Fact checked by Nick Blackmer
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- Crocs have a foam sole that can help reduce pressure on the foot.
- However, Crocs aren’t as supportive as athletic shoes, and can degrade easily.
- Experts recommend not wearing Crocs for prolonged activity and replacing them often.
Summer is approaching, which means people across the country will soon be pulling their Crocs out of storage. The foam clogs, first launched in 2002, have surged in popularity in recent years, bringing in $4.1 billion in revenue in 2024. Kids and adults alike now seem to wear them everywhere, often for hours on end. But are America’s favorite summertime shoes actually a healthy choice?
“Crocs are best when used for the right situation,” Hira Mirza, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, told Health. Here’s what she and other podiatrists say about when Crocs make sense—and when you might want to wear a different pair of shoes.
Crocs Can Be Good for Your Feet
Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, said Crocs offer several benefits. They’re lightweight, cushioned, easy to slip on and off—and they provide more support than many other popular summertime shoes. “The foam material provides a soft, shock-absorbing platform that can reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot compared with very thin sandals or completely flat flip-flops,” Pourziaee said.
That cushioning can make them a solid option as a post-shift or recovery shoe, added Anne Sharkey, DPM, a double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon based in Austin, Texas.
Crocs also have a wide toe box that allows toes to spread naturally rather than being compressed, according to Mirza. The extra space may be particularly helpful for people with bunions, hammertoes, or foot swelling.
Another perk: ventilation. “The upper ventilation holes help with airflow and prevent the foot from feeling overly enclosed, which many people find comfortable in warm weather,” Pourziaee said.
…But They Can Also Have Big Downsides
While Crocs may be better for your feet than, say, flip flops, they still lack the support and stability of athletic shoes. “They are very flexible, which means the foot muscles have to work harder to stabilize the foot while walking,” Mirza said. The open heel can also allow the foot to slide inside the shoe, potentially contributing to fatigue or strain.
People with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, tendon issues, or balance concerns may be especially sensitive to this lack of support, Mirza warned.
Over time, the shoes themselves may provide even less support. The foam cushioning that helps absorb shock can degrade with regular wear, Sharkey added.
Crocs didn’t respond to Health’s questions about how its shoes might affect the feet of adults or children.
What About Crocs and Your Child’s Feet?
Many parents can likely attest: Crocs are a convenient shoe choice for kids. They’re lightweight, cushioned, simple to clean, and easy to put on and take off. They may also have some perks for growing feet: The foam interior helps reduce pressure, and the roomy forefoot allows toes to move freely, Pourziaeee said.
The bigger concern is stability—especially when kids are active. “Kids tend to run and play actively, and Crocs do not provide the same level of foot containment or traction as a secure sneaker,” Pourziaee said.
Because of this, kids may be more likely to trip or slip. More structured shoes are better suited for sports and other physically demanding activities. “Crocs should not replace supportive athletic shoes for school, sports, or extended physical activity,” Pourziaee added.
Another potential downside: The rubber material can trap sweat, which may cause blisters or skin irritation on hot days, Sharkey warned.
Tips for Wearing Crocs Safely
In general, Crocs are best for casual, short-term wear. They’re not ideal for prolonged activity, exercise, or all-day use.
“Wearing them occasionally is generally fine, but relying on them as an all-day walking shoe can lead to fatigue or discomfort in some individuals,” Pourziaee said.
The same goes for children. Crocs are best for low-key activities— think: playing in the backyard, hanging around the pool, or going on quick outings and errands.
If your kid is active, Sharkey recommends encouraging them to use the heel strap, often called sport mode. This helps keep the shoe secure, reduces slipping, and limits how much the toes have to grip to keep the shoe on.
It’s also important to replace Crocs once they begin to wear out. Mirza said she’s seen a few patients with ankle sprains due to poorly fitting Crocs that had lost their structure. “Replacing the shoe when it wears out is vital and may be needed more often than other more structured footwear,” she said.
