Crocs Bistro vs Classic Clogs Compared [What’s the Difference?]


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There are significant differences when you compare the Crocs Bistro vs Classic Clogs on things such as weight, sizing, and design. Quickly, this is what jumps out the most to me:

  • Crocs Bistro (although it can be worn casually) is designed as a work clog. This means it has a closed-toe design (no ventilation), with a thicker metatarsal area, and a taller heel cup. The Crocs Bistro also has a special slip-resistant outsole, and the Crocs Classic just has the traditional Crocs tread.
  • Both styles have what Crocs calls a “roomy” fit (which is the widest fit they offer), but I found the Crocs Bistro clog to fit larger than my Crocs Classic clog. Later in the article I use my side-by-side photo size comparison to show the size difference.
  • There is a difference in weight. My Crocs Classics weigh 0.43 pounds per shoe and my Crocs Bistro weigh 0.73 pounds per shoe (based off size 12 men’s).
  • Both styles have a pivoting heel strap. As I mentioned earlier, the Bistro has the taller heel cup.

I recently tried ten different types of Crocs. Just to give you an idea where Crocs Classics and Crocs Bistro clogs compare to other styles regarding weight, I listed all of the weights below (weights based off one size 12 men’s shoe). The Specialist, Bistro Pro, and On-the-Clock clogs are similar to the Bistro in that they are designed to be work clogs:

Type of CrocsWeight (lbs)Photo
Crocs Classic0.43click here to view
Crocs Baya0.43click here to view
Crocs All Terrain0.56click here to view
Crocs Yukon Vista II0.56click here to view
Crocs Specialist0.60click here to view
Crocs Crocband0.60click here to view
Crocs LiteRide0.66click here to view
Crocs Bistro0.73click here to view
Crocs Bistro Pro0.83click here to view
Crocs On-the-Clock0.84click here to view

In this article let’s take a closer look at Crocs Classic vs Bistro so you can decide which style might be best for you. I will use specific sizing photos that I have comparing these styles to other popular types of shoes so you can feel more confident you are ordering the right size.

Crocs Classic vs Bistro Clogs

Crocs Classic Clogs

Weight0.43 pounds
ToeVented
HeelOpen
Fit Roomy

The Crocs Classic Clog is the traditional Crocs style, with a ventilated toe and an open heel with heel strap. It has a roomy toe box, but I found my normal sizing to fit true to size (just don’t expect a narrow fit).

This Crocs Classic shoe is very comfortable and lightweight. Out of the ten different types of Crocs clogs that I tried, the Crocs Classic tied for the most lightweight Crocs (my size 12 weighs 0.43 pounds per shoe).

This is the current price of these Crocs Classic Clogs available at Crocs.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Crocs.com). If you want to read more about this style of Crocs and see sizing photos, visit my Crocs Classic Review.


Crocs Bistro Clogs

Weight0.73 pounds
ToeNot Vented
HeelOpen
Fit Roomy

The Crocs Bistro Clog is designed similar to the Crocs Classic, but has a few extra details that make it more work-appropriate. For example, it doesn’t have ventilation holes, and it has the slip-resistant outsole and a taller heel cup. All of these things make this clog a better work option than the Crocs Classic.

Just like the Crocs Classic, the Crocs Bistro has a roomy toe box. I actually found these Crocs Bistro clogs to fit bigger than Crocs Classics. Because it lacks the ventilation holes, the Crocs Bistro shoe weighs a little bit more than the Crocs Classic (my size 12 weighs 0.73 pounds per shoe).

This is the current price of these Crocs Bistro Clogs available at Crocs.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Crocs.com). If you want to read more about this style of Crocs and see sizing photos, visit my Crocs Bistro Clog Review.


Crocs Bistro vs Classic Sizing

In my experience, all types of Crocs clogs have a wide fit design. But, it is important to note that Crocs are offered in two main types of fits: Roomy Fit and Relaxed Fit. Don’t expect either of these fits to be narrow, but the Roomy Fit is the widest option.

Both the Crocs Classics and the Crocs Bistro have a “Roomy Fit”, which means they both have the widest fit available. Despite that, I found the Crocs Bistro clogs to have the bigger fit.

Remember, Crocs do not come in half sizes. Here is my side-by-side comparison photo of my Crocs Bistro (on the left) compared to regular Crocs:

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-crocs-classic

**Verify Your Crocs Sizing**: Crocs.com now has its own sizing resource page which helps you find the right fit for your foot. Click here to view this sizing resource available at Crocs.com (paid affiliate link takes you to Crocs.com).

Also, if you are looking for quick Crocs sizing advice and don’t want to browse through all the comparison photos on this page, then this quick video below just summarizes my thoughts regarding how Crocs fit:


Crocs Classic Sizing Photos

Below are the Crocs sizing photos I took for the Crocs Classics compared to other brands. Please note that the pivoting heel strap is where the back of the foot will start, so take that into consideration when comparing these shoes.

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Birkenstock

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-birkenstock

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Nike Air Max

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-nike-air-max

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Nike Dunk

womens-nike-dunk-high-sizing-vs-crocs

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Reebok Club C

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-reebok

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Air Jordan 1

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-jordan

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Nike Court Legacy

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-nike-court-legacy

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Adidas Superstar

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-adidas

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Skechers

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-skechers

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Nike Waffle One

womens-nike-waffle-one-sizing-vs-crocs

Crocs Classic Sizing vs K-Swiss Classic

womens-k-swiss-classic-sizing-vs-crocs

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Merrell Hydro Moc

merrell-womens-hydro-moc-vs-crocs-sizing

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Merrell Jungle Moc

merrell-jungle-moc-womens-vs-crocs-sizing

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Nike Court Vision

womens-nike-court-vision-sizing-vs-crocs

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Hey Dude

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-hey-dude

Crocs Classic Sizing vs Vans

crocs-classic-sizing-vs-vans

Crocs Bistro Sizing Photos

Below are the Crocs sizing photos I took for the Crocs Bistro clogs compared to other brands. Please note that the pivoting heel strap is where the back of the foot will start, so take that into consideration when comparing these shoes.

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Regular Crocs

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-crocs-classic

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Vans

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-vans

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Nike Air Max

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-nike-air-max

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs New Balance 574

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-new-balance

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Adidas Superstar

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-adidas

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Hey Dude

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-hey-dude

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Nike Dunk

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-nike-dunk

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Reebok Classic

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-reebok

Crocs Bistro Sizing vs Air Jordan 1

crocs-bistro-sizing-vs-jordan

Crocs Classic vs Bistro Design

Ventilation

Because the Crocs Bistro clogs are designed, in part, to be a work clog, they do not have ventilation holes like the Crocs Classics. That means if you are looking for a summer water shoe, the Crocs Classics will be the better option.

crocs-classic-side-2
crocs-bistro-side

Tread

The Crocs Bistro clogs have a slip-resistant outsole that makes them work friendly. Although I have found them to provide adequate traction, the Classic Crocs are not slip resistant.

Below is the tread of my Crocs Classics:

crocs-classic-outsole

Here is the slip-resistant outsole of my Crocs Bistro clogs:

crocs-bistro-outsole
slip-resistant-crocs

Heel Cup

The Crocs Bistro clogs, despite having an open-heel design with the pivoting heel strap, have a taller heel cup, which might help them meet certain workplace standards. Below is a comparison of my Crocs Classics heel (left) versus my Crocs Bistro heel (right):

crocs-bistro-vs-classic-heel

Other Crocs to Consider

If you want to read about other Crocs, visit our articles linked below:

My Crocs Classic vs Bistro Conclusion

The Crocs Classics are that perfect laid-back clog that you can wear for a lazy weekend around the house, take with you on vacation, or even wear for simple errands around town. It has a lightweight, ventilated design perfect for summer.

The Crocs Bistro clogs are built more for professionals. Although they certainly can be worn for everyday, casual use, the closed-toe design (and taller heel cup) helps them meet certain workplace standards. They also have slip-resistant outsoles and extra metatarsal support.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

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