Foam shoes, such as clogs, slides, sandals, and others with contemporary designs, have dominated the comfortable shoe market.
In such a case, Crocs may be the leader in foam shoes for more than two decades, but there is no doubt that Merrell’s Hydro Mocs are a big hit that is relatively new and doesn’t get enough attention. However, if you are a fan of ugly-looking or big-sized footwear, both of these will not disappoint you.
They have similar styles and materials but are comparable with one another in some features. Let’s examine the differences between them and find the best option.
Similarities and Differences between Merrell Hydro Moc And Crocs:
| Features | Merrell Hydro Moc | Crocs |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2021 | 2002 |
| Stability | Stable | Moderate stability |
| Flexibility | Flexible | Flexible |
| Sizing | 7-15 for Men5-11 for Women | 4-13 for Men6-12 for Women |
| Weight | 13 oz. | 11-16 oz. |
| Cushion | Cushioned | Cushioned |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
| Insole | Synthetic foam | Synthetic foam |
| Midsole | Bloom Performance foam | Polymer Foam |
| Upper | EVA | Croslite |
| Retail Price | $55-$60 | $50-$110 |
Merrell Hydro Moc Vs Crocs: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Merrell Hydro Moc and Crocs share certain commonalities, but there are significant differences between them which I will be demonstrating below.
1) Comfort:
Merrell Hydro Moc and Crocs are lightweight and perforated to promote airflow, contributing to higher ventilation and almost the same level of wearer comfort.
Crocs are exceptionally comfortable due to the use of Croslite material, a patented foam resin that is neither too flexible nor rigid and also prevents bacterial growth and odor.
Moreover, combating sore feet is now a global objective for shoe brands, and Crocs claims that its shoes are good for your health because they conform to your feet and provide additional comfort. This also minimizes the friction between your feet and shoes, thereby preventing the formation of blisters.
In contrast, Hydro Mocs are manufactured from EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) and have a rubber-like sponginess, similar in touch and feel to Crocs. Also, the heel of Merrell Hydro Moc has additional padding that mainly contributes to its high level of comfort. With the shape of this footwear and the way it bends, it allows you to have a little bit more feel of softness.
However, you should be aware of the foam used in the back part of these models needs time to soften up, so wearing these immediately can be painful.
Also See Our Comparison Between: Merrell Moab 2 And Moab 3: Which Is Better?
2) Popularity:
Crocs have been available to consumers for a long period, which contributes to their greater popularity. Even famous people like John Cena, Mario Batali, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber, Post Malone have been seen wearing Crocs, which have helped them to become more recognizable.
Merrell Hydro Mocs, on the other hand, have always been popular in the outdoor community, they’ve also become staples of street style. The New York Times also published an article in which they feature Hydro Mocs and other water shoes.
3) Running:
You should not consider both of these models for short or long-distance running, since they lack the stability, tread thickness, and cushioning of conventional running shoes.
Also, you have to exert considerable effort to keep these shoes on your feet, which distracts you while running and places unnecessary stress on your body.
Crocs can even slip off your feet easily, which could cause you to fall while running.
4) Walking:
Crocs are pretty easy to walk in because they have a padded footbed and are made of soft, flexible material. Since they don’t have much support, they might not be the best choice for long walks. But overall, Crocs can be a great option for short-distance walking and everyday wear.
Alternatively, the large heel of the Hydro Moc, makes the walking experience more pleasurable. The model is highly breathable and has better support making it suitable for all-day usage.
Furthermore, the drainage holes on Crocs are lower to the ground than those on Hydro Mocs, which makes it unpleasant to walk on sand or dirt as grains enter the shoes.
5) Flat Feet:
People with flat feet or collapsed arches are discouraged from wearing Crocs without adding any extra arch support. Their excessive flexibility prevents them from providing the necessary firmness and strength to rectify flat feet.
Although the Hydro Moc is a well-made shoe and has what Merrell calls a “contoured arch for support,” but still there is a limitation in this as well for flat feet people. The Hydro Moc has a large toe box that curves up toward the sky and raised the toes. It might feel weird and your toes will scrunch up which can hurt your flat feet.
6) Design:
Crocs have a closed-toe style and can be customized to the wearer’s liking by choosing from a wide variety of colors and designs. This footwear can alternate between Relaxed and sports mode with heel straps that can easily move forward or backward.
Relaxed mode is ideal for casual wear because you can slide it on or off your feet in a hurry or when you want to give your feet a break after an activity. Whereas, when you’re climbing on rocks or trekking, put on the heel strap of your Crocs so your feet don’t slip and you will get enough traction on the surface.
Due to this one-of-a-kind construction of Crocs, they can accommodate many foot shapes no matter wide or small. Also, they are made to stand up to water, heat, sand, rocks, and a lot of other harsh weather elements, so these are ideal for casual wear, professional use, and other recreational activities.
On the other hand, as the name suggests, the Merrell Hydro Moc is designed for beaches, kayaking, campsite, and any other activity that involves stepping into or out of the water. You can get them wet without worrying about the foam material absorbing the moisture. The water just rolls off, and after a few minutes, it will be totally dry.
Merrell also made it to be easily put on and take off shoes with a pullback tab in which you just put your foot in, and let go. You can also use the strap if you want a more secure fit.
In addition, the outsole features 2mm lugs, giving these shoes an amazing feeling when you decide to go outdoors in both wet and dry environments.
What do customers think?
According to many customer reviews, Crocs are the best or the worst thing for your feet.
Many people say that Crocs are the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn and others see them as a new fashion statement.
Customers are also delighted that Crocs are simple to maintain, highly functional, and blend in with most outfits. Conversely, few of them disliked the ugliness and had difficulty with the fit.
Some of the critics even own multiple pairs of Crocs in different colors and patterns, claiming there is nothing more relaxed than this footwear.
A few consumers also suggested that if you’re hesitant about purchasing Crocs due to looks but want practical, cozy, and versatile footwear for wearing outdoors and indoors you should go ahead and give these a try.
Conversely, Buyers of Merrell Hydro Mocs liked that the heel strap makes it feel like a shoe, but that it can also be flipped up to feel like a sandal. They also added that the shoes work well in most situations, especially when there are wet areas.
Many of them also noted that these are excellent pairs of summer shoes and are ideal for wearing to water sports.
A reviewer also stated that it was recommended to her by someone due to her wide feet as she is facing difficulty finding comfortable shoes, was extremely pleased with the comfort, and it also helps her with foot problems.
People who have worn these for some time said that what they like most about them is that they are made to fit almost everyone. But a few suggested paying attention to the size because they might be too big for your feet.
Conclusion: What To Choose?
Crocs and Hydro Mocs are casual footwear that isn’t for everyone, they are considered ugly shoes, but the comfort attracted the attention of many people thereby making them fashionable.
Basically, they are versatile enough to be worn for a lot of different outdoor activities and are great for wearing around the house as well.
In addition, they share a few features that make them suitable to be worn in and around water, including slip resistance and the inability to absorb moisture which helps your feet dry quickly.
In a nutshell, Crocs are simpler in appearance & design and are unique due to the use of Croslite material whereas if you need an eco-friendly option in funky colors with little more arch support then you should opt for Merrel Hydro Moc.