Crocs Alternatives: 5 Comfy Shoes That Are Better for the Planet
DoGoodHQ.co Editorial TeamLast Updated: February 6, 2025
Crocs Alternatives: 5 Comfy Shoes That Are Better for the Planet
Crocs: they’re an unlikely fashion phenomenon that changed casual footwear forever. But they aren’t the only ones to make a splash in the easy-breezy-booties game. If plastic footwear has you worried about more than one kind of footprint, we’ve got you (and your toes) covered.
Find the perfect bio-based Crocs alternative for you, your kids, or anyone in your life in need of a comfortable slip-on shoe. No matter what you love about Crocs, we found some clogs, slippers, and sandals that are light on your feet and easy on the environment.
What is a “Croc Alternative,” Exactly? Why Get One?
The chunky plastic clogs that Crocs made famous are divisive in their style, to say the least. No matter how you feel about them as a fashion statement, there’s no denying that there are some definite perks to the form and function of the style. But do they have to be plastic? Luckily for your feet, and the forests, Crocs are far from the only brand offering convenient, comfortable, versatile slippers.
Are Crocs sustainable?
It’s fair to say that as far as eco-friendliness goes, Crocs could be worse, but they could also be much better.
The popular slippers are made of a type of proprietary resin using PEVA or EVA. It’s a plastic material that uses fossil fuel components, meaning it’s not biodegradable or compostable.
Crocs is working to improve sustainability in its manufacturing by using bio-based materials. But it has some way to go before the shoes can be called truly “eco-friendly.”
What to Look For in an Alternative to Crocs
What you shop for in an alternative shoe will all depend on what you like about Crocs. Since plastic is the problem, look for shoes that meet all your needs without compromising on sustainability.
Opt for comfy slip-ons made with bio-based, eco-friendly materials, and you’ll be sure to find a shoe you can feel good about.
Top 5 Crocs Alternatives: How We Chose
We narrowed down our list of top not-Crocs by considering what exactly people love about the shoes. Here’s how we chose the best croc alternatives:
- Material: You’re here for eco-friendly footwear, so that’s what you’ll get! We only selected products that use sustainable, bio-based, or vegan materials in their shoes.
- Style: We looked for variety in shape, color, fit, and design so you can find the slipper that speaks to you.
- Durability: Your shoes have a big job to do, so you need products that can stand up to the daily wear-and-tear of walking, skipping, shimmying, shuffling, or whatever else you want to do in them!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. KANE Revive
| Certifications | B Corporation |
| Material | Bio-based foam |
| Made For | Adults |
This stylish alternative to Crocs is more than a Swiss-cheese-style sneaker—it’s a recovery shoe designed to comfort, soothe, and support your tired feet. The textured insole has small nodes that help improve blood flow, and the thick foam heel offers an extra level of shock absorption.
Highlights
KANE’s proprietary eco-friendly foam is made from Brazilian sugarcane. It’s also water-resistant and quick-drying. The shoes are easy to wash and won’t get water-logged.
Things to Consider
Extreme heat can cause the shoe’s material to warp, so avoid cleaning them in washing machines or dishwashers. Prolonged time in a hot car can also damage the foam.
2. Oboz Unisex Whakata Coast Mule & Clog
| Certifications | B Corporation |
| Material | Bio-based EVA and rubber |
| Made For | Adults |
These are the foot-friendly Crocs alternative for those who love a slide-on slipper. Made with bio-based EVA and durable rubber, they offer sculpted arch support and extra sturdy traction. The dual-density design means softer foam for your feet and durable support below.
Highlights
The slippers offer plenty of ventilation and come in a variety of colors. The tough rubber outsole makes them great for indoor and outdoor use alike.
Things to Consider
This Croc alternative runs large and has a wide build, which may not be comfortable for everyone, especially if you have narrower feet.
3. Chaco Women’s Canyon Woven Clog
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Recycled plastic webbing, polyester, suede |
| Made For | Women |
If you need an outdoorsy Croc alternative, Chaco has the clogs you’ve been looking for. The handwoven webbing is strong yet breathable. Better yet, it’s made from recycled water bottles. The extra-grippy tread is strong enough to handle wet surfaces, so you can stride safely and in style.
Highlights
The soft, supportive, podiatrist-approved footbeds are made for all-day comfort. Chaco is also known for its sustainability initiatives, from turning old water bottles into fabric to repairing and returning worn-out shoes and keeping them out of landfills.
Things to Consider
The woven clogs tend to run small, so consider sizing up. The webbing is also non-wicking, so tread carefully if you don’t want wet feet.
4. Will’s Vegan Store Clog Footbed Sandals
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Vegan leather, vegan suede, cork, rubber, metal |
| Made For | Women |
Did someone say vegan leather Crocs alternatives? We just did! These fashion-forward sandals have footbeds with added arch support and a shock-absorbing cork sole for lasting comfort. A silky vegan suede lining means you can rock them with or without socks.
Highlights
These shoes are a certified carbon-neutral product and are delivered via carbon-neutral chipping. The grippy rubber outsoles are made with recycled rubber. If you aren’t happy with the sandals, you have a full year to return them through (you guessed it) the carbon-neutral return service.
Things to Consider
While there is a heel cup to help keep your foot in place, they may slip off easier than others due to the sleek suede interior. The lack of ventilation in the toe box means they are somewhat less breathable than the other items on our list.
5. Native Jefferson Cozy Child
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Bio-based EVA |
| Made For | Kids |
Durability, convenience, and comfort are everything in a kid’s Crocs alternative. That’s why this cozy slipper from Native is a must. The recycled fleece lining, bio-based EVA exterior, and shock-absorbing sole make it a warm and comfy choice for kiddos on the go.
Highlights
The sustainable EVA is made from sugarcane and is supremely lightweight. The wide mouth also makes it easy for kids to slip on and off by themselves.
Things to Consider
While it’s great for keeping toes toasty after a swim or on a winter day, the fleece lining may be too warm for hot summer days.
How to Choose the Best Crocs Alternative
So now that you have some options, how can you pick the perfect shoe? Here are some questions to help you figure out which slipper, sandal, or clog will get the job done:
- Where and how will you use them? Consider the tread type, comfort features, breathability, fit, and material based on how you want to use your shoes.
- Is color important to you? Some products have more color variations than you can count on two hands, while others just have one. You may be able to narrow your choices if you love having lots of colorful options.
- What’s your budget? There is a wide range of prices when it comes to Crocs alternatives. It all depends on the brand, style, size, and quality. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options for almost every budget.
You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes. By choosing Crocs alternatives that are as friendly to the Earth as they are to your feet, you can walk with an extra bit of confidence that you’re doing yourself—and the planet—a favor.
Featured image via Kane Footwear