crocs bad for feet

crocs bad for feet

crocs bad for feet? Most people have a love-hate relationship with Crocs. The rubbery slip-ons first hit the market in 2002 as boat shoes by a maker in Boulder, Colo. Since then, the company has expanded to include more than 300 different styles, including boots, ballet flats, wedges, and loafers.

Famed chef Mario Batali loves the swiss cheese looking footwear.  So much so that in he bought 200 pairs of orange crocs before they were discontinuesd.

But many have been left wondering whether the spongy shoes are really good for their feet.

“Unfortunately, Crocs are not suitable for all-day use,” Megan Leahy, DPM, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, tells the Huffington Post. “These shoes do not adequately secure the heel. When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip, which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns, and calluses. The same thing can happen with flip-flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.”

“Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank,” added Dr. Alex Kor, president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. “[Crocs] are the poster child for shoes with a flexible shank. … In other words, on a daily basis, I see patients who come into my office complaining of arch or heel pain and they are wearing Crocs.”

“The only two types of patients that may benefit from wearing Crocs are patients that have a very high arch or those who suffer from excessive edema of their legs and ankle.

“But, under no circumstances can I suggest wearing Crocs 8 to 10 hours per day.”

Leahy also notes that she’s noticed that people tend to trip and fall more wearing Crocs than other shoes.

crocs bad for feet? Crocs are certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Are crocs bad for feet? According to WebMD, Crocs are certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association. Hanson says that what Crocs lack in aesthetic value, they make up in therapeutic benefits. The company created what it calls an Rx line of models specifically with healthy feet in mind: Croc Relief, Croc Cloud, and Croc Silver Cloud.

“These shoes were designed specifically to eliminate plantar pain and achy feet,” says co-founder Lyndon V. Hanson, III, vice president of Crocs. “They also help people with injured feet, bunions, and diabetes. You’ve got a lot of inner support, heel cups and massaging heel nubs, and arch support. They’re ideal for people with foot problems.”

Some doctors are even recommending them to patients with foot problems.

“These shoes are especially light,” says Harold Glickman, DPM, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “They have huge room in the toe that affords the front part of the foot lots of room, especially for people with bone deformities like bunions and hammer toe. With the Rx Crocs, they’re lined with antibacterial material that will prevent fungal and bacterial infections.”

What are you thoughts on Crocs?  Let us knowin the comment section below.