Since they arrived on the scene, Crocs have been a divisive footwear. Some people love them, others think they are the ugliest shoes they’ve ever seen. Beyond aesthetics and fashion, however, a question remains: are Crocs good for your feet? Podiatrists and experts have finally answered the question.
Are Crocs Bad For Your Feet?
Crocs have become a popular casual footwear choice due to their comfort and lightweight design. While they may seem like a convenient option, podiatrists and foot health experts have raised concerns about their long-term effects on foot health. This is everything you need to know about Crocs, how, and even if, you should wear them.
The Downside of Wearing Crocs
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. While Crocs can be comfortable, you can’t confuse comfort with proper foot support. Simply put, Crocs are not designed to provide your feet the support they need for extended periods of time. This is especially if you are standing for long periods or walking quite a lot. The primary problems are:
- Lack of Arch Support: Crocs offer very little to no arch support. This can strain the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes. Over time, this can lead to heel pain or plantar fasciitis, a common cause of foot pain.
- Poor Heel Control: The open-back design and flimsy material of Crocs do not provide adequate heel support. And no – putting them in ‘sport mode’ does not vastly improve this issue. Their lack of heel support can cause the heel to slide and move, potentially leading to tendonitis and general heel pain.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Because of a lack of stability, wearing Crocs can increase your risk of falls, especially for older adults. The shoes can also cause your toes to grip to the shoe for stability, which may lead to foot pain or deformities over time.
- Hygiene Issues: The plastic material can cause your feet to sweat, creating a moist environment that can lead to blisters, bacterial growth, and foot odor.
When and How to Wear Crocs
All of that said, this doesn’t mean that you should go and toss your Crocs in the trash. Crocs can be a good option for short-term, low-impact activities. According to Podiatrists, they are best suited for:
- Short Periods: Wearing them for quick errands, doing chores around the house, or gardening.
- Low-Impact Activities: Their lightweight nature makes them suitable for leisurely walks on a flat surface. Slipping them on to walk to the beach or pool, for example, where you will probably be taking them off.
- Relaxation: They can be a good choice for a short period of rest and relaxation.
“Crocs should be reserved for limited use and not relied upon for longer periods of activity,” podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey explains. “I like to think of them as a house shoe or something to wear at the beach or pool. While the lightweight cushioning can feel comfortable at first, they simply aren’t constructed with enough support to replace supportive footwear.”
When You Should Avoid Crocs
As the list above might have you realizing, Crocs shouldn’t be your go-to shoe for everything. A beach or pool shoe? Yes. For around-the-house use? Definitely. That quick trip to the store and back? No problem. For anything more than that, however, it’s best to put on something else. It is best to avoid wearing Crocs for:
- Long-Distance Walking: They do not provide the necessary support for long walks.
- High-Impact Activities: They are not suitable for running, hiking, or other activities that put stress on your feet and joints.
- Long Shifts: Avoid wearing them for long periods, such as during a full day of work, particularly if your job requires you to be on your feet.
“I always talk to my patients about wearing the right shoe for the right function,” says podiatric surgeon Vanessa Barrow. “Crocs are not for everything. If you’re walking around Disney World all day—no. But for errands or quick trips, absolutely.”
Read More: 9 Walking Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making
Are Crocs Good for Children?
According to podiatrists, children should avoid wearing Crocs, especially if they are very active. The shoes lack the necessary components to control the heel, support the arch, and maintain stability. Children who are constantly running and playing need a more protective shoe to prevent injuries and promote healthy foot development.
“As silly as it might sound, you know, the foot bone connected to the ankle bone, if you will, from the nursery rhyme — all these things are interlinked,” explained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Amiethab Aiyer, when speaking about the impact of Crocs and bad footwear can have on our bodies, particularly for growing children.
If you are looking for comfortable and easy-to-wear alternatives that are better for your feet, consider options that offer good support, such as:
- Slip-on Sneakers: Many brands offer slip-on sneakers with good arch and heel support.
- Supportive Sandals: Opt for sandals with a contoured footbed and a secure strap to hold your foot in place.
- Orthopedic Shoes: If you have foot pain or conditions, consider shoes specifically designed with orthopedic features for maximum support and comfort.
The Bottom Line
Crocs, at least the general version, are not good for the health of your foot. Often the problems we have in our bodies (knees, hips, and more) stem from our feet, so you want to make sure that you are using shoes that support foot health. This doesn’t mean ultra-cushioned shoes or over-corrective shoes, but rather simply ones that allow your foot to behave as it should. Finally, we should all be doing exercises to build strong and healthy feet, rather than using insoles and other things to correct the problem for us. It regards Crocs, whether you like their style or not, these are best kept as a house, garden, beach shoe, and not your everyday user.
Read More: When You Should Stop Wearing Hoka Shoes Immediately (Even Though They’re “Comfortable” To Wear)