Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard of Crocs. This brand has become well-known for its Classic Clog, which is the model you most commonly see when out on vacation or on the streets. The brand is based in Colorado in the U.S. and makes foam clog shoes for men, women, and children, all with a design pretty similar to the classic. First developed as boating shoes, these shoes are breathable and comfortable for hot summer days or for when you’re on vacation.

One of the most noticeable characteristics of the classic Crocs shoes is the perforations on the vamp. These holes not only give them their distinct look (more on style later), they allow air to constantly flow through the shoe. This prevents the accumulation of moisture which, in stuffy sneakers or running shoes, creates the perfect moist environment for bacteria growth and nasty odors. However, this model doesn’t have that, so breathability is diminished. The lining in this model renders them less breathable than the classic, but if you need the fuzzy lining, chances are you’re more likely to have cold feet rather than sweaty feet. The lining also makes them less quick-drying. In addition, Crocs are not antimicrobial, so bacteria isn’t 100% warded off.

A few different color options are offered with this model. The options are navy, carnation, black, and espresso. The fur lining is white for the former two options and the same color as the uppers in the latter two options. All options are solid-colored and have a minimalist look. Unfortunately, there is only one color that isn’t dark, so if you’re into bright reds and yellows and greens, you’ll have to settle for a more neutral look with this model.

Cushioning is super important for preventing foot fatigue and keeping you comfortable by absorbing the shock of your footfalls. This model features Crocs’ Dual Comfort Croslite technology, which is one more step up the comfort ladder compared to the Original Croslite in the Classic Clogs. It features an extra layer of foam cushioning on the insole that provides more cushioning than the original. It also includes a high-density outsole to reinforce durability. Furthermore, the foam reverts to its original shape after each footfall keep providing structural support, and the material is lightweight and comfortable.

The key characteristic of this model is the lining. It’s fuzzy, soft, and keeps the feet nice and toasty on chilly days. It’s not too thick or heavy to make your feet sweat, but it prevents the cold air from getting to your toes the way the original clogs would. In addition, the lining is removable and hand washable so that you can easily clean it separately from the shoes. Not to mention, the lining at the collar gives them a unique and cozy look.

It might be hard to believe, but the materials of Crocs clogs is a mystery. All we know is that they are made of a closed-cell foam resin called Croslite. The synthetic nature of the material renders it super lightweight. Even with lots of cushioning and lining, this model stays light and comfortable on the feet. Synthetic shoes are also cheap to make, water-resistant, and quick-drying. The downside is that it’s not as durable and doesn’t have as classy of a look compared to leather. However, Crocs clogs are a modern type of shoe anyhow - and it’s hard to imagine leather Crocs. There are, however, some health concerns when it comes to their synthetic material, which we will discuss below.

All Crocs are made of a material called Croslite, which the brand describes only as a ‘proprietary closed-cell foam resin.’ Most people assume this just means EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate), a kind of synthetic foam often seen in the outsoles and midsoles of running shoes. However, the concern is that there may be Formamides - an acid used as a softener in fibers like EVA and that can cause skin irritation, other health risks, and has been suspected of being a carcinogen - in the material. Crocs affirms that Crocslite is safe to wear against the skin, but has not directly addressed the issue of Formamides. The removable fuzzy lining on this pair means there is less skin contact with the Croslite than usual, so if you’re worried about that, this model would be an excellent alternative to other shoe models by this brand.

It’s tricky finding the right size for you when you’re shopping online and can’t try each pair on. What makes it trickier is that, often, models don’t run true to size, and pairs like the Classic Blitzen III don’t have adjustable straps or laces that let you adjust their fit. However, while researching we found that nearly 90% of customers claim this model fits true to size, so if you order your usual sizes, chances are you’ll be satisfied. The downside is that the model comes in only one standard width and only in whole sizes. If your shoe size is a half-size, the company recommends you round down and order the next smaller size.

It’s a well-known fact that Crocs clogs are not big on style. Their perforations and silhouette give them a comical and very unflattering appearance. The Classic Blitzen III, however, has a slightly different look with its smooth upper and fuzzy lining. In theory, this would make them more appealing. However, something about seeing the stereotypical summer vacation shoe combined with a fur lining just throws us off. They look even funkier than the typical clogs, which we’ve grown accustomed to despite not being fond of. As a result, we would not recommend you sport them on vacation or out shopping, but rather around the house or the yard.

Footwear by famous brands tends to cost more than those by lesser-known brands, and Crocs are one example. These clogs are a bit pricier than the typical sandal, but considering their comfort and durability, we can see why. The Classic Blitzen III costs about as much as the Classic Clogs, but we’d actually say that they’re less of a bargain. Whereas the breathability and convenience of the Classic Clogs allow it to be worn all throughout the summer, whether you’re on a cruise or at the beach, the Blitzen III version is much less versatile because of the fur lining. It’s really only suitable for the chilly days in spring and autumn. As well, its lack of style also means you can’t pull off wearing it in public. With that said, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy them - it all depends on your footwear preferences and needs.

To conclude, the most noteworthy characteristics of these clogs is their furry lining and smooth upper, which keep the feet warm and makes them more suitable for cool weather in spring and autumn. This is what differentiates them the most from the Classic Clogs. In addition, this model features the Dual Comfort Croslite technology for extra cushioning and reinforced durability, as well as four color options and fairly accurate sizing. The downside is their strange appearance and the potential inconvenience caused by their furry lining. There is also the mystery about the Croslite material, but with the lining, there is less danger of coming into contact with Formamides than with the classic model.