Schools banning Crocs due to arguments, injuries | Newshub (2024)
If you're getting kids ready to go back to school you might want to think twice about sending them in Crocs.
A number of primary and secondary schools are banning the footwear due to the issues they're causing in the playground.
Crocs. The perfect summer shoe, if you're at the beach or by the BBQ.
But schools - like Wānaka Primary in central Otago - are saying no more to the polyethylene (plastic) footwear and its charms.
"We had a group of boys. One morning I looked out and they were negotiating with some smaller children... and I said 'look they're like playing cards we don't swap at school'," Wānaka Primary principal Wendy Bamford said.
But the brightly coloured shoes aren't just causing arguments, Bamford said they're causing injuries too.
"I watched a little girl tumble over carrying a whole lot of library books," she said.
"A lot of them don't fit properly, they don't fit the foot snuggly so they tend to slip out."
It's an issue that's transcending the playground.
In fact, ACC dealt with 188 Croc-related injuries throughout 2023, which cost more than $71,000.
But the organisation said accidents involving Crocs are a small part of a bigger issue with ACC forking out $1.4 billion every year for more than 770,000 falls-related claims.
"Over the last few years we've seen the number of Croc-related injuries increase and that would be because they're becoming a little bit more popular these days," ACC spokesperson James Whitaker said.
And Whitaker has a message to Kiwis heading out for a hike this summer - leave the Crocs at home.
"The best way to prevent trips, slips and falls or other injuries is to slow down a bit, think things through before you do them and then do them the smart way," he said.
To ensure you can enjoy some R&R without a trip to A&E.
"They are not safe to be worn at school, as they are a hazard with phys-ed and in children's ability to run and be mobile safely. They often do not fit well and are clumsy." The newsletter also acknowledged Crocs were creating problems between kids.
Walt Disney World has reportedly declared war on Crocs, the ones you wear on your feet, following multiple incidents involving the foam slides jamming escalators. Similar Croc fiascos have been reported at The Land Pavillion in years prior as well.
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.
Though Crocs might seem attractive due to their ease of wear and cushiony feel, they lack protective features like puncture-resistant soles and toe protection which are mandatory in hazardous workplaces.
According to information from a Disney forum, Crocs are permitted within the park premises and on all rides. However,indicates Crocs should not be worn on escalators inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot, on the way to parking garages at Disney Springs, or elsewhere with escalator access.
Weiser also recommends that children avoid wearing Crocs, especially if the child is very physically active. “Children should wear a more protective shoe since they can easily injure themselves if they wear Crocs while running around,” he explains.
However, activities that involve higher shock absorption should not involve wearing crocs because crocs lack the structural features required for that. Crocs have an open design and soft materials that can lead to foot strain and discomfort if you use them for running or other athletic pursuits.
The economic recession of 2008 hit Crocs hard, and they faced significant financial difficulties. In addition to the economic downturn, fashion trends began to change. The bulky, brightly colored Crocs started to fall out of favor as sleeker, more traditional shoes regained popularity.
Let's put the matter to rest up front: No, Crocs are not banned from airports. But, like all good myths, there's a grain of truth that might explain the confusion. Certain airports, and even some malls, have posted signs indicating that Crocs or similar foam-based clog-style footwear is prohibited on escalators.
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.
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.
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. Barrow notes.
The rubber material creates more friction against escalator skirts and steps, making it much more difficult to get away if the shoes jam, Li said, adding the shoes are very soft and easily deformed, which increases risks. Experts reminded the public to be careful if they had to take escalators while wearing crocs.
Crocs seem to be everywhere these days, including Disney World. Whether you love the look or hate them, they are a smart option for theme park days: just consider the breathable air holes, durable material, and slip-proof bottoms.
Most hospitals require a “spill-proof" covering over the foot, and a slip-proof sole, so many of the Crocs lineup do fit that mold… Unfortunately, many Crocs have holes over the foot, risking contaminated socks/feet unless shoe covers are consistently used. I find that a lace-up shoe meets the case very well.
"Crocs provide little support and they can easily slip off during recess, gym, or any other activity beyond walking." Alfieri also is concerned about the risks from wearing Crocs from the morning bell to when school lets out in the afternoon. "Crocs are not the kind of shoe that should be worn all day long," she says.
Attorneys for the group of plaintiffs said the company sells products without telling customers that the shoes are made from material “that shrinks upon exposure to ordinary heat, direct sunlight, and/or water.” Attorneys further claim that this causes the shoes to shrink by up to several shoe sizes.
If the shoe comes off during activity, that is not deemed “well-fitting.” Dress shoes and boots (Ugg style, hiking, cowboy boots, work boots, Doc Martens, Timberlands) should be avoided. Crocs, slippers, lounge-type shoes, water shoes, or foam bottom shoes (Hey Dudes) are not acceptable for PE.
The type of sock you should wear with Crocs clogs depends on your personal style and comfort preferences. If your feet are always cold or you don't like showing off your toes, then go ahead and wear regular socks. Think this look is a little awkward? Then stick to your no shows or go command-toe.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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