Following their massive popularity, Crocs have become the casual shoe of choice for many families. This clog-like footwear is designed with some protection and comfort in mind and is considered an ideal option, especially when you’re walking on the beach, going to the supermarket, or just hanging around the house.
Considered a therapeutic shoe, Crocs offer long-term relief from foot pain, making it a great alternative for people who have sustained an injury, foot surgery, and those who have certain health conditions.
In fact, Crocs are recommended after surgery, especially when the feet are still swollen, as they can be a good transition before getting back to regular footwear. They are also ideal for diabetic patients during the summer months as they are more comfortable than classical diabetic shoes.
They are generally roomy and much cooler to wear on hot days. Besides, they are more accommodative in the toe box, so they protect hammertoes, typically seen in diabetics. Not to mention that they are lined with antibacterial that keeps bacterial and fungal infections at bay.
Unlike athletic shoes that provide the much-needed support to help play sports, Crocs may not be the best for workouts or playing sports. They certainly not the best shoes for hiking or playing tennis. And as you probably know, there’s no substitute for a good sneaker when you exercise or participate in athletic events.
Crocs is an American company found in Niwot, Colorado, known for manufacturing and marketing the Crocs brand of foam Clogs. The brand has established a considerable following with Americans, especially middle school and high students.
What are Clogs?
Clogs, meanwhile, are footwear, which is partly or wholly made from wood. Although we might think that Clogs refers to those shoes designed to cover the whole foot, there are many other wooden shoes that fall under the same category, including the Japanese Geta and the Cantabrian albarcas from Spain.
It’s not clear when this footwear first took place. However, the first Clogs, found in the Netherlands, dating back to 1230 AD and were found in Nieuwendijk, Amsterdam.
The shoes later became the most common footwear in Europe throughout the Industrial Revolution era. Historically, Clogs were made from one piece of wood, which proved to be handy enough to protect your feet against the dirt on the ground.
They borrowed the inspiration from “calceus” shoes, which were common during the Roman Empire. These shoes featured a wooden sole, leather straps on top plus were much kike sandals. Nonetheless, Clogs changed its form to adapt to the harsher weather in the Netherlands.
These shoes were worn by both men and women and became the standard choice for people working on the farms, in the mines, and in construction. This because they provided support and protection without the need to be reinforced. In fact, a clog is certified as a safety shoe by the European Union.
With the evolution of the shoemaking industry, wooden shoes experienced a decline. However, it picked up again in the World Wars when materials for shoes became scarce and wooden shoes were the best alternative. Presently, wooden shoes are still worn in farming regions, though many tend to wear modern shoes.
Evolution of Clogs
Clogs were associated with a clicking sound when walking, and it was this unique rhythm that inspired clog dancing during the Victorian era in England.
People who specialized in the making of Clogs were referred to as bodgers. Beech, balsa, willow, and sycamore were utilized in making Clogs because these woods did not slip easily. Traditional Clogs were derived from a square block of wood. This wood was wet down, axed, and smoothed into shape, and then the shoes were stacked for thorough drying.
Throughout the late twentieth century in Europe and the United States, Clogs became so fashionable that the modern Clogs borrow the styles of traditional models with wooden soles and new materials such as leather cloth for the construction of the shoes.
Why are Crocs called Clogs?
The brand name “Crocs” was conceived by three friends: George Boedecker, Scott Seamans, and Lyndon Hanson- on a Caribbean trip when Seamans showed his fellows the astonishing slip-on clog he was wearing. Knowing that it was made by a Canadian company called “Foam creations,” the friends realized an opportunity.
Subsequently, the group had the license and was trying to develop the shoe by adding a strap to the back. They realized that the shoe looked like crocodile snouts from the side, and the name was the first thing that had to go. Thus Crocs was born.
Generally, Crocs were born of the economic boom. Their colorful foam that hit the market in 2002 was brash and bright and used to be a cheap investment, coming in at around $30. They were comfortable, felt good, and promised to last forever.
One reason why Crocs are considered comfortable shoes is that they are made of foam, technically called Croslite. The brand describes this material as a proprietary closed-cell resin. They are not the most breathable but are perfect for warm weather. They aren’t the most lightweight either but are designed to be light enough for most users.
The stated closed-cell resin (Croslite) is soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-free. It’s meant to give the shoes a unique texture. And although it’s not advertised as edible, Croslite is also non-toxic, meaning no harm should come to you when in use.
On the flip side, however, these rubber Clogs do not offer enough heel support for a longer period of time. Well, they provide good arch support, but if you want to wear them for longer periods, they can eventually lead to calluses, tendinitis, nail problems, and other complications.
They also make crappy water shoes when exposed to water, unless your ankle is secured, probably by wrapping the brand around the back of your foot. Crocs Clogs would slip right off of your feet in no time and may disappear in the undertow. Still, the fact that these shoes are made of non-porous material means that the sweat can’t escape when your feet sweat.
What Are The Best Clogs To Buy?
If you’re a nurse or a professional searching for a good pair of clogs, here are some of the best models that might fit your needs:
Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
The XP 2.0 Clogs from Danskos is one of the best practical clogs that can make you comfortable during a long day at work. The shoes are made of leather, which makes them durable and easy to clean. The outsole is synthetic, and the platform measures 0.75 inches. And the footbed is removable, meaning you can customize the fit to your own liking.
These clogs are packed with memory foam cushioning that makes them more comfortable. The wide toe box offers plenty of space to keep your toes comfortable throughout. The clogs are slip-resistant and come in 26 designs, including basic colors like brown and black.
Crocs Women’s Neria Pro Clogs
Next up is the Women’s Neria Pro Clogs from Crocs. It is one of the most popular brands from the brand, suitable for nurses and people who spend a long time standing or walking. Designed with lightweight features, these clogs are an excellent choice for various activities. The sole is made of synthetic material, and the platform measures around one inch.
The outsoles are slip-safe and are ASTM approved. One good thing about Crocs clogs is that they’re easy to wipe clean, or better yet, wash with water and soap. Although they might make feet a little hot and sweaty, these clogs do have accommodative toe boxes.
Skechers Women’s Soft Toe Work Clogs
The soft Toe Work Clogs by Sketchers are designed to keep your feet comfortable during long shifts. The benefits of these shoes are that they are very cushioned and comfortable to wear. They have a wide toe box, and though they might feel a little smaller, they do stretch after wearing them for a few days.
The upper part of these clogs is made of leather. The collar is padded for more comfort. The sketcher’s clogs also come with a textile insole that you can choose to keep or remove.
The rubber sole of the clogs makes the shoes to be slip-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about walking on wet floors. Moreover, Sketchers clogs are available in white, black, and 14 other patterns.
Sanita Women’s Professional Patent Clogs
Lastly is this model from Sanita. It comes in 4 basic yet elegant colors and is made from leather. The heel of the clog is approx. 1.75 inches, while the platform comes in at around 1 inch. The whole thing is comfortable, thanks to the orthopedic rocker sole. You will also get excellent arch support. The wide toe box ensures plenty of room to keep your feet comfortable all day long. And since they are made of leather, these clogs are durable and will keep their shine for a long time.