What’s squishy, water-resistant, and on kids’ feet everywhere? That’s right, we’re talking Crocs. These clog-like shoes have become a popular fashion statement among kids and teens (and let’s be honest, some parents too) – even as we head into fall. But are they bad for developing feet? “I do have pretty strong opinions about this particular issue,” says Dr.
Priya Parthasarathy , a podiatrist in Silver Spring, Maryland, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. On the one hand, as a mom of three, Parthasarathy says Crocs are great for certain situations, like the pool or beach. “Crocs are a godsend when you're trying to get out of the house, because my 3-year-old can put them on independently,” she says.
But as a podiatrist who treats many kids and teens, she’s seeing issues that come from wearing Crocs all day, every day. “I’ve seen more structural issues like heel pain, arch pain, sometimes more hammer toes , because you have to grip the shoe to keep them on, and so the toes are overworking,” she says. Parthasarathy is among several foot and ankle specialists who’ve warned online that Crocs aren’t the best choice for all-day footwear.
She says one problem is that Crocs – and their knockoffs – are not particularly stable. While they do come with a heel strap, a lot of kids ignore it and wear them like slides. She says they also lack arch support, and they’re not great at wicking away moisture, which can lead to b.
