Crocs are now being marketed in over 90 countries all over the globe. Whether someone likes their style or not, it is rare to find someone denying the comfort that comes with them.
For anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis, foot comfort is critical. But that’s not all. Their shoe needs to offer a rigid sole, good arch support, strong shock absorption, and gentle cushioning to alleviate plantar pain. So, are Crocs the best option for plantar fasciitis? Do they ease plantar pain? Without wasting time, let’s dive in and find out!
Table of Contents
Are Crocs Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
Crocs are good for Plantar Fasciitis because they are incredibly comfortable and provides great arch support. In order to beat plantar fasciitis for good, it’s important to find a shoe that fits well and offers ample arch support. You’ll also need shoes that are cushioned enough to provide comfort, while still being firm enough for shock absorption and stability. Of course, there is no one shoe that will be perfect for everyone — this all depends on your personal needs.
Crocs are incredibly comfortable and provides great arch support. There’s also an added layer of protection from its rubber construction, which has shock-absorbing properties. This means your foot will be protected from the impact of running. On top of the shock-absorbing benefits, the Croc is also very breathable and ventilated. This means your feet will stay cool, dry, and comfortable on long runs.
Crocs Controversial debates arise where crocs are mentioned. People will either praise them or curse them. There is no being in between. Now, those suffering from chronic plantar foot pain have a point at which they are less concerned about the controversy. All they require is relief from their hurting feet. Having lost, many of them will find solace in crocs. So let’s dive deeper into the topic and try to find out the merits and demerits of wearing crocs when you have plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be described as a plantar fascia inflammation. It causes pain mainly at the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia is the ligament running at the bottom of your foot to join the heel to the front of your foot. The plantar fascia supports the foot’s arch and helps in shock absorption when you walk.
Plantar fasciitis is a frequent complaint in orthopedic clinics. That is so because planta fascia is exposed to lots of tears and wear in your daily life. Excessive pressure on your feet can tear or damage the ligament, leading to inflammation that causes stiffness and pain. The extreme pressure can be due to stress on the foot, standing up for long periods, improper placement of the foot, and inadequate footwear, among many other factors. Individuals above 40 years of age and those suffering from diabetes or obesity are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis primarily presents with a piercing pain specifically close to the heel. There are no known complications; however, the pain can be unendurable to some people.
How is Plantar Fasciitis Treated?
Various steps can help you relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Most of them can be done at home. They include;
- Resting
- Strengthening and resting your feet
- Applying ice
- Maintaining a healthy weight
The most effective management, however, is supportive footwear. Wearing appropriate orthotics or shoes that provide enhanced cushioning and support to the arch alleviates foot pain in over 80% of cases. In rare cases will your podiatrist recommend more powerful management therapies such as shock wave therapy, steroid injections, night splints, or even surgery.
Crocs Merits for Plantar Fasciitis
Crocs were initially made for mine and field workers who spent many hours on their feet and experienced foot pain. Their design aims to support the foot arch, offer proper cushioning, and ensure that the feet remain aligned. Being comfortable and supportive, many doctors prescribe them to their patients who suffer from plantar foot pain
Thick rigid sole
The rigidity of the shoe soles is critical to people with plantar fasciitis. While walking, your shoe sole shouldn’t bend or twist. People often assume that having a more cushioned shoe is better; however, cushioning without support is worth nothing. It leads to pain, stress, and fatigue on the legs and feet. Besides their footbed cushioning, crocs also have very rigid and thick soles offering a good combination for plantar fasciitis.
Better arch support
People with plantar fasciitis require good arch support. Most of the chronic plantar pain is actually due to unsupportive footwear. Our feet have an arch shape since humans were created to walk without shoes on the naturally soft terrain. Since we are currently living on hard surfaces and wearing shoes, we require some orthopedic compensation. Footwear that provides sufficient arch reinforcement is essential, especially for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Shock-absorbing material
Pressure applied to your feet leads to plantar fascia ligament tearing that causes you to experience plantar foot pain. To help limit the strain on your feet and maintain plantar fascial in a suitable condition, you must have shoes that can absorb as much impact as possible. The Croslite outsole that is found in all crocs has a high capacity to absorb shock.
Footbed cushioning
Midfoot cushioning is crucial for it lessens the impact and safeguards your feet. Crocs have additional cushioning on the footbed crocs, with the LiteRide next-generation insoles are the best for footbed easing.
Reinforced heels
Reinforced heels play a role in reducing the unnecessary pull of your plantar fascia ligament. They ensure that your ligament rests and that it does not tear too much while still absorbing shock on the painful area of the heel. The Neria Pro and other models of crocs provide a more reinforced heel than the classic crocs. Thus, they are more preferred for patients with plantar fasciitis.
Crocs Limits for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis does not cause any known severe complications. However, it has to be taken seriously. Crocs offer comfort and are suitable to meander around. Though they effectively relieve plantar fasciitis pain, they can cause other foot problems if worn inappropriately or for long hours.
Crocs also are not meant for orthopedic purposes. If you are one of the people experiencing severe foot problems, authentic orthopedic shoes are the best option. For individuals suffering from extreme plantar fasciitis pain, a medical doctor might prescribe medical management such as shock therapy, night splints, or surgery. In any case, it is always good to consult your podiatrist’s advice.
What are the Best Crocs for Plantar Fasciitis?
Crocs are not created equally. For people suffering from plantar fasciitis pain, the classic crocs are not the best. There are other models designed to offer better protection and pain relief characteristics. Examples include the Neria Pro II LiteRide and the Bistro Pro LiteRide created for women and men with plantar fasciitis.