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No clunky Crocs clogs here! Meghan chose the Crocs Kadee flats for her travel shoes and would definitely pack them again.
If you’ve only ever associated Crocs with the clogs they became famous for, Meghan’s Kadee flats review is a must-read. Keep scrolling for all the reasons these flats might be your next favorite travel shoe – as well as some HPL recommended alternatives.
Surprisingly comfortable, lightweight, versatile, washable, wear-in-the-shower travel shoe option.
What I Look For in a Travel Shoe
Choosing the correct type (and quantity) of footwear for traveling can be daunting. Shoes typically take up most of the space in luggage, so I hate to pack a pair only to end up not using them.
When on the hunt for a day-to-day walking shoe that would get me through seven weeks in Asia, in addition to one pair each of running sneakers, flip flops, and sandals, I was especially looking for:
- A lot of support (due to previous running injuries)
- Comfort
- Waterproof material (no fear of getting caught in the rain and waiting days for my shoes to dry)
- Easy to slip on and off (it is custom to take off shoes before entering temples, homes, and even some businesses in Asia)
- Breathable (we would be facing some hot temperatures) but offering more coverage than the sandals I packed (we would also be facing some cool temperatures)
- Easy to clean (I was already familiar with the dust and dirt that would be hard to avoid on our trip)
- Affordable
- Packable
On past trips, I packed canvas slip-ons but they only fit a couple of the above requirements. When Crocs were recommended to me my mind immediately went to the cumbersome clogs they’re most well known for, but after browsing through Crocs’ website and discovering that they offer a ton of different styles and colors, Crocs were looking like a good option.
Eventually, I purchased the Kadee Flats and am so glad I did. Since then I’ve noticed many other women wearing them, both when traveling and at home, usually in the black or grey color.
- Read why HPL reader, Rachel, was glad she traveled with her Crocs.
Pros & Cons of the Crocs Kadee Flats for Travel
Let’s revisit my requirements and break them down into pros and cons after my seven-week trip:
Pros of Crocs Kadee Flats: 7 Ways They Make Awesome Travel Shoes
- A lot of support: Thanks to the Croslite™ foam cushion and “circulation nubs” under your sole, these provided support for all day walking around.
- Comfort: These did take some breaking in (see “cons” below) but after that were very comfortable (see support, above).
- Waterproof material: These dry so quickly! Use a towel or allow them to air dry overnight.
- Easy to slip on and off: Yes! I was able to just slide my feet in and out without using my hands.
- Breathable but offering more coverage than the sandals I packed: These are breathable thanks to their “stylized holes” at your heel and near your toes. On really cold nights I wish I had more coverage on the tops of my feet, but those low temperatures weren’t the norm during my trip so for the most part I was thankful for that breathability.
- Affordable: I purchased these on sale through Amazon for $13.99, but they’re still affordable not on sale at $22.15. Click here to see all the Crocs prices on Amazon.
- Packable: These shoes are not very big and you don’t have to worry about squishing them under your other belongings since they’re so durable. That being said, I tended to wear them during transportation to save room in my luggage as well as for comfort and easy slip on and off on trains, buses, and planes.
Cons of the Crocs Kadee Flats
- [Not So] Easy to clean: These were in fact not that easy to clean, and it may be because of the light color I purchased (raspberry). I washed them with soap and water often but they never cleaned completely. Luckily the dirt was mainly on the bottom of the shoe (to be expected) and on the sides near the sole, so, not very visible.
- Break-In Period: These ended up being very comfortable but I did have to deal with a few blisters in the beginning, especially in very hot temperatures. This can vary for every person from shoe to shoe, but pack some bandaids just in case.
- Color: On this trip the raspberry color went with almost everything I packed, but if I buy these again I’ll purchase black, which will easily match with everything and also not appear dirty so quickly.
Would I pack Crocs Kadee Flats again? Absolutely.
Crocs Kadee Flats Travel Shoe Alternatives
While Meghan makes a good case for the Crocs Kadee Flats in her review, this exact Croc may not be available near you or you might be looking for something slightly different.
Similar Material to the Crocs Kadee Flats
Crocs Brooklyn Flat $44.99
Very similar to the Crocs Kadee Flats, the Crocs Brooklyn Flats have enhanced arch support making them the perfect flat for all-day travel wear. They are lightweight and easy to clean with soap and water.
Crocs Women’s At Work Flat $26.82
The Crocs Women’s At Work Flats are slip-resistant with enhanced arch support and a relaxed fit. Similarly to the other Crocs options, they are easy to clean with soap and water and dry quickly.
Crocs Alice Work Flat $39.99
The strap across the Crocs Alice Work Flats differentiates these Crocs from the other Crocs options. They are slip-resistant, easy to clean, and quick-drying with enhanced arch support.
OKABASHI Georgia Soft Jelly Ballet Flats $22.49
The Okabashi Georgia Ballet Flats are designed for all-day comfort, with subtle arch support, and a contoured footbed. An ideal travel shoe. They are machine-washable, water-resistant, non-slip, and available in three color options – nude, black, and toffee.
OKABASHI Samantha Ballet Flats $24.99
Similarly to the Okabashi Georgia Ballet Flats, the Okabashi Samantha Ballet Flats provide premium arch support. The cutout design makes these travel shoes breathable and perfect for a warm destination. They are machine-washable, water-resistant, and non-slip.
Similar Style to the Crocs Kadee Flats
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flat $69.95
Although one of the more pricier options on this travel shoe list, the Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flat is available in a wide range of colors and provides all-day comfort with a memory foam layer on the sole. They are lightweight and easy to pack.
Skechers Microburst One up Fashion Sneaker $48.30
The Skechers Microburst One up Fashion Sneaker allows for maximum flexibility and is extremely lightweight. They have a full-length memory foam cushioned comfort insole.
Skechers Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat $43.48
The Skechers Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat has a breathable mesh upper and a high-rebound insole which absorbs impact for maximum comfort. They are available in taupe and black.
Clarks Ayla Low Ballet Flat $46.05
The Clarks Ayla Low Ballet Flat is ultra-lightweight, perfect for packing in your suitcase! The OrthoLite footbed provides supreme cushion and impact absorption for all-day wear.
Oviaric Classic Comfort Mary Jane Flats $41.99 – $49.99
The Oviaric Classic Comfort Mary Jane Flats are made from sturdy but soft leather. The removable cushioned memory foam footbed provides nonstop comfort, supreme shock absorption, and support.
Do you have a pair of shoes that you can’t travel without? Share them below.
About Meghan: Meghan Zichelli is a marketing and communications professional living in Brooklyn, NY with her own travel and food blog, which she runs with her fiancé. When not traveling, eating, or cooking, Meghan loves to read and bike. You can find her at www.polkadotsocks.net
NOTE: All photos of Meghan credit to Premshree Pilliai www.polkadotsocks.net.
I’ll admit, I was reluctant to buy my crocs due to the stigma, but they’ve turned out to be the best flats ever – comfortable, durable and easy to clean. I can’t imagine traveling in anything else.
What Crocs did you buy, Kate? The Kadee flats or other?
Thanks for this – I never even thought to check out crocs for lightweight, supportive, water-proof travel flats!
I have had a pair of black Kadees for years and love them. They are great for normal use, but my recent trip to Thailand was the first time I walked extensively in them in high heat and humidity, and the rubber really chafed my heels. Otherwise, they are light, cute, durable, waterproof, and easy to slip on/off, ergo awesome for most use cases. Side note – your feet get sun but your toes don’t. 🙂
I find the colors get dingy after a while but they perk up to nearly brand new if you use a magic eraser on them. I just clean them while I’m taking a shower lol
Ahhh the magic eraser – great tip! I love those things 🙂
I find that my feet sweat in rubber/plastic closed toe shoes. Verdict?