It's summer, and with the sunshine comes the ubiquitous footwear of choice: Crocs.
Ever since the rubber clogs came on the scene in Florida back in 2002, some crazy 300 million pairs have sold in 90 countries. So it just goes to shoe (I mean, show) that aesthetics play no part whatsoever in footwear.
Crocs are comfy and ugly as sin, plus - the real plus - they are water-friendly for those who find themselves chasing a toddler in and out of the local splash pad.
And they are easy to clean, when said parent chasing toddler in said park accidentally steps in a fresh, squishy dog deposit.
Where Crocs fall down, aside from the attractiveness factor, is that they are actually really bad for your feet. As in a foot doctor's worst nightmare.
Chicago podiatrist Dr. Megan Leahy warns against wearing Crocs for periods of time:
"These shoes do not adequately secure the heel," said Leahy. "When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendinitis [sic], worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses. The same thing can happen with flip flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.”
President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Dr. Alex Kor claims he sees clients with heel and arch pain on a daily basis - and the Crocs are to blame because the shoes bend in the shank area.
The only people Crocs are only suitable for are those with a high arch, and even then, they shouldn't be worn for several hours a day or for long walks. Not least of which because Crocs pose a fall hazard for children and less agile adults.
So by all means throw those Crocs in your bag along with your beach towel; just don't wear them all day.
Better still, keep those babies at home where they won't see the light of day. Reserve wear for around the house and garden, and never, ever inflict them on others in public places.
If all else fails, Crocs make for a tasty snack...
Printer-friendly version