In Seattle, as soon as the sun comes out all we want to do is pull out our most comfortable shoes. And oftentimes those are Crocs. We know you love them. They're comfortable, easy to slip on and wash off, affordable, and they protect your toes (well sort of). And they have an arch which you know is good for you.
But I would never recommend Crocs for a long walk or for everyday wear. If you're headed for the beach or the pool they're fine, but that's it. Unfortunately, many people wear Crocs all summer as if they're a perfectly good shoe or sandal, but they aren't.
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. It's fine if you have a shoe that only bends at the toe, but shoes like crocs that can easily bend in the middle and can easily be twisted are not a supportive or stable shoe. Heel paininjuriesand arch pain can result from long term wear of unsupportive shoes even if they do have an arch.
Crocs can cause other problems - crocs can give people a false sense of security because they cover the toes. But because crocs have holes and the resin can easily be punctured, never wear crocs when doing any kind of yardwork or using heavy machinery. Crocs can also cause major blisters.
What Are the Best Shoes To Wear in Seattle?
You should always choose a shoe designed for the activity you're doing. If you're walking around Green Lake in Seattle, wear either a supportive tennis shoe or a sandal that has straps. If you're running, choose a running shoe that will provide the sport and cushioning you need. If you're doing a light hike through Discovery or Carkeek Park, a trail shoe may be just the ticket.
Headed to the mountains to do some day hiking, you'll need a boot that can allow you to walk over rocks without twisting your ankle. You can learn about the best boots for you by downloading my eBook, "How to Buy Hiking Boots to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis". I also made a series of short videos on the same topic here.
If you're after a sandal that can get wet and keep you out of pain I recommend that you buy Keens or Tevas available at REI or other sports stores. Both sandals totally secure your foot and have arch support to boot. Learn other tips for wearing flip flops without killing your feet if you choose to wear them.
Need Relief From Wearing Crocs in Seattle, Washington? Request an Appointment Now
If your Crocs are causing you foot pain, stop wearing them and come see us. We'll help you get your feet back to health. Complete the contact form on this page or call our office at 206-368-7000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berg.
Most new patients are seen within 1-2 week's time. During your initial visit, Dr. Berg will spend up to 30 minutes getting to know you, your podiatry complaints, and your goals so that he can recommend the treatment best meets your needs. Don’t wait—contact us today.
North Seattle Foot & Ankle Specialist Dr. Rion Berg offers compassionate podiatry care for all foot and ankle problems to those living in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an immediate appointment or request an appointment online.
FAQs
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.
Can wearing Crocs cause foot problems? ›
The bottom line. Many people enjoy wearing Crocs. They're lightweight, comfortable, and roomy, which makes them ideal for a range of activities. On the other hand, their lack of arch support can cause issues like plantar fasciitis, while their plastic construction may give you sweaty, smelly feet.
Why are Crocs not allowed in hospitals? ›
They are a tripping hazard. They do not have nonslip soles; they are quite dangerous on wet floors. Very few had completely enclosed uppers and posed a problem in the case of spills. Some hospitals even restricted the use of CROCS branded work shoes that have non slip soles.
What do podiatrists think of 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.
What are the health issues with 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.
What happens when you wear Crocs for too long? ›
Tendonitis, corns, calluses, and other toe deformities can result from Crocs, while preexisting foot conditions can also worsen.
What shoes do most podiatrists recommend? ›
Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said. “Typically, these brands are going to have different models for different foot types.”
Why were Crocs banned? ›
The real issue lies with the potential hazards that Crocs can pose on escalators. There are documented cases of kids getting their Crocs stuck in escalator treads, leading to unfortunate and sometimes painful incidents. This isn't a recent phenomenon either. Back in 2007, a news report from CBS highlighted the danger.
Why do gyms not allow Crocs? ›
You should not wear Crocs to the gym. Crocs may be comfortable and lightweight, but they don't provide enough support or protection. While working out in Crocs, you leave your feet exposed to injuries. Consider proper weightlifting or running shoes instead.
Why do people not wear socks with Crocs? ›
Many people like wearing Crocs without socks, though, because it's comfy and cool on their feet. In fact, they were not meant to be worn with socks originally and for good reason. First released in 2003, Crocs were designed as boat shoes.
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.
Can diabetics wear Crocs? ›
For people with diabetes, Crocs offer added value in the protection they provide. Because people with diabetes have reduced circulation in their feet, Glickman says, they're at higher risk for open sores and wound infection. The spare room and antibacterial properties of Crocs help combat these problems.
Why do nurses wear Crocs? ›
Along with support, clogs are preferred by nurses because they're comfortable. When working a 12-hour shift, it's vital your shoes are comfortable. Initially, most shoes feel comfortable when you try them on, causing you to buy them.
What is the disadvantage of wearing Crocs? ›
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. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
Are Crocs good for bad knees? ›
Researchers at Chicago's Rush University exploring the joint load, or stress, caused by different shoes worn by people with knee OA found that wearing flip-flops (as well as going barefoot and wearing flat, flexible walking shoes) creates significantly less knee stress than clogs and sneakers known as stability shoes, ...
Why do Crocs have bumps inside? ›
There are small bumps inside Crocs' footbed that, in addition to giving my feet a massage-like feel, also kept my feet perfectly in place instead of sliding around or forward in the clog.
What are the side effects of Crocs shoes? ›
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. The plastic construction may also lead to sweaty, stinky feet and even blisters.
Do Crocs mold to your feet over time? ›
Crocs are made of a lightweight antimicrobial resin, called Crosslite, designed to mold to the wearer's feet. Wear them all summer, no matter how hot and sticky it gets.
Can you get foot fungus from Crocs? ›
So your risk for Athlete's foot will soar the longer you spend in Crocs. Especially on hot or rainy days. Of course, some of the newer Croc designs have addressed this concern. So you may not have to worry about fungal growth with fabric lined Crocs, since they're less likely to make feet sweat.
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.
.jpg "Crocs Can Leave Your Feet in A Heap of Trouble in Seattle (1)")
In Seattle, as soon as the sun comes out all we want to do is pull out our most comfortable shoes. And oftentimes those are Crocs. We know you love them. They're comfortable, easy to slip on and wash off, affordable, and they protect your toes (well sort of). And they have an arch which you know is good for you. 