Crocs have recently been in the media with regards to whether or not they are okay for everyday footwear. They were first designed for boating, with water safe materials and ventilation, but now they are seen everywhere, especially in the summer. People use them to hike, garden, and even just walk their dogs. They are well-loved for being light, grippy, and odor-resistant, but not always for being the best-looking footwear. So what’s all the fuss about?
Below we review some of the good and bad about wearing Crocs. Still, the best way to find out if they are right, especially for you, is to speak to our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. He will work with you to assess your podiatric issues and suggest appropriate footwear for the summer.
The good:
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Comfort – Because they are lightweight and have decent arch support, most find the shoe to be comfortable and convenient shoes.
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Width – For those with wide feet or problems in the toe area, Crocs are great because they are not very restricting in the toe box area.
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Shock absorption – The cushioning protects the feet, ankles, and back from impact while walking on hard floors.
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Of note: Their CrocsRX line is APMA supported and are recommendable for folks who have certain feet problems (e.g. diabetic or post-surgery patients) or for those who stand for long periods of time.
The bad:
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Width – Those with narrow feet the Crocs may not find that wearing them gives enough support, as the feet can move around in the shoes.
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Requires more heel support – Many Crocs have open or one strap backs and only have heel support in the heel cup of the shoes. When the heel is not well-supported, it causes the toes to grip harder and can cause issues like tendinitis, ingrown toenails, or corns and calluses.
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Loose fit – Adults and children alike are more likely to trip and fall. This makes them unsuitable for athletic activities such as running, hiking, or playing sports.
The ugly?
Let’s face it – though the style has improved throughout the years, they are not always the most attractive footwear. It is definitely more of “function over fashion”.
Just keep in mind that if shoes are not supportive or eventually cause you pain, Crocs may not be the shoes for you. If you are suffering from foot or ankle issues due to your footwear, please make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office. Earlier treatment can prevent worse problems later on.