While kids love rubber clogs (and all the Jibbitz they can use for decorations) many parents wonder, are Crocs good for feet. Now, we're not here to break your children's hearts by making them break up with their favorite summer shoes. But pediatric podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans does want you to know when and where it's safe to rock those Crocs...and when they need to stay at home, tucked away in the closet. Here's what you need to know.
Are Crocs Good for Feet? ![Child wearing crocs standing next to water balloons in a bucket]()
Crocs are a great choice for a pool or beach shoe. After all, they have a closed-toe design that protects you from stubs or falling objects. Plus, unlike many styles of flip-flops, they offer some arch support and cushioning for the feet. Moreover, they're waterproof. So if you want to head straight to the locker room after a swim, you can keep those Crocs on your feet, helping protect you from athlete's foot and other fungal infections that thrive on wet, shared surfaces. However, outside of these settings, we really can't recommend wearing these rubber shoes for any extended period of time. And, unfortunately, there are many reasons why.
You see, despite the strap on the back of these shoes that let kids wear them in 'sport mode', Crocs don't actually keep your feet in place. As such, your toes have to grip to keep feet from sliding around in the shoes. So, if you spend more than a few hours in these shoes, you're setting yourself up for toe and foot pain, along with blisters, corns, and calluses.
Additionally, the lack of security provided by these shoes means you shouldn't try to run in them, or play any kind of sports while wearing Crocs. Otherwise, you're increasing your risk for slips, trips, and ankle rolls. And that could translate to ankle sprains, fractures, and other kinds of sports injuries. But even if these shoes were more supportive, that still wouldn't fix the other big reason why Crocs aren't good for feet: the material from which they're constructed.
Are Crocs Good for Feet: The Trouble with Rubber
Rubber is not a breathable material. So, what if your feet get wet while wearing Crocs, or if you just sweat in those rubber sandals? Well, that moisture will stay trapped against the skin on your feet. In turn, you're increasing your risk for infections, since fungus thrives in warm, dark and moist environments. Now, you could reduce some of that risk by wearing Crocs with moisture-wicking socks. (Although that's not necessarily the best look in the world.) However, even when your feet are protected by socks, you still need to deal with some construction issues.You see, rubber adds flexibility to the middle portion of your Crocs. And that can increase your risk for heel pain and arch pain. Plus, if you step on something sharp, the flimsy rubber won't provide much of a protective barrier. So, if you're walking through a city street, you'd be better off choosing a sturdier shoe style that can shield your feet from nails, broken glass, or other potential hazards. Finally, a serious warning about Crocs and your feet. If you will be riding a moving sidewalk or escalator, these rubber shoes are an absolute no-no. Their flexibility means they can get stuck (and crushed) in the moving mechanical parts, increasing your risk for limb loss when wearing Crocs.
So, are Crocs good for feet? As you can see by now, the answer is a little complicated. These popular rubber sandals are great for your feet in the right settings. But those settings are limited to places like the pool, beach, and in public locker rooms. But if you're thinking of wearing Crocs to the mall, school, camp, or an airport? Or if you're planning on spending a significant amount of time on your feet during the day? Then you should steer clear of Crocs in favor of a sturdier, more supportive shoe style. (One that also provides your feet with more shock absorption and protection from hazardous objects. Not to mention from pesky fungal infections.) Because, if you don't, you may just find yourself dealing with foot pain, heel pain, injuries, or fungal infection. And, if that happens, it's time to reach out to our podiatrist in Powder Springs, GA.
Made the Wrong Shoe Choice? Help is Still Available!
Even if you ignore our advice, and spend the day in Crocs, we're here to help you heal from any resulting pain or injury. But we can't help you if you don't let us know there's a problem. So, what should you do if you're living with tired, sore, or achy feet? Give us a call at 770-727-0614 or click here to request an appointment. When you come into the office, we can determine the cause of your discomfort. Then, we can come up with a treatment plan that gets you walking comfortably once again!
