Crocs are a popular type of shoe that can come in many styles and sizes. Unfortunately, they are prone to shrinking when they get wet, which can make them uncomfortable to wear if you don’t buy the right size.
With the right knowledge, unshrinking your Crocs can be easy and fast. Knowing how to unshrink Crocs is important if you want them to fit comfortably and look their best.
Not only will it save you money from having to buy a new pair of shoes, but it will also help ensure that your Crocs remain comfortable and look their best for years to come.
Fortunately, there is various way to unshrink your Crocs for a perfect fit—all it takes is a few simple steps. Here are 6 ways how to unshrink crocs.
How to Unshrink Crocs – 6 Tested Ways
Crocs come in multiple sizes and are made from a variety of materials. Whether your Crocs have shrunk due to water damage or regular wear and tear, we’ve outlined 6 methods below that will help you unshrink them for the perfect fit.
Summary of the 6 Methods on How to Stretch Crocs
There are several ways to unshrink Crocs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- The lukewarm Water and Air Dry Method is the quickest and safest way to restore your Crocs to their original size.
- The heat method is the most common and involves using a hairdryer or a steam iron to loosen the fabric, but it may cause damage to delicate fabrics.
- The sock method uses socks to absorb excess moisture while also providing stretchability, while the soak method utilizes a warm bath to help expand the fabric.
- The freeze method is an alternative way to unshrink Crocs without heat and uses cold temperatures to restore their size, but it can be time-consuming.
- The shoe stretcher method allows you to adjust the tightness of the fit while also restoring your Crocs back to their original size without having to soak them.
- Finally, the stuffing method uses newspaper to help expand the fabric overnight, but it may require multiple days to restore it back to its original shape. By understanding all of these methods, you can easily unshrink your Crocs without having to buy a new pair.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use these methods for your crocs.
Suggested Readings
- What Color Crocs Go With Everything?
- Are Crocs Supposed To be Tight?
- Are Crocs Waterproof?
- What are Crocs – An Ultimate Guide
Method 1. Soak the Crocs in Lukewarm Water
Materials needed
- Lukewarm Water
- Container large enough to fit your Crocs
- Clean cloth
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Fill a container with lukewarm water and place your Crocs in the water. Make sure they are completely submerged.
- Let them soak for 10-20 minutes or until the material has softened.
- Once the Crocs have softened, use a clean cloth to help stretch out the material in small sections.
- Gently pull and tug at the fabric with your hands until you’ve achieved the desired fit.
- Remove your Crocs from the water and let them air dry.
- Once dry, try on your Crocs to make sure they fit comfortably and snugly.
- If needed, repeat the above steps until you are satisfied with how your Crocs fit.
Pros and Cons
Pros: An easy and cost-effective method for unshrinking your Crocs.
Cons: You need to be careful not to over-stretch the material or it may extend too much, resulting in a looser fit than desired. Additionally, it can take time for the fabric to soften and stretch out before you can achieve the desired fit.
Method 2. Hairdryer Method – How to Unshrink Crocs in Dryer
Materials needed
- Hair dryer
- Clean cloth
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Turn a hairdryer on the highest setting and hold it about 6 inches away from the fabric of your Crocs for 1-2 minutes. Make sure to evenly heat both sides of the shoes.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to help gently stretch out any areas that need expanding.
- Continue heating and stretching until you have achieved the desired fit.
- Let your Crocs cool before trying them on to ensure they have kept their shape.
Suggested Readings
Pros and Cons
Pros: An easy and quick way to unshrink Crocs without having to soak them in water.
Cons: The heat from the hairdryer can damage some types of fabric if not used properly, so be sure to use caution when using this method. Additionally, it may take several rounds of heating and stretching to achieve the desired fit.
Tip: It is always best to carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when attempting to unshrink Crocs.
Method 3. Wear-and-Tear Method
Materials needed
- Clean cloth
- Socks
- or other soft material
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Put on a pair of socks that are a bit too large for you, so the fabric won’t be stretched too much.
- Place your Crocs over the top of the socks and then pull them up until they fit snugly.
- Wear your Crocs for a few hours until the fabric has softened and returned to its original shape.
- Gently tug at any areas that need stretching, using a clean cloth to help you get into hard-to-reach areas.
- Once you are satisfied with the fit, remove your Crocs and let them air dry before trying them on again.
Pros and Cons
Pros: An affordable and uncomplicated method of restoring your Crocs to their original size without requiring additional supplies or instruments.
Cons: You need to be careful not to overstretch the fabric, as this can cause them to become too loose. Additionally, it can take a few hours before the fabric softens enough to achieve the desired fit.
Caution: When trying any of these methods, it is important to pay attention to the type of fabric used in your Crocs and be mindful that some materials may not respond well to extreme temperatures or stretching.
Method 4. Freeze Method – How To Unshrink Crocs In a Freezer
Materials needed
- Plastic bag
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Place your Crocs in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight.
- The next day, take them out and let them thaw for about 10-20 minutes.
- Once thawed, use your hands to gently tug at any areas that need stretching until you have achieved the desired fit.
- Allow your Crocs to air dry before you try them on.
Pros and Cons
Pros: A convenient way to return your Crocs to their original size without the need for additional supplies or tools.
Cons: This method can be time-consuming as it requires you to wait for the fabric to thaw, which may take up to 20 minutes. Additionally, some materials may not react well to extremely cold temperatures, so use caution when using this method.
Note: Allow the Crocs to dry fully before wearing them again for optimal comfort and fit.
Method 5: Using a Shoe Stretcher
Materials needed
- Shoe stretcher
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Insert your shoe stretcher into the inside of your Crocs and make sure it is firmly in place.
- Turn the knobs on either side of the stretcher to adjust the tightness until you have achieved the desired fit.
- Once the stretcher is in place, leave it for about 15-20 minutes to allow the fabric to relax.
- Remove the shoe stretcher and try your Crocs on to ensure they have kept their shape.
Suggested Readings
- How To Wear Crocs? Styles of Wearing Crocs
- Why Are Crocs So Expensive?
- Do You Wear Socks With Crocs?
Pros and Cons:
Pros: An effective way to restore your Crocs to their original size while also being able to adjust the tightness of the fit.
Cons: It may require an additional purchase of a shoe stretcher
Reminder: When customizing or stretching your Crocs, take great care, as excessive force can permanently damage the shoes.
Method 6. Stuffing with Newspaper – How to Unshrink Crocs
Materials needed
- Newspaper
- Clean cloth
Instructions or Step-By-Step Process
- Stuff your Crocs with crumpled-up newspaper, making sure it fills the entire shoe.
- Place the stuffed Crocs back into their original shape and leave them overnight.
- The following morning, remove the newspaper and use a clean cloth to help gently stretch out any areas that need expanding.
- Try on your Crocs to make sure they fit comfortably and snugly before wearing them.
Pros and Cons
Pros: This method doesn’t require heat and is easy to use.
Cons: Depending on the type of fabric, it may require multiple days for the fabric to expand back into its original shape. Additionally, some materials may not respond well to this method, so be sure to use caution.
Note: Unshrinking Crocs may damage the material and shorten the life of the shoes. Also, this method may not work if your crocs are made of synthetic materials, and they will not be able to be reshaped.
Conclusion
Unshrinking Crocs can be challenging, but with the right methods and tools, it doesn’t have to be. With the help of this article, you can now successfully unshrink your Crocs and continue to enjoy them for years to come.
Though each method will produce different results, and some may be better suited for certain fabrics, all of these methods are viable options when it comes to restoring your Crocs back to their original size.
Just remember to take great care when stretching or customizing your Crocs, and always follow the instructions provided to ensure you get the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do You Stretch Out Crocs?
There are several methods to stretch out Crocs, including using a heat, blow dryer, heat gun, cold water and ice cubes, shoe stretcher, or newspaper stuffing.
How Can I Make My Crocs Fit Again?
You can make your Crocs fit again by using a blow dryer to warm up the fabric and stretch it out, using a heat gun for extreme cases, using ice cubes and cold water to shrink them back in shape, using a shoe stretcher to adjust the tightness of the fit, or stuffing them with newspaper overnight.
Depending on the materials, some methods may be more effective than others so it’s important to choose the right method for your particular Crocs.
Why did my Crocs shrink?
Crocs can shrink due to exposure to high temperatures, water, humidity, or other environmental factors. Additionally, some materials may be more prone to shrinking than others. It’s important to take care of your Crocs and store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Can You Unshrink Crocs?
Yes, you can unshrink Crocs with the use of a few different methods, such as using a heat gun, blow dryer, ice cubes and cold water, shoe stretcher, or newspaper stuffing. Depending on the type of material your Crocs are made of and how much they have shrunken, some methods may be more effective than others.
It is important to take great care when attempting any of the above-mentioned methods and always follow the instructions provided. Additionally, some materials may not respond well to these methods, so use caution.
Can you shrink crocs?
Yes, some materials used in making Crocs can be prone to shrinking if exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. To prevent this, avoid heat and water when cleaning your Crocs and always store them in a cool, dry place.
How To Unshrink Crocs Flip Flops?
The same methods used to unshrink Crocs shoes can be applied to unshrink Crocs flip flops. However, it is important to note that some materials may not react well to certain methods, so use caution when attempting any of the above-mentioned solutions.
Can You Stretch Leather Crocs?
Yes, you can stretch leather Crocs. However, you should be aware that leather is a more delicate material, so use caution and follow the instructions provided for each method carefully in order to avoid any damage.
Can I Machine Wash Crocs?
No, it is not recommended to machine wash Crocs as this could cause them to shrink or become misshapen.
