Despite the haters, Crocs have become a staple in the footwear world. The rubbery clog, which hit the market in 2002, comes in virtually every color and style imaginable. From their classic clog to their newer wedges, sneakers and fabric-lined options, the brand is here to stay.
Beloved for their comfort, versatility and even float-ability, they might be a go-to for many, but podiatrists — doctors who specialize in foot health — are not the biggest fans.
“As a podiatrist, I think it’s easy to have a love, hate relationship with Crocs,” said Dr. Chanel Perkins, DPM, also known as the FabFootDoc. “I think they offer appropriate cushion, comfort and great arch support for certain foot types, but at the same time, they lack adequate heel stability which could lead to a slew of foot problems.”
A good quality shoe is a necessity for overall foot health. After all, most of us spend our waking hours in shoes. Dr. Casey Ann Pidich, an associate doctor at Park Avenue Podiatric Care in New York City and owner of shoe and foot wellness blog, doctorglassslipper.com says a healthy shoe should be breathable and easy to walk in. “They should have both an arch support and a sole made of rubber, foam, gel, cork, or something similar, for shock absorption,” she said.
Podiatrists agree that Crocs aren’t necessarily the best option on the market, but they are a great option for anyone recovering from a foot surgery. They also offer a wide toe box which is great for people with hammertoes or wide feet, but that’s where the list ends.
“I would never recommend Crocs for all day or everyday wear,” said Dr. Chanel. “Additionally, Crocs should never be worn for athletic activities like hiking or exercising since they do not offer the same type of support as an athletic shoe.”
And while support might be the biggest issue, doctors agree that foot fungus from Crocs is another concern. Since the shoe is made from primarily foam, people who tend to sweat more may develop or worsen their athlete’s foot. Dr. Ebonie Vincent, Board-Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing, says prevention is key when dealing with this issue.
“Crocs do have ventilation holes in their shoes which can greatly help with breathability, but it is important to continuously clean the surface of Crocs and incorporate daily prevention treatments to ensure a fungus does not prevail,” she said.
So, what shoes do doctors recommend if you’re wanting the comfort of a Croc, but with a healthy level of support? Here are some of Dr. Chanel’s recommendations.
Vionic Rechelle – This brand was developed by a Podiatrist. Vionic shoes are actually approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. This style has a firm arch support and deep heel cup for protection against heel pain.
Brooks Glycerin 17 – This style comes with a built in OrthoLite sock liner which really grips into the arch and mimics the support of athletic taping of the arch, which in turn would help to alleviate heel pain.
New Balance 1540 V3 – The New Balance brand is a favorite among podiatrists when recommending shoes for heel pain. These shoes are wide enough to accommodate an arch support, custom orthotic or heel cup if needed.
Hoka One One Clifton 8 – Hoka shoes are traditionally highly cushioned which helps comfort any painful heel.
According to Crocs website, their shoes are a great option for gardening or lounging. Some shoes even come with deeper soles so orthotic inserts can be worn with the shoe. But before you buy a pair, check with your podiatrist and make sure Crocs are right for you.
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FAQs
Crocs are lightweight, breathable, and offer plenty of room, which makes them good for gyms and public showers, post-pedicure, running outside for a minute, and more. That said, Crocs lack arch support, so exercising, walking for an extended period of time, or working in them is not recommended by foot specialists.
Do podiatrists approve of Crocs? ›
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.
Why do podiatrists hate Crocs? ›
They lack arch support
One main concern with Crocs is their lack of arch support, according to Sidney Weiser DPM, a podiatrist based in Florida and Illinois and president of Quality Podiatry Group.
Do doctors recommend 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," Kor said. "But, under no circ*mstances can I suggest wearing Crocs 8 to 10 hours per day."
Why do my feet not hurt in Crocs? ›
Crocs make for excellent footwear because they are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip into and out of. They are also breathable, promote circulation, and have enough room to avoid compression of the toes. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for everyday wear or long periods.
Why do so many doctors wear Crocs? ›
Mainly, they are wearing them because the proprietary Croslite material used to make Crocs is resistant to stains from blood and other bodily fluids that regularly spill out from patients and onto them.
What foot problems are associated with Crocs? ›
Long-term wear of Crocs may also cause other serious foot conditions. “You're not thinking about it, but when you're wearing a shoe that wide, you're gripping with your toes, and when you grip with your toes to keep a shoe on, you can get tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and hammertoes in the long-term,” Dr.
Do Crocs damage your feet? ›
Lack of Support – While they may be comfortable, Crocs are far from the most supportive type of shoe. They provide very little support to your ankle and your arches, which can lead to soft tissue injuries. If your foot isn't supported in the midfoot area, you'll be at an increased risk for plantar fasciitis.
Do Crocs make plantar fasciitis worse? ›
Supportive footwear can be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Crocs provide arch support and ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis in this way. Babafemi Adebajo, a qualified physiotherapist, writes about the intersection of tech, health, and education.
Why are Crocs not allowed in healthcare? ›
Most healthcare facilities will not allow nurses to wear crocs with holes or open heels. These designs can be dangerous and unsuitable for infection control and the nurse's well-being. A good pair of healthcare-focused crocs must also be easy to clean and maintain for sanitary and health purposes.
Many doctors recommend them to their patients who suffer from plantar foot pain because they are comfortable and supportive. Clogs and Crocs can make long hours on your feet more tolerable if you have plantar fasciitis–as long as they have the right custom arch/heel support and cushioning that fits the condition.
What do podiatrists say about Birkenstocks? ›
"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."
Can you walk in Crocs all day? ›
The answer is yes! Crocs are actually quite comfortable for walking, thanks to their padded footbed and soft, flexible material. However, they may not be the best choice for long walks or hikes due to their lack of support. But overall, Crocs make great shoes for short distances and everyday wear.
Why do my feet feel weird after Crocs? ›
Crocs can cause foot pain when not used appropriately. Ideally, crocs are best for short-term usage. However, when you begin to wear them for long periods, you may experience foot pain because of their flexible shank and minimal heel support. Likewise, they can also cause toe issues due to gripping with toes.
Are your toes supposed to touch Crocs? ›
According to the company, Crocs should fit loosely, so that the sides of your feet don't touch the sides of the shoe and your toes don't hit the front. Ideally, once your foot is centered in the shoe, you should have about 1/4 or 1/2 inch of space in front of your toes and behind your heel.
What are better than Crocs? ›
Clogs, mules, sandals, and even boat shoes can all be good alternatives to Crocs. It depends on which aspects of Crocs you want to keep and which ones you don't. The Chacos Chillos clog is a great overall alternative to Crocs.
Is it against OSHA to wear Crocs? ›
Plain and simple – OSHA does not forbid employers from setting protocol for prescribed work attire. Nor does the agency say employees can't wear casual footwear—including sandals, clogs and Crocs.
Are Crocs good or bad for plantar fasciitis? ›
This is why Crocs can help in treating plantar fasciitis. Not only do they fit the foot well, but they are also well-cushioned - guaranteeing comfort while walking. Moreover, they have rigid soles that provide firm support to the foot. The rigidity prevents twisting of the foot, which puts strain on the foot and leg.
Can you put an orthotic in Crocs? ›
Crocs are ideal for use with orthotics because of their deep insole and footbed. Here a few recommended crocs by podiatrist for use with orthotics. Babafemi Adebajo, a qualified physiotherapist, writes about the intersection of tech, health, and education.
