How to Stretch Out Shrunken Crocs So They Fit Again

Suprisingly easy and fast ways to unshrink crocs that were exposed to heat

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 18, 2023 References

Using Boiling Water

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Using the Dryer

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Using a Hair Dryer

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Tips

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Warnings

Crocs are super comfortable and easy to care for. But there’s one big problem: they can shrink several sizes when exposed to high temperatures.^{[1]
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Research source}If your Crocs have shrunk, don’t panic! There are 3 tried-and-true methods for stretching your Crocs: placing them in boiling water, tossing them in the dryer, and using a hair dryer. Read on to learn how to save your beloved Crocs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Boiling Water

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Bring a large pot of water to boil. You already found out the hard way that Crocs are heat-sensitive, but that means you can use heat to stretch out your shoes as well! Hot water softens the foam material, making your Crocs malleable and easy to resize.
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Place your Crocs in the boiling water. Add the shoes to the pot, using tongs to rotate them and keep them beneath the water. Be sure to dunk your duds well so they’ll stretch out evenly.^{[2]
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- Remove any Jibbitz before placing your Crocs in the boiling water. You don’t want to risk damaging those cuties!
- If both shoes won’t fit in the pot, you can soak them one at a time. Or you can place your Crocs in a sturdy plastic tote or bucket before carefully pouring boiling water over them.^{[3]
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3
Let your Crocs soak for about 5 minutes. Give them a gentle squeeze with the tongs. If they feel less stiff and a bit squishier, you know the heat is working!^{[4]
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Remove your Crocs using tongs. Let the excess water drip off into the pot so you won’t make a soggy mess. Place your shoes on the floor.^{[5]
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Put on a pair of thick socks, then slide your feet into your Crocs. It may take some effort to wriggle your feet in, but keep at it! The foam should be malleable enough to stretch. Then stroll around in your shoes for 20 minutes while they cool.^{[6]
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- If you don’t own thick socks, you can put on 2 or 3 pairs of regular socks.^{[7]
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- Place the straps behind your heels to keep your shoes in place.^{[8]
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- Put your shoes on while they’re still hot, but not hot enough to cause burns. As much as you love your Crocs, they aren’t worth blistered feet!
- If your shoes haven’t stretched enough, give the boiling process another go. It might take a few tries to get the perfect fit.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Dryer

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Heat Crocs in the dryer to make them malleable. Dampen two towels with water, then place them in the dryer along with your Crocs. Adding damp towels makes the foam more pliable and keeps your Crocs from scorching.^{[9]
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Run the dryer on low to medium heat for 3-5 minutes. After your Crocs have gone for a spin, check to see if they feel hot. If they feel toasty, remove them; if not, continue to dry them for a couple more minutes.^{[10]
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Put on a pair of thick socks. The shoes will be hot and you don’t want to burn your feet! Wiggle into your shoes, then walk around for 20 minutes while they cool.^{[11]
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- If you don’t own thick socks, you can put on 2 or 3 pairs of regular socks.^{[12]
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- Put your shoes on while they’re still hot, but not hot enough to cause burns. If you find yourself shouting “ouch,” wait a little longer.
- Place the straps behind your heels to keep your shoes in place while they stretch.^{[13]
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- If your shoes haven’t stretched enough, don’t stress! Just repeat the drying process. It may take a few attempts to stretch your Crocs to the right size.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Hair Dryer

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Apply heat with a hair dryer for 3-5 minutes. Place your Crocs on the floor. Point your hair dryer at one shoe and move it back and forth to soften the foam, aiming at the inside of the shoe as well.^{[14]
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Put on thick socks and wiggle your foot into your warm shoe. You probably won’t be able to slide your foot all the way in yet, but that’s okay. Continue heating your shoe with the hair dryer as you gradually inch your foot into it.
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Repeat for your other shoe. Continue wearing your beautifully resized Crocs until they’ve cooled completely.^{[15]
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- This method may give you a more custom fit because the shoe molds to the shape of your foot as it’s heated.

Warnings

Microwaving your Crocs is dangerous. Heating your Crocs in the microwave will cause them to scorch and melt.^{[18]
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Research source} Do not attempt to use a microwave to unshrink your Crocs. Seriously, don’t do it.

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Wait until your shoes are at a bearable temperature before putting them on. They should be hot, but not hot enough to burn your feet. ^{[19]
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