Crocs – The Most Tactical Shoe

Social media in this industry can get weird sometimes. It often seems that the second most effective way to generate engagement (after half-naked women) is tactical curmudgeon posts. You’ve seen these posts before. They say things “No man should ever wear shower shoes” or, “Crocs will get you killed in the streets!” Nuance is eschewed in favor of appealing to machismo. Everyone gets to have their tribe moment where they high-five and act like they are so glad they aren’t like all the other clueless goobers.

Are Crocs really all that bad? Are they possibly even… tactical? I’ve answered that question for myself and I won’t be without a pair of Crocs. In spite of what the tactical-stick-in-the-muds say, I think they are actually pretty darn practical. They might even be the MOST tactical shoe (in some situations… for some people… doing some activities… maybe).

For instance, you can put your feet into a pair of Crocs about as fast as you can put your feet on the ground when getting out of bed. Unlike something like a thong sandal, your toes are protected and there is heel retention so you can actually run in them. That’s right. Crocs are the ultimate bump in the night footwear.

They also happen to be a great addition to your backcountry mobility kit. They are lightweight, don’t absorb water, can be wiped dry, stay on your feet well during movement, and are comfortable. This makes them perfect for creek crossings or taking care of your feet in camp.

This article is only partially about Crocs. It’s really more about thinking for yourself and understanding that it is okay to like what you like. Don’t buy into the absolute statements that get tossed around by the grumpy tacticians who know no other way of engaging their groupies. If you like Crocs, wear them. You might find they are actually useful.

After all, if Crocs aren’t tactical how do you explain the fact that they are MLOK compatible?