Crocs, the rubber crocs that began as boater-floaters for Jimmy Buffett types in Florida in 2002 and have now made sales of over a quarter a million pairs in close to 100 countries, are here to stay whether you like them or not.
Both toddlers and Mario Batali love them because of their softness, rubberiness, and floatability. They’re fantastic for going to the backyard or the dogs’ park, where you’re likely to encounter things that are tough to clean off your sneakers but easy to clean off clogs with a wipe or a hose. Some people say that besides providing excellent toe protection and comfortable wearing, they are also suitable for aquatic activities in the tropics.
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But how Healthy are Crocs for your Feet?
On the internet, there has recently been a discussion on the consequences of crocs on the feet. Some doctors think that crocs provide additional benefits to your feet, while others claim they potentially damage your feet. This POST will review some of the shared thoughts concerning the eye-capturing shoe by different podiatrists and consumers.
Do Crocs have arch support?
Yes, Crocs have good arch support besides them being light and airy. Good arch support is critical to your feet for better shock absorption, reducing over-pronation, and improving your posture and stability, and the Crocs Company knows all this very well.
Our feet have an arch since humans were created to walk barefoot on naturally soft terrains. Lately, with civilization, we are now living on hard surfaces and wearing shoes. Orthopedic compensation is fundamental. Footwear that can offer good arch support adequately is essential. In that case, Crocs are the best choice since they can provide your feet with enhanced arch support.
Why is good arch support on your Crocs essential?
The consequences of poor arch support are limitless. Those whose upper curve in the middle of their feet has disappeared due to a fallen arch constantly experience unpleasant side effects. Their feet tend to tire when they walk a lot or stand for long hours. In addition, they can experience pain around their arches and heels. The pain is due to strained ligaments and muscles.
You are also likely to notice swelling on the bottom of their feet. Foot movements, for instance, standing up on their toes, maybe intricate and have notable leg and back pain. Poor arch support also causes stress on the hip and knee that causes discomfort and notable leg and back pain. If You are a Crocs’ wearer, you are less likely to experience all these problems. That is so because they provide the best arch support to your feet.
Additionally, Crocs’ adequate arch support has a favorable lifestyle implication. That is because Crocs prevent you from problems associated with poor arch support, such as swelling and pain that may discourage you from moving around. They encourage you to participate in physical activities and stay away from the sedentary lifestyle. Physical activities will lower your risk of suffering sedentary lifestyle-associated diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, raised cholesterol levels, and obesity. Plus, with good arch support, you will have a chance to engage in your love activities. Such activities may include sightseeing, taking a walk with your family, playing recreational sports, among many others.
Crocs in the clinic
Certain podiatrists are recommending crocs for people with foot abnormalities. According to Harold Grickman, the former American Podiatric Medical Association president, the exceptionally light shoe has a huge area in the toe that allows for plenty of room in the front of the foot, notably for persons with abnormalities of the bone like hammertoes and bunions. They can also be treated with an antibacterial substance, thus offering additional protection to the feet against fungal and bacterial illness.
Additionally, Crocs provide significant benefits in terms of protection for diabetic patients. According to podiatrists, diabetic patients have poor circulation around their feet, which puts them at danger for open wound and sores infections—crocs’ antibacterial and extra room characteristics aid to battle these issues.
Professional skepticism about The Benefits of Crocs
American Podiatric Medical Association has given Crocs its official seal of approval. The seal of approval indicates that the shoe has been determined to promote healthy ankle and foot care. However, a group of doctors does not agree that shoe has medical benefits.
Crocs are incredibly low weight, according to Bob Baravarian, a chief surgeon of foot and ankle at the Santa Monica Medical Center. He says that they are helpful for persons who experience problems walking. That is because they are quite sturdy and do not bend or twist side to side as much as other shoes, plus they have an outstanding arch contour and heel cup. Baravarian says that though crocs have more merits than demerits, they aren’t replacing the real deal.
According to Baravarian, since the shoes are deemed medical, they are often overused by those who require additional support than that offered by the shoe. The shoes aren’t designed to be used as orthotic or medical shoes; they are built to look better than they are. They are also not designed for running marathons, according to Baravarian. He further claims that the shoes are suitable for trips to the nearby market and are not designed to be worn for a whole day.
Dr. Megan Leahy, a podiatrist, working at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute at Chicago, says, “Unfortunately, crocs are not ideal for all-day use.” While she acknowledged that they provide good support to the foot’s arch, she said that the true reason that one shouldn’t wear them for long hours is that they don’t provide appropriate heel support. When the heel becomes unstable, the toes grip, causing tendonitis, toe deformities to worsen, nail problems, calluses, and corns. Because the heel is not secured in a flip-flop or other backless shoe, the same thing can happen.
The shank, the supporting structure between the toes and the heel, is the most significant component in any shoe. That is according to Dr. Alex Kor, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine president. “If a patient’s shoes bend in the shank, they’re more likely to develop foot pain,” Dr. Alex explained.
“Crocs are the poster child for those shoes with a flexible shank,” says Kor. ” In other words, I encounter patients who visit my office complaining of arch or heel discomfort while wearing crocs daily,” he explained.
Only two sorts of patients, according to Dr. Alex, can benefit from wearing crocs. Individuals with a very high arch or significant swellings in their ankles and legs are among these patients. However, he can never recommend that his patients wear crocs for more than eight to ten hours a day.
Crocs, according to Leahy, are appropriate for outings to the pool or the beach but not for long treks. She also mentions that toddlers and occasionally adults seem to trip and fall more often in these shoes.
Final take
While the verdict on these shoes is yet out, crocs can be seen practically everywhere, including hockey rinks, hospitals, beaches, Hollywood, and even yachts. It is true to say that they have become a proper streetwear standard. Almost everyone has a pair of crocs in their wardrobe, thanks to their simple shape and the convenience of taking them on and off.
Some physicians are also recommending them to their patients, particularly those with mobility issues and diabetics. Even though crocs are becoming more fashionable, some doctors claim that they are not suitable for long-term everyday wear.