Crocs are everyone’s favorite comfy clogs, but podiatrists warn that comfort shouldn’t be the primary feature to look for in a shoe for healthy feet.
Since launching in 2002 and featuring in the film Idiocracy (2006), Crocs—the brand of chunky, fun-to-accessorize, and ultra-comfy clogs—has become a worldwide phenomenon.
And what’s not to love about Crocs? The mega-corporate clog cobbler brand not only makes the most versatile, long-lasting, and sustainable shoe by producing its classic clog models with the lightweight material Croslite, but it also has great potential for customizability with Jibbitz, the accessories you can pop into the holes on the tops and sides of the shoes.
As Birmingham’s Foot Specialists, we hear about many shoe brands, including Crocs, which we hear about the most.
There’s no denying the appeal of this brand, but we’re podiatrists, so when it comes to shoes, we’re more concerned with how healthy they are for your feet. Keep reading as we answer the question, “Are Crocs good for your feet?”
Are Crocs Good For Your Feet?
Nowadays, Crocs sells all types of shoes, including tennis shoes, so we are limiting our commentary and recommendations to the highest-produced, best-selling unisex style: the Classic Crocs Clog.
Arch Support
The Classic Clog is very cushiony in the arch, which is great comfort in the short term when you’re recovering from wearing an uncomfortable high heel or walking outside. However, Crocs’s Classic Clog does not stabilize the feet or offer other arch support.
Ankle Support
Crocs only provide some ankle support if you wear them in sport mode (and even then, it’s not much). The sport mode strap provides a bit of extra reinforcement for stabilizing your ankle, but it pales in comparison to a supportive tennis shoe.
The grips in the inner sole provide a bit more stability. Crocs’ soles are covered in soft raised dots that help the feet grip them inside.
Breathability
Crocs are made with Croslite, a lighter, airier version of plastic. The first prototype of the shoes was actually made for boating because they can float and are waterproof. With these factors in mind, plus Crocs are full of holes, the clog brand is unbeatable regarding breathability.
Fit
Corns and calluses, along with a number of other conditions that impact feet, tend to develop when individuals wear ill-fitting shoes. Usually, shoes that are too loose aren’t the problem. (Though they can lead you to break your ankle, so don’t wear shoes that are too big!)
Wearing shoes that are too tight can lead to a myriad of foot conditions. Crocs are excellent when it comes to fit because it’s not difficult to find a pair that fits you, and they run a little large, so too-tight shoes usually aren’t a problem with them.
The Foot Specialists’ Final Verdict
Based on the above features, here’s our final answer to the question, “Are Crocs good for your feet?”: Sometimes! Due to their lack of stability and support, we don’t recommend Crocs for exercise where you’ll move your feet (cycling, walking, running, etc.), stretch your legs or feet, or do weight training while standing.
However, as we mentioned, Crocs are great for walking around the house, especially (short term), for feet recovering from a long day. They’re also a shoe we recommend for going to the pool, beach, or lake!
Are you suffering from pain or discomfort in your feet?
Don’t hesitate to get the help you need; please contact our staff at Foot Specialists of Birmingham today! We’ll gladly help you set up an appointment with our incredible team of podiatry experts and nursing assistants who are certified by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants.
