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Best Crocs For Kids 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Trends are unpredictable at best, but one polarizing shoe continues to defy expectations: Crocs. The colorful, lightweight clogs became a must-have during the pandemic, and rather than fizzle out like other trends of the “stay home” era, they only seem to increase in popularity. Crocs found particular favor among kids and teens thanks to their slip-on style and comfortable fit. It’s only natural that the best Crocs for kids are extra comfy, easy to wear and allow them to express their burgeoning individual style. They also make the ideal gift for kids of all ages.

The best Crocs for kids appeal to their individual personalities in terms of colors, designs and ... [+] even how they wear them. Custom Slippers

Best Crocs For Kids 2023 - Forbes Vetted

While certainly trendy, Crocs aren’t terrible for kids’ feet, either. “Crocs are a decent choice,” says Dr. Claire Capobianco, a foot and ankle surgeon at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware. “Unfortunately, many kids’ shoes have little to no support, and Crocs are good in that they are not completely flexible,” she says. Still, there are scenarios where Crocs should be avoided. “These are not shoes that are going to give kids’ feet enough support for physical activities such as running, gym (class), etc.,” says Capobianco, also noting the potential for blisters caused by sweating and friction when wearing rubber shoes like Crocs.

Whether you’re looking to buy a first pair or want to diversify your child’s already growing collection, we’ve rounded up the best Crocs for kids to shop now. Check out the best shoes for kids and the best smartwatches for kids to complete their look.

The shoe that started it all. There’s a reason the Crocs Classic Clog continues to remain so popular. The Classic Clog has a roomy silhouette with an especially spacious toe-box, lessening the risk of pinched toes and rubbing. A Croslite sole (made from vinyl acetate) provides added comfort with each step, and are lightly treaded, so they’re suitable for casual play. Kids can adjust the ankle strap if they want their foot to feel a bit more secure, or, as they like to say, “go sport mode.” Holes across the toe box allow for ventilation, but they also accommodate the brand’s Jibbitz charms, which can be switched out depending on your child’s interests, allowing for endless customization. Take your pick from a variety of hues, from plain black to bubblegum pink.

We may be nearing the end of warm weather, but there’s still plenty of time for kids to get more than enough wear out of the Crocs Bayaband Sandals, especially if you’re planning any upcoming family vacations. The sandal’s adjustable hook-and-loop ankle strap provides additional security, so kids can go from splashing in water to walking around without their feet recklessly slipping and sliding about. The lightweight foam is especially great for keeping feet dry, ventilated and stink-free during warmer weather. Like the classic clogs, the Bayabands can be customized with Jibbitz, so kids can sport their favorite Marvel hero or Star Wars character, even while poolside.

Toddlers who are still a little unsure on their feet probably aren’t ready for the classic clog quite yet. These All-Terrain clogs from the brand are better suited for little ones who have just gotten the hang of walking but still need some extra support to stay in their shoes and upright. The strap on the All-Terrain is thicker than the classic style from Crocs, and its hook-and-loop design allows for further adjustment, ensuring a more snug, secure fit. The rugged tread pattern on the outsoles and rubber pods add traction and provide a better grip and stability. While all-terrain might be in the shoe’s name, we still wouldn’t recommend your toddler wear them on particularly uneven surfaces.

It’s no secret that kids love a good splash in a puddle, but a clog isn’t exactly the most appropriate shoe for a rainy day. The Handle It rain boots from Crocs lets kids splash to their hearts’ content while keeping feet dry. In addition to being waterproof, the boots have large handles that make getting them on and off a breeze, a task several reviewers observed their kids capable of doing themselves, without help from parents. The boots come in several bright colors that are sure to brighten up the dreariest of days. Just don’t be surprised if your kid wants to wear them even when the sun is shining.

If your child loves their Crocs so much that you often have trouble getting them to wear anything else, consider this lined pair a solid compromise for the cooler months or any time they want to feel a bit cozier. Outfitted with a fuzzy interior, the shoe is a warmer take on the classic Crocs, offering the coziness of a slipper yet still suitable for wear outside the house. The fuzz liner makes these Crocs ideal for fall weather or days when your kid just simply refuses to wear socks, but they’re certainly not comparable to true winter shoes like snow boots (sorry kids but no, you can’t wear your Crocs sledding). Just be sure to give these a quick wipe down between wears, lest they get too smelly, and especially if your kid is rocking them sans socks.

Teens who feel like they’ve outgrown their regular ol’ Crocs might appreciate this fashion-forward iteration of the standard design. Inspired by streetwear, the Echo Clog’s bold, sculptural silhouette is certainly unique, so it appeals to teenagers looking for something a little more trendy and mature. Even better, the Echo clogs are more comfortable than their classic counterparts, thanks to the brand’s LiteRide technology, which the brand says is 40% softer and 25% lighter than the Classic Croslite foam. The shoes come in adult sizes and run big according to Crocs’ website and multiple reviews. If you’ve got an especially style-conscious kiddo or tween on your hands, the clogs are also available in kids’ sizes.

Any superhero-obsessed kid is sure to appreciate this Marvel-themed pair of Crocs. The shoes feature an abstract graphic with bold colors that pay homage to the Avengers, and make them surprisingly easy to pair with almost any outfit. The real draw of this pair are the included Jibbitz, from the Hulk’s unmistakable green fist to Captain America’s iconic shield, plus the Avengers logo on each heel. These Jibbitz are attached to the shoe, so while they won’t fall off, you don’t have the option to rearrange or swap them out, although you can always pop on a couple more.

Kids aren’t exactly known to have the most subtle taste in fashion, so these hard-to-miss Lisa Frank Crocs are likely to be a big hit. The clogs are anything but understated, thanks to a groovy floral and heart pattern (or unicorns) that’s quintessentially Lisa Frank. They’re also decked out with non-removable Jibbitz across the toes and ankle strap, including oversized gems, butterflies and rainbows. If the shoes have you feeling nostalgic and wanting a pair for yourself (we don’t blame you), fear not, as they also come in adult sizes, perfect for matching with your kiddo.

Forbes Vetted has covered footwear across a range of ages, from the best baby shoes to the best shoes for men. When it comes to selecting products for children, the parenting team prioritizes health and safety. For this story, I spoke to a podiatrist to determine whether Crocs are safe for children’s feet, what situations should children avoid wearing them in and what ages are best suited for wearing Crocs. I pored through online reviews of kids’ Crocs to ensure the Crocs chosen were worth it.

To choose the best Crocs for kids, I relied upon expert input to help inform the list. I looked at the most popular Crocs for kids to determine whether they aligned with the podiatrist’s recommendations. I scoured customer reviews and took note of any glaring issues or concerns, taking care to select Crocs that had majority positive feedback from parents. Each Croc selected is safe for children to wear and designed to provide comfort and functionality. Factors like age, specific interests and different situations in which the Crocs would be worn were taken into consideration when compiling this list.

I am a senior editor at Forbes, as well as the author of White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency into a Business. I write about money in politics, with an emphasis on the businesses of Donald Trump. 

 \r\n\r\nFind me on Twitter or Facebook.

I am a senior editor at Forbes, as well as the author of White House, Inc.: How Donald Trump Turned the Presidency into a Business. I write about money in politics, with an emphasis on the businesses of Donald Trump. 

 \r\n\r\nFind me on Twitter or Facebook.

I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.

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I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on my website. 

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.

For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.

Best Crocs For Kids 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Flip Flops As an updates writer for Forbes Vetted, I help optimize our home, gifts and kids coverage. I have over three years of experience in commerce journalism, editing for and contributing to brands such as Shop TODAY, The Spruce Eats and Simply Recipes. I've covered and tested products on various topics, from kitchen gadgets to carry-on luggage. I have a B.A. in English and Linguistics from Northeastern University, and I currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.