MD Podiatrist Advises Against Use of Crocs for Exercise – Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC (2024)

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.

MD Podiatrist Advises Against Use of Crocs for Exercise – Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC (2024)

FAQs

Are Crocs bad for your feet podiatrists? ›

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 banned from the gym? ›

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.

What happens to your toes when you wear Crocs? ›

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 good for hammertoes? ›

Crocs in the Clinic

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. With the Rx Crocs, they're lined with antibacterial material that will prevent fungal and bacterial infections.”

What is the controversy with Crocs? ›

Crocs Controversy: Viral Allegations Of CEO Andrew Rees' Racist Tirade Spark Boycott Debate | Explained. The internet is in turmoil over a viral video alleging Crocs CEO Andrew Rees used a racial slur at LAX. With no concrete evidence, the controversy has sparked debates on whether to boycott the brand.

Do Crocs cause foot fungus? ›

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.

What's better than Crocs? ›

The best Crocs alternatives, at a glance:

Best for comfort: OOFOS OOcandoo, $100. Best open-back clog: Keen Yogui Slip-On Clog, $75. Best sneaker: Kane Revive, $75. Best for the outdoors: Chaco Chillos Clog, $65.

Why do my legs hurt after wearing Crocs? ›

It is because crocs' design mechanics are to make your shoe or sandal non-slippery. Additionally, it does not have proper ankle support. You will feel leg or ankle pain without ankle support all day long. Using crocs for long periods can cause foot pain because of its flexible shank and limited heel support.

Do Crocs cause Achilles tendonitis? ›

They have support on the soles and are extremely light-weight. The clog design also makes is easy to avoid direct pressure on your Achilles tendon. This makes crocs the perfect walking shoe for Achilles Tendonitis. Crocs can also be washed very easily.

Are Crocs good for the elderly? ›

“I generally recommend that older adults avoid wearing Crocs unless their feet and ankles are very swollen,” Weiser says. This is because Crocs can cause some people to fall. As mentioned, Crocs aren't particularly good at helping you maintain balance, especially since they don't provide heel support.

Does walking barefoot help hammertoes? ›

Natural ways to improve hammertoes:

Heel and toe raise, yoga, and barefoot walking in safe places will also strengthen the toes.

What are the pros and cons of Crocs? ›

Crocs make for excellent footwear because they are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip into and out of. They are also breathable, promote circulation, and have enough room to avoid compression of the toes. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for everyday wear or long periods.

Do Crocs make plantar fasciitis worse? ›

Supportive footwear can be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Crocs provide arch support and ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis in this way. Babafemi Adebajo, a qualified physiotherapist, writes about the intersection of tech, health, and education.

Are Crocs bad for developing feet? ›

Kids and teens appear to love Crocs for their slip on style, comfortable fit and ability to accessorize them with their favorite jibbitz. However, from a pediatric PT standpoint, Crocs are not the optimal footwear to be placing on a child's developing foot.

What kind of shoes are best for your feet? ›

Choose a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be firm and the heel positioned close to the ground for walking stability. The front or forefoot area should have flexibility, and plenty of room for the toes to move around.

Are Birkenstocks bad for your feet? ›

Besides weakening your foot musculature, the intense arch support and thick sole in a Birkenstock also limits your foot mobility. The foot has 33 joints, which allows for endless movement possibilities, all of which connect the feet to the entire posterior chain – ankles, knees, hips, pelvic floor, glutes.

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