It stands to reason that certain footwear manufacturers have emerged over time as the tried-and-true go-tops for persons who are on their feet all day. You’ve probably heard of these big two: Danskos and Crocs.
Still, there are many perspectives on why nurses and food service workers might prefer one shoe over the other. And without overlooking the fact that these are the most recognizable options to an outsider, the options for supportive footwear put forth for shifting professionals are seemingly endless.
Crocks and Dansko clogs are shoes that are made of soft, breathable material. The soles of these shoes have great shock absorption, which is one of the reasons why nurses love wearing them. Both brands are very popular among nurses. While they are comfortable shoes, some find them stylish too.
These shoes are also comfortable and designed for long-lasting performance. They provide good arch support (though Danskos have even better support than Crocs), which is geared towards the ball of the foot. They are also available in various styles, so they’re likely to fit most people’s personalities.
Contrary to other shoes, their heels hardly slip, and they provide room for breathability, and they are all lightweight (though Crocs are considered to be lighter than Danskos).
With all these benefits, nurses and people working at foodservice centers prefer Crocs and Danskos for their daily work.
What Are Clogs?
A clog basically refers to a type of footwear that comes with an open back for easy on and off. The traditional styles were clogs shoes with leather tops and wooden soles. Perhaps this is why crocs are also called wooden shoes.
While there are many different types of clogs (raging from wooden, canvas, leather, suede, and garden clogs), the kind of clog you choose will depend on your needs and how you intend to use it. For instance, garden clogs are perfect for gardens. As you guessed, these are handy shoes because even after getting filthy dirty back in the yard, they can be rinsed off in no time. Besides, they are made of sturdy plastic.
Why are Crocs So Popular?
Crocs have some unique structures inspired by Italian design. It is unisex footwear, meaning both men and women and people of all ages can wear them. The shoes are also durable and reliable and certainly famous for their utility.
The first thing to note about croc shoes is that they are comfortable and easygoing. Some crocs versions are designed with a bunch of holes for proper ventilation while giving the feet much-needed comfort. Although it’s more of a casual shoe than flip-flops, crocs are durable and pliable. They are usable in most situations, especially during the rainy seasons.
Why Are Danskos So Popular?
Danskos have become quite possibly the most iconic footwear in the health care and foodservice industries over the past three decades. This footwear has taken various industries by storm. Dansko was founded in 1990 by a husband and wife, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot.
While traveling to Denmark, the couple, which ran an equestrian facility in Pennsylvanian, found clogs to be the most agreeable shoe. They started bringing shoes to the USA and sharing them with friends.
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Crocs vs Danskos: What You Need to Know
As mentioned before, protective footwear is important among health workers and people working at service centers because they tend to be on their feet for an extended period. Nurses, in particular, bend, lift, and walk a lot before reaching the duration of their shift.
On that note, both Crocs and Danskos are known to be comfortable and are better designed to handle such working environments. The shoes are easy on the back too. Clogs with Velcro straps, such as Danskos and the super comfy crocs clogs, make it easier to slip these on and off in a hurry and be able to adjust yourself during a shift.
Both Crocs and Danskos are super durable. Generally, rubber is resistant to spills like blood, which means less time to clean in between shifts. Nonetheless, below is a breakdown of the various comparable aspects of both brands.
Arch Support
Aside from comfort, clogs are designed to promote walking and movements. They should support your entire foot ankle, including the arch, which is particularly important for nursing and healthcare workers.
Danskos are designed to help naturally keep your feet in a neutral position. Models such as the Dansko 2.0 clog are work-ready footwear with sustainable comfort in every step. The shoes boast built-in arch support, supportive construction, cushioned footbed, and slip-safe outsole, making it a great choice for plantar fasciitis.
Crocs, on the other hand, may not work as well as Danskos. One would even say they’re not among the best for all-day use. One podiatrist stated that, while it’s true they offer nice arch support, crocs do not adequately secure the heel. And if the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip, which can lead to various foot complications such as corns and calluses. However, we still can excuse crocs on the grounds that the same gripe can be experienced with any backless shoes.
Besides, all is not lost. The Crocs RX Relief is known to be one of the most comfortable clogs on the market. The Crocs Relief has some extra arch support, meaning they are suitable for those with plantar fasciitis, much more comparable to the Danskos 2.2 clog.
Foot Fatigue
Crocs and Danskos may look like random clunky shoes, but there are actually good reasons why most workers find them comfortable yet stylish footwear. Danskos, meanwhile, are not all clogs. The company makes different styles with lower height, which can be great for walking on cobblestone and pavement.
However, although the company states that Danskos clogs are crafted for comfort with lightweight construction and softer cushioned footbed, these shoes are not as light as Crocs. They are comfy, soft, and flexible, but the overall construction is noticeably heavier than Crocs.
On the bright side, Danskos shoes are great for reducing leg, back, and foot pain. This is because they have an excellent shock absorbency, which is well packed to reduce stress on the joints. They are relatively lightweight, though not as Crocs, and a good choice for nursing working on their feet for long hours.
Taking a deeper look, Crocs has set out to design some of the most comfortable and lightweight shoes for most professionals.
The newest and lightest addition to the Crocs collection is the Literide technology, coming in at around 25% lighter and 40% softer than the material previously used. As such, the new Crocs Literide seems to be an excellent option for the backpacking world. Moreover, Lightride Crocs are available in sandals, slides, and traditional clogs.
Durability
Speaking of durability, you can count on your Danskos clogs long past their expiration dates without any issues. With proper care and maintenance, a good pair of Danskos shoes can last more than two years when properly used.
These shoes are popular among nurses because they are waterproof, slip-proof, and feature padded collar and shank that wrap around your foot for long-lasting support. Moreover, the fabric used is 100% real leather. Nurses and other professionals alike usually break in Dansko Clogs within several hours of wear.
Crocks are similarly excellent under this particular aspect. Unless you really try to damage them, a good pair of Crocs can last as up to three years and even longer. The foam construction featured by Crocs is more than enough for a nurse to go through a dozen-hour shift without skimping on comfort and support.
What’s better, Crocs comfort level is ideal for most professionals because it doesn’t absorb stinky bacteria, as opposed to leather. And you can easily clean them by putting them in a dishwasher.
Slip-Resistant
You may have or heard about a fellow who sustained a foot injury that too them big time. This can wreak havoc on your feet, especially in the absence of the right footwear to help manage the condition.
On that note, Danskos slip-resistant models are solely tested using the Mark II standard. Also, some Dansko collections come with a removable footbed, which can accommodate custom orthotics.
Likewise, Crocs shoes are developed with adherence to industry standards for slip resistance. As such, they have become an excellent choice for foodservice and health care workers.
The Bottom Line
Clogs may have a reputation for being quite unattractive, but people love them. Classic clog-style shoes are durable and offer great shock absorbency during movements. They’re also comfortable enough to wear the entire day or day out in the city.
One good thing about clogs is that you can actually improve the traction level of the shoes. You can do this by walking on rough terrains such as gravel and uneven grounds. The point is to create nooks and abrasions on the smooth sole, adding some shoe traction.