HI! Welcome to my review/guide of several different Crocs styles of shoes. A few things about me before I start, I am a male, 47 years old 6 feet 5 inches tall and weigh about 295lbs (at this writing!). I grew up in the mountains of Colorado and after 20+ years of life, returned to Colorado in 2002. My working life has included a long enlistment in the Marine Corps and working as a Police Officer in several different citys, presently I work for the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National park. What that history has to do with Crocs you might ask? Well, I like to think I know a little bit about shoes and boots, being my height and weight AND in my lines of work - covering the feet COMFORTABLY is something I have had to learn over the years. I grew up wearing Vasque boots for the most part (untill the early 80's when Tevas' came out!! Then it was mostly boots in the winter and teva sandles the rest of the year), I was introduced to Crocs by my wife (a nurse) in the later part of 2002. I resisted the urge to actually purchase and wear a pair untill about 2004, since then however, I have purchased more then 30 pairs, in different styles and shapes and the following is just MY opinion/review of the styles I have worn. I hope it helps someone.

There are a few things that almost all crocs have in common

1. The nubs on the interior of the sole (the part that contacts the bottom of the foot). This constant rubbing and massaging action keeps blood flowing through the foot and even helps in sustaining warmth in the foot.
2. CROSLITE - Don't ask me for the chemical make-up, I have no idea, but the material is strong and durable. I actually have a pair of crocs that have been with me for over 6 years and while they are worn, they are still wearable and even though they don't have any tread left on the bottom of the sole, they are still very slip-resistant. The closed cell structure also allows for for the anti-microbial addition, odor resistance and super cushioning all tied into a super lightweight shoe.
3. They are recyclable (though you might have to really look for the right place to take them - here, there are deposit places all over).
4. Large toe boxes, except for some of the womens styles, this increases the comfort factor - but also makes you look like wearing shoes 2 or 3 sizes to big.LOL!
5. CUSTOMIZATION!!!!!! I don't mean with just jibbitz either. I have seen them painted, tattooed, glued and glittered.

CROCS BEACH The one that started it all

• PROS
• Available in many different colors and sizes all the way up to 4xl (16/17 mens)
• Easy to keep clean
• Great airflow and really keeps the smell down, even on really hot days
• You get the right size, they are similar to wearing nothing at all.
• CONS
• Feel sloppy when worn (my feet move around to much and I feel kind of unstable)

This is the style that my wife still wears to this day and HATES to get out of them for anything. Just NOT for everyone, if you get them as recommended, nothing but the soles should be touching your feet, makes me feel real unstable when I am walking - though in fairness I will say that I can not wear ANY clog style of footwear, I am a stepper, not a shuffler. While some might also put UGLY in the cons section, I disagree - they do make a statement, how can you not when you are that BRIGHT!! Not to mention, making my feet look like Frankenstien's isn't a bad thing for me!LOL!

CROCS CAYMAN - a slimmer version of the beach

• PROS
• Same as above
• CONS
• Same as above
• Whlie the design of the shoe is meant to be worn a bit tighter then the beach version, it is still a bit sloppy for me, though more stable feeling then the beach.

CROCS HYDRO Basically a Beach type shoe with a neoprine upper

• PROS
• Stability, it might be mental, but my feet do not move around as much as in the regular beach style.
• Can actually be used as flippers!! No kidding, might not be a great selling point, but the wife and I used them when snorkeling!
• Great slip resistant soles.
• CONS
• The only thing I didn't like about them, is they were a bit tough taking off
• I think Crocs discontinued the model??

CROCS ISLANDER - Basically a Beach style with a leather lace up upper

• PROS
• Again, stability. I got all of the comfort of the beach version without the slipping about
• Durability, I have worn my pair for close to two years now, I might not go hiking with them, but they have performed really well in all day shopping trips!!
• CONS
• Another style that is available either here (ebay) once in awhile or the outlet - to bad.

CROCS ALL-TERRAIN - A closed style of shoe with a leather lace up upper

• PROS
• The closed style makes it great for the outdoors and in colder, wetter weather.
• The sole - is molded like the OFF-ROAD style and is fairly functional and extreamly durable.
• The shoes design and color combos actually make for a great work shoe (as long as your dress code allows it)
• CONS
• Closed design did make my feet sweat some (though I combated this with good socks - thats right, crocs and socks!!LOL)
• Again, yet another item found in the Outlet.

CROCS AXLE - Basically an All terrain, but in different colors (CAMO)

• PROS
• Same as the all terrains
• COME ON - they are CAMO!! Different? Yes!
• CONS
• Same as All-terrains

CROCS HI-CRUISER - A crocs sole with a leather lace up upper. Shape is similar to chukka boots.

• PROS
• Great durbility
• Very comfortable
• Don't LOOK like Crocs
• Looks good with just about ANYTHING from jeans to slacks
• CONS
• Don't look like crocs!LOL!
• The leather is not stained treated

CROCS MAMMOTH - Crocs with a synthetic wool-like liner soft and VERY different

• PROS
• The liner does keep the feet warm
• The holes at the top of the shoe DO help with air circulation in the shoe, without to much heat loss.
• The liners are removable and can be washed and brushed.
• CONS
• If worn for extended times in a warm environment without moving your feet around (for air circulation) - your feet will sweat
• I do not like a clog style shoe (to help combat this, I use a pair of the turbo straps - perfect)
• While they are slip resistant and give some traction on ice, it is not much better then a pair of good tennis shoes.

CROCS WOOLY MAMMOTH - Mammoths with a turbo strap (I had the idea first LOL!) and rubber like coating.

• PROS
• A rubber like coating over the entire shoe, really repels water and muck.
• The outsoles, bottoms, have a different pattern and are rubber they provide alot of traction.
• The raised heel (only about a 1/4 or 1/2 inch) is really good to. Not only does it help keep crap out of the back of the shoe, it seems to help in day to day wear too.
• The turbo straps are a great addition.
• CONS
• to me, there are not enough ventilation holes or the density is thicker - feet start sweating faster then the regular mammoths.
• A little tougher to clean - the CROC butter does not work so a bit of scrubbing is sometimes needed.

CROCS OFF-ROAD - Sort of a beach version on steroids! Probably my favorite of ALL crocs.

• PROS
• Super durable on trail or off trail. They might be plastic - but have over 300 miles on one pair and no stone bruises on me or cuts on the shoes.
• Good traction, have used them for river rock hopping, and hiking.
• very stable - the turbo strap is pretty flexible - tighten it when hiking and loosen it when resting.
• The extra material in the toe box has saved my toes a few times (no, they are not steel toed, but the extra thickness will take the brunt if you stump your toe)
• CONS
• Can't think of any yet, no really!

CROCS TIKALI - An open topped sandal very similar to the teva styles

• PROS
• The straps allow for customization in sizing.
• the straps are wider, leather and backed with a padded material - very comfy!
• The open style is really great - feels alot like Tevas but with MUCH more cushion.
• CONS
• I have only had them for a week - so none at the moment.

This has been fun, but I realize that I MUST go clean out the closet and take a few of my older pairs (and about a dozen or so of the wife's) down to the local recycle bin!! Hope you enjoyed it!