Are Crocs good for your feet?

July 24, 2024

Crocs are something of a controversial footwear choice. Some people dislike the way they look and feel, while others find them comfortable, lightweight, and trendy. Aside from the debate over their appearance, you might be wondering whether Crocs are good for your feet.

So we asked reputed podiatrists on their verdict about crocs.

Pros:

Lightweight: Crocs are made from closed-cell resin, a material that makes them waterproof, lightweight, non-marking and easy to wash. It also gives them that cushiony and comfortable feel that fans love.
Roomy: Peeps with feet that swell—pregnant women, diabetic patients, for example—may find Crocs to be a godsend because they’re so roomy.
Easy-to-wear: Crocs are also relatively easy to put on, since the wide-fit design means you can simply slide your foot in. If you have trouble bending over or tying laces, Crocs make a good choice.
Cushion: If you need a shoe with some cushion or shock absorption, then Crocs are the right match for you.

Cons:

No Heel Support: One of the biggest issues with Crocs is that they don’t secure well to the heel. When shoes are loose, our feet tend to compensate by using our toes to grip, trying the keep the shoe on. This can lead to tendinitis, hammer toes, or frequent tripping and falling in elders.
Limited arch support: If you have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or are flat footed, then you’re better off sitting out the Croc wave.
Cause Sweaty Feet: Although they have drainage holes that can make them feel breathable, the material can still make your feet sweat. This causes unstable gait and chances of slippage.

When to wear them

Still, as with any shoe really, you have to take into consideration your activities for the day before you choose to wear them. “Crocs are not for everything,” says a reputed podiatrist. “If you’re going to go shopping, where you’re walking around and be on your feet all day, or do sports or hiking, then no, Crocs are not right for what you’re doing. But if you’re going for a quick trip to the grocery store or running other errands then yes, absolutely.”

If you’re an older adult

“I generally recommend that older adults avoid wearing Crocs unless their feet and ankles are very swollen,” says a Zanskar physiotherapy expert.

This is because Crocs can cause some people to fall. As mentioned, Crocs aren’t particularly good at helping you maintain balance, especially since they don’t provide heel support. Falls can be especially dangerous for older adults, who have a higher risk of fractures and long-term injuries caused by falling.

If you’re choosing footwear for your child

Our expert also recommends that children avoid wearing Crocs, especially if the child is very physically active.

“Children should wear a more protective shoe since they can easily injure themselves if they wear Crocs while running around,” he explains. “Crocs do not have what is required to control the heel, support the arch, and maintain stability.”

Bottomline

The verdict: It’s complicated, and it ultimately just depends on what you’re doing. There are a bunch of pros and cons to wearing them. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there is nothing wrong with wearing Crocs, just as long as you do so sparingly and with caution. You can certainly add as many color variations and pairs to your closet, but make sure these aren’t your go-to shoes for any long-distance walking or fast-paced activity, comfy as they may be.

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Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by the medical team at Zanskar Health. This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.