The holes on top of a Crocs clog are one of the most recognisable shoe details in the world. Some people find them strange at first. But those holes are not just for looks. They serve several practical purposes, and they also make Crocs one of the easiest shoes to personalise.
In this guide
What Are the Holes Called?
Crocs calls them ventilation ports. They are the round openings on the upper of the Classic Clog and many other Crocs styles.
Reason 1: Airflow
The first purpose is airflow. The holes let air reach your feet, which helps them feel cooler and less sweaty, especially on warm days. That is one reason Crocs feel comfortable for casual summer wear.
Reason 2: Water Drainage
Crocs began as a boating shoe, and the holes help with water. When water gets into the clog, it can drain out through the holes rather than sitting inside. Combined with Croslite™, a material that does not soak up water, this helps Crocs dry quickly. Our guide on whether Crocs are waterproof explains how this works.
Reason 3: Jibbitz Charms
The holes have another popular use: they hold Jibbitz charms. These small decorations clip into the holes, letting you add letters, symbols and characters to your Crocs.
The idea famously started with a family in Colorado who began decorating their Crocs with small charms. Their business, Jibbitz, became part of Crocs in 2006. Our guide to what Jibbitz charms are tells the story.
Imagine a child looking at a new pair of Crocs and asking what the holes are for. Show them how a charm clicks into place, and suddenly the holes make perfect sense.
Do All Crocs Have Holes?
No. Many clogs, sandals and slides have holes, but some styles do not. Work clogs designed for kitchens and hospitals often have closed tops to keep spills out. Some lined clogs and boots also have fewer or no holes for warmth and protection.
If you need closed shoes for work, our comparison of the Crocs Classic Clog vs. Bistro Clog explains the difference.
Are There Any Downsides to the Holes?
The holes are great for air and water, but they also let in small stones, sand and splashes. That is why closed styles are better for workplaces with spills or sharp objects. For everyday casual wear, most people find the benefits outweigh the downsides.
Final Thoughts
Crocs have holes for three main reasons: airflow, water drainage and personalisation with Jibbitz. What started as a practical design for boaters has become one of the brand’s most loved features.
What do you use your Crocs holes for: airflow, charms or both?
