From athleisure to sweatpants, you can get away with wearing almost anything, even high-heeled Crocs. But when you visit Rome, Italy, and Vatican City, the fashion standards change significantly. Italians take great pride in their fashion – it is called Bella figura in Italian.

Yes, you can wear Crocs in the Vatican, as the official dress code focuses more on what parts of your body are covered rather than the specific brand of footwear. The strict Vatican dress code requires that your shoulders and knees must be covered; this means no sleeveless tops, miniskirts, or short shorts. While there is no explicit ban on specific types of shoes, "flip-flops" are occasionally discouraged as being too casual for a sacred space. Crocs, especially if worn with the heel strap in place, are generally considered acceptable "sandals" or "walking shoes." However, keep in mind that a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica involves several hours of walking and standing on hard marble and stone floors. While Crocs are comfortable, many 2026 travel guides recommend high-quality sneakers or supportive walking shoes to avoid foot fatigue. As long as you aren't wearing beachwear or anything with offensive slogans, your choice of functional footwear like Crocs will not prevent you from entering.