As the popularity of Crocs surges among younger generations, schools across the United States are rethinking their footwear policies. The colorful, customizable clogs have become a staple for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, but safety concerns are growing as more students are reportedly tripping and falling in the slip-on shoes. As a result, schools in over a dozen states have implemented bans on Crocs, citing potential hazards in hallways and classrooms.
What Schools Have Banned Crocs?
Due to safety concerns and distractions caused by customizable charms known as “jibbitz”, dozens of schools across more than 12 states in the U.S. have already implemented Crocs bans, according to Bloomberg.
For instance, Lake City Elementary School in Georgia has updated its dress code to require closed-toe footwear, explicitly forbidding Crocs for safety reasons. Similarly, LaBelle Middle School in Florida states in its dress code, “Safe footwear shall be worn at all times,” emphasizing that “NO CROCS allowed.”
Are Crocs Really Causing Accidents in Schools?
While there’s been a surge in viral TikTok videos showing teens tripping in Crocs, concrete data on Croc-related accidents in schools is limited. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the popularity of Crocs, especially among middle schoolers, may be contributing to an increase in slips and falls.
For instance, Jessica Ramírez, a senior research analyst at market tracker Jane Hali & Associates, has observed an increase in Croc-related incidents, particularly among middle schoolers. She attributes this to the energetic behavior of young adolescents. “Especially middle-schoolers—they’re just running around being middle-schoolers,” she told Fortune. “You’re going to see one fall.”
However, it’s important to note that these observations are based on anecdotal evidence and not rigorous scientific research.
What’s Wrong with Crocs?
While Crocs have gained popularity for their comfort and customizable design, health experts warn of potential drawbacks. In an interview with HuffPost, Dr. Megan Leahy, a podiatrist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, said she’s seen kids and even adults trip and fall more in Crocs than in closed-toe shoes with stiffer heel support.
Moreover, Dr. Pria Parthasarathy from the American Podiatric Medical Association pointed out that Crocs lack adequate arch support and can retain moisture against the skin, leading to blisters. “Those things combined—it doesn’t make it a really good, stable form of footwear for all-day use,” she told NPR.
While Crocs has yet to comment on these criticisms, the footwear brand previously told Bloomberg that the company is not aware “of any substantiated data that bans have been increasing” and called school bans of the shoe “baffling.”
Why Do Young People Love Crocs? Can the Trend Last?
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, have embraced Crocs, consistently ranking the brand among their top footwear choices, according to Piper Sandler’s survey. Crocs has capitalized on this trend by introducing customizable jibbitz and partnering with popular franchises like Shrek and Fortnite, which has helped Crocs reach record revenues earlier this year, with share prices increasing 55% in the past 12 months.
“When there’s something that allows you to bring out your personality and what you stand for and what you like, that seems to really resonate with them, and they really do enjoy showing that off,” Ramirez told Fortune.
However, the brand’s future is not without challenges. Growing concerns about safety, especially in school settings, could impact Crocs’ popularity.
Should Crocs continue to be associated with slipping incidents and increasing school bans, the brand may face significant challenges. While consumer spending is on the rise, particularly among high-income earners, shoppers are becoming more selective, especially regarding children’s footwear. Parents are likely to prioritize practical investments, which may lead them to overlook Crocs if their children can only wear them at home or on weekends. “When you’re strapped for cash,” Ramírez explained, “even though Crocs aren’t expensive, you might only want to be buying them one pair of shoes.”
Additionally, the ever-evolving fashion landscape, with new trends emerging constantly, could pose a threat to Crocs’ dominance. Also, the brand’s recent $2.5 billion acquisition of Hey Dude, which has faced disappointing sales, adds another layer of uncertainty to its future.