Due to being constructed of a substance called Croslite, practically all families agree that the Crocs are so comfortable and robust. Yet as a result of fears about performances under high temperatures and direct sunlight, discourse around the potential of shrinkage has multiplied in various arguments and anecdotal evidence.
The Material Science Behind Crocs
Croslite is a closed-cell resin with lightweight, water-friendly properties that are designed to stand up to these and other elements. However, although it has a number of attractive properties, this material is still not completely immune to the effects of very high temperatures. If Croslite is exposed to heat it may shrink or warp.
Evidence of Shrinkage
Because so many people have noticed this, there are a lot of anecdotes about the fact that Crocs do seem to actually shrink in size if you leave them out in the sun for an extended period. One user described abandoning their Crocs outside for some hours in 38C (100F) heat and when they came back, the shoe had shrunk, which doesn’t reverse within.
I can relate to someone else who said that the SUN had shrunken their Crocs so much, they were tight!
The Role of Heat and Light
When a shoe is exposed to heat and the material it’s made from (Croslite) comes into contact with heat, you might experience some changes in measurements temporarily. The second part is convinced that heat regularly the material to inflate, But if it cools at a compressed state(eg: someone puts them on while he still feels warm) It might remain small. This can sometimes give the impression of a smaller shoe because of the temperature causing heat expansion and contraction.
Debunking Myths
However, some disagree with these reports and claim that Crocs are tough enough to fade a bit from normal exposure. They stress that drastic conditions could potentially cause the shoe form to change wholesale but regular wear (ie wearing outside on a sunny day) should be fine.
According to this view, the band of caution should be maintained and Crocs should not be placed in the sun for a long time, but some exposure from time to time should not cause irreversible harm.
Best Practices for Care
To retain the shape and prevent shrinkage/fading of your Crocs:
- Avoid exposure to sunlight: Do not let Crocs in the sun too long
- Store crocs appropriately: During off days, stow them away in a shaded area or indoors.
- Check the temperature: Never leave them in a hot car, or anywhere else they’ll get really warm.
In short, there are reasons to suspect it is true that Crocs will melt if they are left out in a hot sun for a long time but not with regular stepping. The way that Croslite works makes it clear why one person’s shoes shrink but another person’s do not. By taking proper care of them and not exposing too much heat or sun, you can keep your Crocs the same way they are for a while.
FAQs
Do Crocs Shrink When Exposed to Heat?
Yes, Crocs can shrink if they are exposed to high temperatures. The Croslite™ material used in Crocs is sensitive to heat, so drying them in a dryer, leaving them in direct sunlight, or placing them near a heat source can cause the shoes to contract and lose their original shape. To avoid shrinking, it’s best to air dry Crocs at room temperature away from direct heat.
How Can I Prevent My Crocs from Shrinking?
To prevent your Crocs from shrinking, follow these care tips:
- Avoid High Heat: Do not use a dryer or expose Crocs to direct sunlight for long periods.
- Air Drying: After cleaning, let your Crocs air dry naturally at room temperature.
- Proper Cleaning: Clean Crocs with mild soap and water instead of harsh chemicals that can degrade the material.
- Storage: Store Crocs in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to maintain their shape and size.
Can I Unshrink My Crocs If They’ve Shrunk?
If your Crocs have shrunk due to heat exposure, it might be possible to restore them partially by following these steps:
- Soak in Warm Water: Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water and soak the Crocs for about 15-30 minutes to help relax the material.
- Reshape Gently: After soaking, gently stretch and reshape the Crocs to their original form while they are still warm and pliable.
- Air Dry: Allow the Crocs to air dry completely in their reshaped form.
Keep in mind that this method may not fully restore the original size and shape, and results can vary. To maintain the integrity of your Crocs, it’s best to prevent shrinkage by avoiding excessive heat exposure.