Crocs vs. 'Stocks: Which is the superior travel shoe?
Until a few weeks ago, I had never met a pair of Crocs I liked. I wanted to hate them because of how ridiculous they looked. I saw people wearing them and speculated that their feet probably smelled as awful as they looked in those shoes.
"Aren't they sweaty in there?" I asked a co-worker incredulously as she extolled the virtues of the cloglike footwear in one of TPG's internal employee chats. She assured me that sweat wasn't an issue, especially if you wore them with socks. (Ew, but OK.)
As a staunch fan of Birkenstocks, I made the lofty claim that there's no way Crocs could trump them when it comes to travel footwear. After all, Birks go with just about anything and don't give the impression that the wearer needs tulips and stroopwafels to complete the look.
So, after a challenge was issued for me to give Crocs a chance, I decided to pit the two types of shoes against one another and report back with my findings.
Here, in a Crocs vs. Birkenstocks head-to-head, I'll compare my trusty Arizona soft-footbed Birkenstocks in oiled nubuck leather to my not-so-shiny new classic Crocs in black with multicolored tie-dye across several categories to see which is truly the better shoe to bring on my next trip: Crocs or Birkenstocks.
Comfort and construction: Birkenstocks
I don't care what anyone says: Crocs do make my feet sweat.
The shoes have holes in the top, and the backs are open, but evidently that's not enough to maintain sufficient airflow. On the flip side, Crocs have better shock absorbency than Birkenstocks, but Birks mold to your feet to create a more custom fit, meaning they're sturdier and provide better arch support.
This one goes to Birkenstocks.
Cost: Tie
Crocs might seem like the clear winner here, as their classic style is significantly more affordable than Birks' classic cork-soled Arizonas, running only about 25%-50% of what Birks cost. I paid full price for my Birkenstocks when I bought them in 2021; they set me back $135. When I bought my Crocs a year later, I paid $37 on sale. (The pair I have normally retails for $59.99.)
However, Birkenstock's rubberlike ethylene vinyl acetate models sell for $49.95, putting them on par with Crocs' classic clogs, resulting in a tie.
Versatility: Crocs
Because of the heel strap, I find that Crocs are great for low-impact sports like biking and even mild hiking. (I recently wore them for the duration of a 16-mile ride in French Polynesia and an hourlong hike along a sandy path in the Galapagos, and I have no complaints.)
Although you can find Birks in EVA models with heel straps, I still say Crocs take the cake here because they have more shock absorbency, making them extra comfortable while you're staying active.
Variety: Tie
While Crocs are available in more colors than 'Stocks, as well as a variety of styles — thong flip-flops, Mary Janes, platform clogs, faux-fur-lined clogs and slip-on two-strap styles that actually resemble Birks, to name a few — they're all made of the same proprietary resin material, which is neither plastic nor rubber.
Birkenstocks have fewer color selections, but the brand still has a wide range of styles — classic Birks, Birks with heel straps and even more active varieties with Velcro. Materials range from cork soles with leather uppers to EVA, offering choices for shoppers who prefer vegan-friendly options.
There's a ton of choice with either brand; that's why I'm dubbing this a tie.
Water resistance: Tie
In sport mode — when the strap is flipped down to wrap around the heel of the foot — Crocs make a great water shoe that won't suction to your feet like standard water socks. However, Birks come in EVA varieties with heel straps that keep them in place when you're swimming or wading, so I rule this category a tie.
A word to the wise: Birkenstock styles with cork footbeds — like the Arizona, which is my favorite — smell repugnant if they get wet, so be judicious with when and how you wear them if there's a chance they'll come in contact with significant moisture.
Style: Birkenstocks
This is a totally subjective category, but I'm giving this one to Birks. To me, they look less like clown shoes, and they pair better with different types of outfits, whereas Crocs strike me as more casual. (I don't like the way the latter look with dresses, for example.)
Which of the two travel shoes you find more stylish will obviously depend on your personal preferences and likely also your age group, given how trendy Crocs seem to be with Gen Z at the moment.
Weight: Tie
When it comes to packing light, neither shoe is particularly compressible. However, weight is an important consideration if you have to strap them to your personal item for a flight or to a backpack for a hike.
Whether Crocs are lighter than Birkenstocks depends on the size and model of Birks you've got. An adult-size pair of Crocs weighs roughly 14 ounces, while my 'Stock cork-bedded Arizonas weigh about 1.2 pounds (19.2 ounces). Birks' EVA style of shoe is rumored to weigh about 8 ounces per pair.
This one is just too close to call, so I'm ruling it a tie.
TSA-friendliness: Tie
One of the first times I wore my Birkenstocks to the airport, I found myself setting off the metal detector in the line for TSA PreCheck. I quickly learned that, although they're comfy on flights, Birks with metal buckles sometimes have to come off, which is frustrating and defeats some of the purpose of having PreCheck in the first place.
Although Crocs don't contain metal elements and, therefore, can be worn without issue during PreCheck screening, I'm calling this a tie also, thanks to Birkenstock's EVA models, which feature plastic buckles and level the playing field.
Bottom line
Are Crocs better than Birkenstocks? For me, not exactly. I continue to wear my Birks more often because they're more comfortable, they offer more support, and I think they look a bit nicer and match more of my outfits.
However, with regard to my original stance on Crocs, I will admit that I haven't been this wrong about a type of footwear since Uggs made their way onto the scene in the early 2000s. (Yes, I hated them at first, and yes, I'm now the proud owner of several pairs. They're comfortable, OK?)
When I set out to do this comparison, I wasn't expecting to like Crocs as much as I did. I was fully prepared for my Birkenstocks to easily take the W. I won't say that I'm going to go out and buy more Crocs or anything, but I'm glad I've added a pair to my travel wardrobe.
For your next trip, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of any travel shoe you're considering, from dressy to casual, functional to frou-frou. I'm proof that when you go into selecting the best travel shoes for you with an open mind, you might be surprised by what you find yourself wearing on your feet.
Looking for additional travel footwear ideas? We've got you covered:
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.