For years, Crocs have been a divisive footwear choice. Some love their comfort and casual style, while others find them clunky and question their impact on foot health. But are these colorful clogs truly beneficial for your feet, or could they be causing more harm than good? Keep reading to discover more about the shoes and whether podiatrists think the slip-ons are a fad that is best avoided.
How Crocs Became So Popular
For those unfamiliar, Crocs are brightly colored, clog-like shoes made from a unique material called Croslite. This closed-cell resin is lightweight, water-resistant, and known for its comfort.
Their journey to fame began in 2002, not on a runway, but on a boat! Founders Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson, and George Boedecker Jr. saw a comfortable boating clog in Mexico and decided to create their version. Debuting at a boat show in Florida, the shoes with their quirky design and practical features surprisingly sold out fast. Below are the key factors that contributed to Crocs’ rise in popularity:
Comfort and Functionality: The lightweight, water-friendly Croslite material makes them ideal for boaters, gardeners, chefs, nurses, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet and who needs a comfortable, easy-to-clean shoe.
Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America, told Woman’s World that Crocs’ Croslite “provides cushioning and comfort,” adding that the footwear’s design “includes a roomy fit”, which some people find “extremely comfortable because it allows their feet to move freely and breathe.”
Podiatrist Robert Conenello, DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, owner of Orangetown Podiatry in New York, echoed Alvarez’s sentiments. He pointed out that the generous width of Crocs allows the feet to splay or spread out. This feature can prevent friction injuries and keep the toes from squeezing together, alleviating pain caused by being on your feet for long hours.
Celebrity Endorsements: As Crocs gained traction, celebrities like Oprah, Michelle Obama, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, and Ariana Grande started wearing the brand, further boosting its popularity, especially among younger consumers.
Customization: The introduction of Jibbitz, the little charms that can be placed on Crocs’ signature holes, allowed for personalization and a playful touch.
Designer Collaborations: In the late 2010s, Crocs began collaborating with high-fashion designers like Christopher Kane and Balenciaga. This helped shift the perception of Crocs from an “ugly” shoe to a fashionable one.
Shifting Fashion Trends: The rise of casual wear and the “ugly shoe” trend in recent years saw Crocs embraced for their comfort and unconventional style, particularly by Gen Z.
Are Crocs a Healthy Shoe Choice?
Not always. Whether Crocs are good for your feet depends on how rigorous your activity for the day is. “For casual, short-term wear, Crocs can be quite comfortable and convenient,” Dr. Alvarez said. “They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and offer decent shock absorption. However, for prolonged use or activities requiring more support, they may not be the best choice.”
While comfortable to wear, Crocs don’t provide the structural support of other shoes, Dr. Alvarez pointed out. So, wearing Crocs for prolonged hours can “lead to foot fatigue or exacerbate existing food problems.”
Dr. Conenello shared the same thoughts, admitting, “I’m not a huge fan [of Crocs] to be quite honest, but I think they’re ok to wear in certain circumstances. As a foot covering, they’re quite effective and can be great for going short distances. But they aren’t meant for all-day use, especially if you’re very active.”
When to Wear Crocs
Although Crocs aren’t the best everyday shoes, they can be good for feet in certain situations:
1. When your feet need breathability
If you have sweaty feet or have a history of fungal infection, wearing Crocs can help your feet breathe. “The design allows for excellent circulation,” Dr. Alvarez said of Crocs’ hole-filled appearance. “This can help prevent foot odor and fungal infections.”
2. When at home
While it’s fine to walk around barefoot at home, stepping on hardwood or tile floors can take a toll on your feet. Dr. Alvarez said Crocs’ soft and padded design makes the footwear a great option for house shoes, as they give “more arch support and cushioning” than regular indoor slippers.
3. When working
If you’re a chef, a food service worker, or a nurse, wearing Crocs is a convenient choice, as they can be washed and sanitized more easily compared to traditional work shoes.
Better Alternatives to Crocs
Dr. Conenello told Woman’s World that OOFOS Clogs are a good alternative to Crocs. “OOFOS are a lot like Crocs, but they’re made from a proprietary foam that offers better shock absorption,” he said. “They also have a molded liner that is much more substantial, too.”
Dr. Alvarez, meanwhile, recommended Hoka Slides. According to him, this footwear has similar cushioning to Crocs but offers more support.
