‘Crocs’ Not Meant For Long Term Use, May Result In Troublesome Feet

First Posted: Jun 06, 2016 04:50 AM EDT

People who love to be fashionable are probably aware of “Crocs”, a familiar pair that was originally developed as a boating shoe. The rubbery slip-ons hit the market back in 2002 and has since offered more than 300 different styles made for both the young and old.

While “Crocs” obviously offer folks the comfortable feel, not to mention the compliment they give when it comes to being fashionable, the spongy shoes are seen as not ideal for everyday use.

The claim was brought forth by Megan Leahy, DPM and a Chicago-based podiatrist at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute.

“These shoes do not adequately secure the heel. When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip, which can lead to tendinitis, 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,” says Leahy via the Huffington Post.

While she does point out that “Crocs” offer nice arch support”, the only bright spot tied up with “Crocs”. But as everyone knows, the shoe design comes with another feature, that of which is the ‘back strap’. Could this be a feature in the positive direction?

Alex Kor, DPM and the president for the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine says that doesn’t make it good as well since it renders issues tied up to the flexible shank of the shoe.

“Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank,” said Kor. “I see patients who come into my office complaining of arch or heel pain, and they are wearing Crocs.”

With their respective takes, does it mean that “Crocs” are bad overall? Apparently it depends on the length of use to which both believe that the shoes were ideal only for short-term use. This means that when it comes to long walks, folks may want to turn to something different to avoid racking up foot problems such as ‘tendinitis’.

“The only two types of patients that may benefit from wearing Crocs are patients that have a very high arch or those who suffer from excessive edema of their legs and ankle,” says Kor.