Crocs as belay/approach shoes??

What do you think: coffeetapeibuprofenclimb.bl…

Sure

For real though. They're pretty warm and make a good camp shoe. I have a partner who uses them for cragging and backpacking and he swears by them

things are treacherous on wet surfaces once the tread is worn smooth.

I'll second the mention about slippery on wet or even smoothish rock(glacier swept, as example) once the shoes get worn down. They become fairly useless. One year I had my worn down ones on in Joshua Tree on a hot sunny day. I was stepping on the downslope of some small boulder and one of the plastic sections at the front just gave way(melted) and my foot slid through.

When they're not worn down, they're great though.

Oh...except that there is no arch support whatsoever, and if you wear them day in and out for months at a tie, you will probably get pain because of it.

And you can always get camo ones if you don't want to be seen in them...

I belay in my sanuks. Not insanely cheap but I got them on sale. When they start to stink you can toss them into the washer too which is nice.

Climbing friend,

You may belay in your crocs if you want to look like a space invader from other planet. The problem downside, you see, is when you are removing your shirt to impress others with your guns and neck meat, they will only be able to focus on your ridiculous footwear.

I became very pro-croc this season, which was surprising to me considering before I ever bought or wore a pair of crocs, I thought they looked & were ridiculous.

My top reasons for liking:

1. Tread is good enough (at least on newer crocs) to hike comfortably through may different terrains: steep woods, gravel, steam beds, or steep talus fields, all approaches I've experienced wearing crocs with little issues.

2. Lightweight is a plus when taking them up long routes with walk offs, lighter and less size to throw on your pack than most approach shoes/boots.

3.Toe coverage. Key for belaying, hiking, walking around base of cliff, etc.

4/5. Ventilation/Slip ons ...especially for hot craggin' days when you can't wait to throw off your aggressive climbing shoes, you can just slip into the crocs with ease. You don't have to take your socks on & off to get your shoes back on. Or, if it's a cold day--any size socks will fit perfectly into the crocs!

6. They don't stink.... usually, and if they do, you can wash them quickly & they'll dry quickly!

Ok, maybe you're joking about chicks diggin' crocs.... but I think a "chick" who understands the versatility of crocs can definitely appreciate a fellow croc wearer!

Overall, I see crocs as a great approach shoe for most occasions.

Climbing friend,

I am sold by your lovely croc post, most attractive. Perhaps I may take off my shirt and you will look at my guns and not be distract by my crocs once I get a pair.