There has been a lot of attention in the media lately about whether or not Crocs are appropriate for everyday wear. Originally designed for boating, Crocs have gained in popularity as essential summer footwear. Known for their lightweight, grip, and odor-resistance, Crocs are used in a variety of settings, both professional and recreational, including hiking, gardening, and quick trips to the supermarket.

But are they good for you? Below we list some pros and cons of wearing Crocs, but the best way to find out if they are right, especially for you, is to speak to our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Carl Ingrassia at Fords Foot and Ankle Care. He will work with you to assess your feet and suggest appropriate footwear for the summer.

Pros:

• Comfortable – Because they are lightweight and have good arch support, most find the shoe to be comfortable and convenient.
• Wide – For those with wide feet, just purchasing a size up is not always the solution. Crocs are not very restricting in the toe box area, which is beneficial for those suffering from edema in the feet, or foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes.
• Good shock absorption – The cushioned shoes protect the feet, ankles, and back from impact while walking on hard floors.
• Easy to clean – For activities that may get your feet dirty, like a trip to the beach, gardening, or going to a dog park, Crocs provide easy cleanup.
• Crocs’ line of superior support and comfort, called CrocsRX, is APMA supported and are more recommendable for folks who have certain foot problems (e.g. diabetic or post-surgery patients).

Cons:

• Wide – While a pro for those with wide or swollen feet, those with narrow feet may not experience good support while wearing them as the feet can move around in the shoe.
• Inadequate heel support – Many of the Crocs shoes have open or one strap-back and only have heel support in the heel cup of the shoes. When the heel is not well supported, it causes the toes to grip harder and can cause issues like tendinitis, toe deformities, ingrown toenails, or corns and calluses.
• Loose fit – because of the loose fit, adults and children alike are more likely to trip and fall. For this reason, they are not suitable for athletic activities such as running, hiking, or playing sports.

Next time you consider grabbing your Crocs for your next activity, make sure that they are appropriate for what you’re about to do. If the shoes are not supportive or eventually cause you pain, Crocs may not be the shoes for you. If you are suffering from foot or ankle issues due to your footwear, please make an appointment at our Fords, NJ office, by calling (732) 738-4441. Earlier treatment can prevent worse problems later on.