Depending on who you ask, Crocs are either the worst thing to happen to style or the most liberating piece of summer footwear ever made. The reality is they’re just foam clogs – light, durable, easy to hose down, and originally designed for sailing types who didn’t want to slip on wet decks. The trouble is, they're everywhere. Which Is why we've decided to bring you a few lesser-spotted Crocs alternatives. Every bit as practical, but slightly les ubiquitous.
Whether you wear them for gardening, camping or festival , these Crocs alternatives do exactly what they say on the tin: functional, ugly, weirdly fun.
Why Crocs? Why now?
If you’ve spent any time on the internet in the past few years, you’ll know that Crocs have enjoyed a full-blown cultural resurrection. What started as practical dad-wear became the unlikely darling of runway collabs and hype drops – helped along by celebrities leaning hard into the so-bad-it’s-good appeal. They’re the poster child for a certain type of ironically ugly fashion: part normcore, part statement, part deliberate rejection of anything too serious. Which is all well and good, but for those who want that same slip-on shoe ease without looking like they’ve fallen straight out of a meme, there are, thankfully, plenty of alternatives.
The best Crocs alternatives in 2025
Birkenstock Birki Flow
If you’re the sort of person who quietly judges Crocs but secretly wants the same slip-on practicality, the Birki Flow might be your middle ground. A classic Birkenstock clog reimagined in ultra-lightweight EVA, it comes with large air inlets that stop your feet from turning into tiny saunas. Think of it as the cork sandal’s breezier, easier-to-clean cousin – one you can wear year-round without feeling like you’re half-dressed for the garden centre.
Merrell Hydro Moc
The Hydro Moc looks like it crawled straight out of a peat bog – and that’s exactly why people love it. Merrell’s fans tend to be committed types, so it’s no surprise these amphibious slip-ons have gained cult status with the gorpcore crowd. They’re built for more than paddling in the shallows: ventilation holes keep your feet breathing, they drain well after a dunk, and that articulated heel strap holds on even when the terrain goes from riverbank to woodland. Slightly weird-looking, but in a way that feels entirely deliberate.
KEEN Uneek
Somewhere between a sandal, a sneaker and a fishing net, you’ll find the KEEN Uneek. Its USP? The entire upper is made from recycled PET bottles, knitted together into a surprisingly supportive cage that flexes with your foot. It’s adjustable, generously ventilated, and treated with Eco Anti-Odour – so you’re doing your bit for the planet and your sense of smell. It’s all very KEEN: a bit unconventional, seriously comfy, and ready for pretty much anything short of a black-tie dinner.
HOKA Hopara
If the end of the world arrives and you need to sprint through mud, rocks and a raging river all in one go, this is the pair you’d want on your feet. HOKA, better known for its maximalist trail running shoes, has channelled all that trail DNA into the Hopara – a sandal that’s supportive, grippy and surprisingly rugged. A toe cap fends off stray pebbles, the ventilation keeps things dry-ish, and the lugged outsole clings onto slippery surfaces like a mountain goat. A slip-on for people who don’t slip.
KEEN Shanti
By contrast, the KEEN Shanti is what you pack for poolside or post-hike showers – the slip-on clog that gives your feet a bit of a break. The injected EVA upper is soft yet structured, the footbed is textured just enough to feel like a light massage, and they’re quick to dry after a swim or a wash. Not exactly pretty, but extremely forgiving after a day spent punishing your arches.
Adidas Adifoam Supernova
Crocs, but make them sci-fi. The Adifoam Supernova takes the slip-on clog idea and steers it into the future with a one-piece foam construction, no laces, and an exaggerated moulded 3-stripes design. They’re made with at least 20% recycled materials, which won’t save the planet but does keep the conscience clean. If your aesthetic leans more “streetwear nerd” than “suburban gardener”, these are probably the pair you’ll reach for.
Columbia Creeksider
Part trainer, part river shoe, the Columbia Creeksider is designed for anyone who wants to scramble up wet rocks and look vaguely outdoorsy doing it. It’s lightweight, flexible, and the grippy outsole is exactly what you want when you’re hopping between puddles and pebbles. Drainage holes mean you won’t be squelching around all afternoon, and the pivot strap lets you kick them off easily once you’re back on dry land. Crocs could never.
Suicoke MOK
If you want Crocs alternatives with character, Suicoke’s MOK is probably the one. It’s a clog that’s had its edges sharpened – smoother, more streamlined, and just the right amount of brutalist. They’re not made for wild expeditions or river crossings; these are the sort of slip-ons that look right with wide trousers and a good tote bag on your Saturday coffee run. Crocs, but make it fashion.
Next up: Sick of Birks? Check out these alternative options.
