How to Shrink Crocs

Co-authored by Victor Adrian and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 22, 2025 Fact Checked

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Did you get a new pair of Crocs, only to find that they’re just a bit too big? Returning and exchanging for a new size can be a hassle—fortunately, Crocs are made of a material that shrinks easily in the heat. In this article, we’ll give you 4 different ways you can shrink your Crocs to get the perfect fit in just a few minutes.

Best Ways to Make Your Crocs Smaller

Place your Crocs in boiling water for 5 minutes, then use a pair of tongs to take them out safely. Alternatively, put your Crocs in the drying machine for 10 minutes, or blow dry your Crocs on high heat for 10 minutes. You can also leave your Crocs in direct sunlight for 20 minutes to shrink them.

1

Boil the Crocs in water for 5 minutes.

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Boiling water shrinks Crocs quickly without causing damage.^{[1]
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Victor Adrian
Footwear Expert

Expert Interview} Fill a large pot with water about 3/4 of the way full, then put it on high heat and wait until it boils. Place your Crocs into the water for 5 minutes, then use a pair of tongs to take them out.^{[2]
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- Use your tongs to gently stir the Crocs in the water so that both shoes get even coverage.
- If your Crocs can’t both fit into the pot at the same time, boil them one at a time or place them on a sink with the boiling water.^{[3]
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  Victor Adrian
  Footwear Expert
  
  Expert Interview}

2

Throw your Crocs in the dryer for 10 minutes.

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Set your dryer to medium heat to shrink Crocs without warping them. Put your Crocs in the dryer for 10 minutes, then check to see how shrunken they are. If they’re still too big, put them back in the dryer for another 10 minutes.^{[4]
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3

Point a hair dryer at your Crocs for 10 minutes.

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Place both of your Crocs on a flat table or countertop. Then, point the blow dryer at them and turn it on high heat. Slowly move the hair dryer back and forth over your Crocs for even coverage.^{[5]
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- This is a great method to use if you need to shrink the strap on your Crocs, too. Direct the hair dryer directly at the strap to target it.

4

Leave the Crocs in the sun for 20 minutes.

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Wait for a sunny day and place your Crocs in the direct sunlight. Check them out after about 20 minutes to see how much they’ve shrunk. Direct sunlight usually makes Crocs shrink super fast, so don't forget about them.^{[6]
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- If you’re pressed for time or need your Crocs to shrink a lot, try leaving them in a hot car with the windows rolled up. Crocs shrink very quickly in a hot car, so be sure to check on them every 20 minutes or so.

5

Let your Crocs cool before trying them on.

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Wait for about 5 minutes to avoid hurting your feet. Once you feel like your Crocs have shrunk enough, let them cool down and then try them on. If you need to shrink them more, don’t worry—it's possible! You can:
- Place the Crocs in boiling water for another 5 minutes.
- Throw the Crocs back in the dryer for 5 minutes.
- Heat the Crocs with your blow dryer for another 10 minutes.
- Put the shoes in direct sunlight for another 20 minutes.