Crocs has been one of the famous footwears in 90 countries since 2002. These pairs are adorned for their rubberiness, floatability and comfort, but new reports revealed that podiatrists find them not suitable for everyday use.
It came as a surprise to millions of fans of Crocs to know that their most loved footwear that promises comfort is not really what they thought it would be. A number of podiatrists find it inappropriate to use for an extended period of time because it could lead to a number of foot and nail problems.
"Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use," Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Dr. Megan Leahy told Huffington Post. According to her, although it provides nice arch support, she advised not to wear it for a long period of time because "these shoes do not adequately secure the heel."
Leahy claimed that when the heel is unstable, the tendency of the toes is to grip leading to tendinitis, aggravating nail problems, toe deformities, corns and calluses. She reminded that it is also the same thing with any backless shoes and flip flops as the heel is not properly supported.
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine president, Dr. Alex Kor, also told the publication that patients develop foot problems when their shoes bend in the shank, the supportive part of between the heel and the toe. Based on experience, Kor finds most of his patients complaining of arch or heel pain wearing Crocs footwear.
Patients who have very high arch, and those who have edema of legs and ankle are more suitable to wear Crocs footwear, Kor added. Crocs could be worn on short intervals and not for long walks. He added it is advised to wear it only for eight to 10 hours a day.
Crocs was originally designed from a Quebec company Foam Creations. It was initially made as a boating shoe. The first design, the Beach sold 200 pairs in 2002.
In 2005, some Crocs footwears were recommended by the U.S. Ergonomics company. It was also accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2009.
In 2006, Crocs faced health and safety issues when some of the American and Japanese children wearing Crocs sustained injuries in an escalator. Its design became a subject of debate and in 2008, Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry asked the Colorado-based footwear company to change its design.
Crocs have sold over 300 million pairs in 90 countries. Its price starts at $11.99. Famous people who are a big fan of the rubber shoes include Kate Middleton, Steven Tyler, Jack Nicolson and Helen Mirren, according to Daily Mail.
Check out the video below involving Crocs in a series of escalator accidents: