By Rehan Iqbal
Hey, allow me to set the record straight on steel toe Crocs.
Does Crocs make steel toe Crocs?
Unfortunately, no. There are so such thing as steel toe Crocs. They are a myth.
However, that doesn’t mean that some work Crocs aren’t safe to wear around the warehouse, workplace, or other heavy duty zone.
Remember, always check with your company’s regulations to make sure non-steeel toe shoes are permitted. If not, choose an alternative to steel toe Crocs (we provide a few below).
Steel Toe Clogs that Look Like Crocs
These are safety toe clogs that can easily be mistaken for Crocs. The design is very similar to Crocs barring the steel toe cap protection. It has a waterproof upper and a slip resistant outsole. Ticks all the boxes for ASTM F2413-2011 standards for impact and compression.
Alternatives to Steel Toe Crocs
Before you run off, I just want to say that Crocs has plenty of safe, comfortable, non-slip work shoes for most types of busy workplaces. As long as you aren’t working in heavy duty workplace, Crocs should be OK. As always, check with your employer. I’m just a Crocs lover writing content - not an OSHA expert.
Crocs work shoes are perfect for:
Just make sure to check with regulations and don’t just take my word for it. I’m not going to be held responsible if you get fired.
The Crocs at Work line is designed for nurses, baristas, and other hospitality or healthcare workers in need of a strong shoe that helps you stay on your feet 8-12 hours a day or more.
Here are a few of my favorite work shoes from Crocs:
Why Doesn’t Crocs Make Steel Toe Boots?
I actually asked myself this question too.
Thing is, Crocs were made to be a lightweight, comfortable line of shoes you could wear 12 hours a day at work without hurting your foot. They weren’t made for moving steel beams around the Empire State Building.
After work, I slip off my Crocs and slip into my other Crocs to lounge around the house in. See what I mean?
Steel Toe shoes are supposed to be hard enough to stop metal from destroying your toes, so they have to be heavy, thick, and tight. Crocs are the opposite: light, breathable, and roomy at the front to keep your toes from hurting.
Long story short: Crocs are supposed to be lightweight, not steel.
Are Crocs Safe to Wear at Work?
I get this question ALL the time.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. What type of work are we talking about? Are you a NASCAR driver or are you taking care of the elderly?
Crocs work shoes are designed for non-industrial workplaces or at most light industrial like a warehouse floor (but even then I’d hesitate).
Crocs work shoes are more about keeping you from being in pain while on your feet all day and to stop you from slipping. Not for protecting your toe from hazards.
So, YES, Crocs are safe for work as long as your work place isn’t full of heavy safety hazards.
If you need something non-slip, comfortable, and durable, then Crocs are great. If you need something strong to protect your bones, they aren’t.
Crocs and OSHA: What’s the Deal?
OSHA is in business to protect workers on the job site by ensuring employers maintain safety standards and provide a safe working environment.
So, in general, OSHA allows employers to set their own protocol so long as that protocol meets government regulations. Does that make sense?
What I’m saying is that it’s up to your employer to say what you can and cannot wear to work, so long as its not a violation of code. So in that case, yes, employers can allow their staff to wear casual footwear like sandals, Crocs, and other clogs, so long as it’s not a hazard.
Long story short: Yes, casual footwear like Crocs are OSHA compliant so long as the environment you’re working in isn’t deemed hazardous.
Just ask your employer if you really are confused. If it’s a restaurant or something, you’re fine. Just wear your slip resistant Crocs.
Are There Any Shoes That Look Like Steel Toe Crocs?
I pretty much only wear Crocs to work now, so I had to do some digging for this. Turns out, yes, there are a ton of awesome alternatives to steel toe Crocs that do actually look like the real thing.
Check these out:
Verdict - Do They Make Steel Toe Crocs?
No, they don’t make steel toe Crocs, but there are plenty of great alternative Crocs work shoes. If you need something with a little more OOMPH, then check out the steel toe alternatives that look almost like Crocs, but aren’t quite the same.
F.A.Q
Q: Are Crocs work safe?
A: Yes, in general, Crocs are work safe. But be sure to check with your employer.
Q: What do podiatrists say about Crocs?
A: In general, podiatrists like Crocs for their ergonomic design, comfort, and breathability, but many health professionals are hesitant to endorse any commercial brand.
Q: Are Crocs OSHA approved?
A: Yes, in general, Crocs are OSHA approved, but it depends on the job site. OSHA allows employers to set their own work standards, so if your employer allows Crocs, then it’s totally fine. However, you need to check with your employer first.
Q: Can you use Crocs as work shoes?
A: Yes! In fact, this is what Crocs are for! They were designed to help you work 8-12 hour shifts on slippery surfaces without feeling foot pain or falling over. Hospital workers, home health care aids, waitresses, baristas, and other hospitality staff love Crocs for the all-day comfort, durability, and comfort. Yes, they are awesome work shoes!