Crocs are considered to be comfortable enough to do many activities like exercise, but some doctors don’t recommend it. “I wouldn’t choose a Croc to wear to walk for exercise,” podiatristDan Michaels, DPM says. “If you’re in a situation where you do need support, you need your foot to be working optimally, then I wouldn’t choose Crocs.” In fact, she wouldn’t recommend Crocs for running or other kinds of workouts either.
According to Dr. Michaels, Crocs do not offer adequate midfoot and ankle support for strenuous workouts like walking on a treadmill, running long distances, or lifting weights. In addition, its loose fit does not make it the ideal shoe for foot protection or stability at the gym. Instead, it’s advisable that you use the appropriate workout shoe depending on what activities you’re partaking in. Think walking or running sneakers, lifting shoes, or hiking boots.
FAQs
Why do podiatrists hate Crocs? ›
Megan Leahy, a Chicagobased podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told HuffPost. While she granted that they “offer nice arch support,” she added that the real reason you shouldn't wear them over long periods of time is that “these shoes do not adequately secure the heel.
Why are Crocs bad for your feet? ›When Crocs aren't used as they were designed for, they place additional strain on the sole and the heel pad. Inadequate support would mean that the toes need to grip, leading to tendonitis or worsening any preexisting issues. You may also develop issues such as corns and calluses or other toe deformities.
Why shouldn't you wear Crocs? ›“Crocs are backless and do not support or control the heel,” Weiser adds. As a result, you could develop heel pain and tendonitis of the heel. The lack of heel support can make it more difficult to maintain stability as you walk, so you may be more likely to trip or fall.
Do orthopedics recommend Crocs? ›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.
Why are Crocs so controversial? ›Crocs lack support, aesthetics
According to the New York post, Crocs are not suitable to wear daily like regular shoes. They do not provide proper support for your heel, which causes your toes to grip.
Unless you wash them often, all your sweat just festers in there and when you're a devoted Crocs wearer, this can lead to serious conditions such as nail fungus and athlete's foot, in the long-term.
What brand of shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›Some of my patients are fiercely loyal about their shoes! Among the brands I hear about the most from my patients are Naot and Birkenstock sandals, Hoka One One and the Swiss brand, On Cloud X shoes for running and walking plus the ever popular New Balance shoes for running and walking.
Are Crocs bad for your knees? ›Clogs “Clogs may not be an optimal footwear choice for people with osteoarthritis because they place high loads on the knee,” says Najia Shakoor, MD, a rheumatologist and a professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Why do doctors recommend Crocs? ›Crocs in the Clinic
“These shoes are especially light,” says Harold Glickman, DPM, former president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “They have huge room in the toe that affords the front part of the foot lots of room, especially for people with bone deformities like bunions and hammer toe.
Hospital leaders there cite safety concerns raised after a needle fell through one of the holes and inside the shoe of an employee at a hospital in Tampa.
Why were Crocs banned? ›
The Florida amusem*nt park has “outlawed” the popular footwear — at least on its escalators — where the shoes have been getting chewed up and stuck in the escalator teeth, Inside the Magic reported.
Why don t gyms allow Crocs? ›According to Dr. Michaels, Crocs do not offer adequate midfoot and ankle support for strenuous workouts like walking on a treadmill, running long distances, or lifting weights. In addition, its loose fit does not make it the ideal shoe for foot protection or stability at the gym.
Why do my feet hurt when I wear Crocs? ›Why? Crocs don't secure the heel - like flip flops crocs won't keep your heel in place; when that happens you're going to grip with your toes which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of existing foot problems, and nails issues. Crocs are not supportive - crocs are made out of resin which is very bendable.
Are Crocs still in style in 2024? ›Rocha reimagined three Crocs silhouettes — the Classic Clog (the one you know and love), the Siren Clog (a mule with a tall block heel) and the Quick Trail shoes (a pull-on sneaker hybrid) — with pearl, crystal and jet-beading elements seen throughout the Spring 2024 collection.
Do Crocs make plantar fasciitis worse? ›Shock Absorbent Crocs
If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, you will find that the arches do not provide the amount of support you need, and the shock you take on while walking will get worse and can cause problems in other parts of the body as well.