Wearing Crocs might be bad for your feet

The short-term comfort you feel when wearing Crocs might cause you long-term damage, experts say. 

 

Crocs, those popular rubber clogs, burst onto the scene in 2002., More than 300 million pairs have been sold in more than 90 countries. 

 

Many Crocs wearers swear by their footwear’s comfortability. Even so, a growing number of experts are calling for moderation when wearing the Swiss cheese-esque footwear. 

 

“Unfortunately, Crocs are not suitable for all-day use,” Dr. Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist, told The Huffington Post. “(Crocs) offer nice arch support,” ... but “these shoes do not adequately secure the heel. When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendonitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses. The same thing can happen with flip-flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.” 

 

Dr. Jason George DeVries, a foot and ankle surgeon with Orthopedics & Sports Medicine BayCare Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin, echoed those thoughts. DeVries frequently reminds patients about the dangers of flip-flops and other unsupportive footwear. 

 

“While Crocs and other unsupportive shoes may feel good on the feet, allowing air to circulate and your feet to breathe, the danger lies in the fact that these forms of footwear offer little to no support. That often leads to twisted ankles, irritated feet and general overload. The foot has to work that much harder because the support offered by a closed shoe just isn’t there.” 

 

No matter where you stand on the issue– immediate comfort vs. potential long-term ramifications – experts say moderation is the key when it comes to wearing Crocs. 

 

“Slip them on for short periods of time,” DeVries says. “If you’re going to be out and about doing lots of walking, wear more supportive sandals like Birkenstocks or fully-covered footwear.” 

 

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine BayCare Clinic offers diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders. Call 877-299-2273 for information or visit baycare.net.