two up north. There are MANY spots where you have to walk up or down steep rock slabs. By steep, I mean in the neighborhood of 45° (maybe they're less than this, but they feel like much more!) Usually there's not much available for handholds, and the rocks are too smooth to safely plant a trekking pole. The only way for me to walk up these rock slabs is to rely on the grip of my shoes. At home I'm a barefoot girl outdoors and use crocs when I need to (thorns, sharp rocks, winter, etc), but I wouldn't even dream of trusting those crocs on those slabs.
I will be hiking the entire trail so this is very helpful. I did enjoy my hiking time in crocs, they saved my feet till I found a better option. I think I am done with Salomons forever, just not the right design for me
I will be hiking the entire trail so this is very helpful. I did enjoy my hiking time in crocs, they saved my feet till I found a better option. I think I am done with Salomons forever, just not the right design for meThey make good around town, yard work shoes.
Did anybody say Altras yet? They've completely solved my mashed-like-a-grape pinky toe problems.
Secondmouse
09-27-2016, 22:52
spent the whole day on Crocs today, shopping and running errands, and it made me think of this thread. :D
Gambit McCrae
09-28-2016, 08:00
Did anybody say Altras yet? They've completely solved my mashed-like-a-grape pinky toe problems.
I now have 2 pair :) 1 pair for hiking, one for every day :)