Without a doubt Crocs are comfortable shoes but are Crocs good for walking? We have to say no. That’s because Crocs lack in arch and heel support. They also don’t offer enough shock absorption to sustain a hike. Moreover, research suggests, Crocs provide as much balance as flip-flops.
Wearing Crocs for long walks on rough terrain can hurt your feet as the shoe isn’t made to meet hiking needs. Even their All Terrain range that is supposed to offer protection against all terrain, isn’t a good hiking shoe when you compare it with other options.
However, you can certainly walk short distances with your Crocs, preferably on dry and plain terrain. Keep on reading to learn all about Crocs.
Are Crocs Good for Walking and Standing All Day?
As we have already mentioned, Crocs aren’t good for walking long distances and hikes in uneven terrains, but they are comfortable enough for everyday wear and walking around on flat, dry surfaces both indoors and outdoors.
Regular Crocs shoes are lacking in proper heel and arch support, but their At Work series has a lot of models with comfortable arch support and heel support. You can take a look at WOMEN’S NERIA PRO II, WOMEN’S MERCY WORK CLOG, or CROCS ON-THE-CLOCK WORK SLIP-ON.
These models are designed for standing around all day and walking in them as medical professionals, dental hygienists, chefs, etc. are the target market. They are also slip-resistant, which is a feature limited to Crocs work shoes.
So, we will recommend these clogs to you for wearing throughout the day. Other models are good enough for casual hangouts, working around the garden, running errands, etc. But we suggest you don’t wear them all day long.
Watch Isaiah run a marathon in Crocs. You won’t believe how his feet look at the end.
Are Crocs Good for Flat Feet?
Flat feet is a condition in which the arch of your feet is lower than usual and it causes struggle in walking or running as your feet roll inwards excessively. That’s what causes the pain. This can be relieved if proper support and cushioning is present.
Regular Crocs don’t have enough arch support to adequately comfort flat feet. But Crocs work clogs offer good heel and arch support, which you can even enhance by adding an aftermarket ortholite insoles.
However, there are definitely better shoes than Crocs that will be more comfortable for people with flat feet. You are much likely to find another affordable option that suits you better.
Can Crocs Create Problems if Worn Long Term?
Dr. Barrow, a Podiatrist, has some insights into the problems that Crocs can create with prolonged long-term usage.
The first issue is that the roomy comfy fit of Crocs also means it doesn’t fit your feet perfectly and you are constantly gripping them with your toes to keep them on. This can lead to, tendonitis, and hammertoes.
You also have to consider the fact that these shoes are made of plastic and don’t absorb moisture in any way. So, if they aren’t washed regularly, your feet stew in bacteria and sweat, leading to athlete’s foot and nail fungus. While walking you may also constantly end up hitting your nails causing ingrown nails.
Again that being said, not all Crocs clogs are built similarly. They have clogs in their Work Series that offer a snug fit and good support. Those are the ones designed to wear long term, while regular models are better for wearing for short periods of time.
Are Crocs Bad for Your Feet? What to Know About Them
There are definitely aspects of Crocs that make them bad for wearing for prolonged periods throughout the day. Apart from their At Work collection, regular Crocs offer a roomy fit.
According to Healthline, they offer minimal arch support, and no heel support. These are bad for feet, especially if you wear Crocs for a long time or suffer from conditions like hyperhidrosis, flat feet, etc.
So, to answer whether Crocs are bad for your feet, you need to consider what activity you will be performing in them and how long you are wearing them. Going grocery shopping or hanging out at a cafe for an hour or two doesn’t require much effort from your feet. Wearing Crocs then won’t hurt you.
On the other hand, going on hikes with Crocs or wearing them all day long can cause you a lot of pain in the long run.
Can Wearing Crocs Damage Your Feet?
According to an article published by BayCare Clinic, Crocs, although providing comfort in the short run can damage your feet in the long run.
This is mainly due to the lack of heel support and a wide fit. When you are wearing Crocs, the shoe isn’t secured at the heel which makes you grip it constantly with your toes. This overworks your toes leading to tendonitis.
Friction with your nails lead to ingrown nails, corns and calluses. Moreover, inadequate securing of the heels can lead to injuries, twisting of the ankle, etc.
Crocs are okay for short term usage, but wearing them all-day can severely hurt your feet leading to serious conditions like hammertoes.
Moreover, if Crocs aren’t cleaned regularly it becomes a pool of bacteria, increasing risk of athlete’s foot and nail fungus. This is another issue to be wary of while wearing Crocs.
When To Wear Crocs?
Crocs are great to wear when working from home, during pregnancy, running errands, casual hangouts, short walks on the pavement, and other light activities that don’t require heavy duty shoes.
Even though Crocs aren’t made for wearing all day long, you have to admit that they are very breathable, roomy, and comfortable. These wide shoes are great for swollen feet during pregnancy. You will have enough room.
The upper is very breathable and the closed resin Crosslite material offers superior cushioning. Your feet will be well padded. Moreover, you can just quickly slip in and out of them. So, if you have issues bending down or compromised mobility, Crocs offer great convenience.
There are loads of activities Crocs are suitable for as long as they don’t put too much pressure on your feet.
When To Skip Crocs? Activities That Crocs Aren’t Suitable For
Crocs aren’t suitable for activities that require a lot of support, stability or protection. Vigorous activities like running, hiking or playing contact sports require shoes that offer more heel support, shock absorption, traction, stability, and protection. Wearing Crocs is a bad idea.
They are also not good for weightlifting as that requires stability. Yoga, pilates, zumba and other forms of exercise also aren’t suitable. Moreover, Crocs aren’t suitable for wet weather as they don’t offer enough traction. Don’t wear it when it is raining or snowing.
Crocs are also casual. So, if you are going out to a dinner party or business meeting, obviously, Crocs won’t fit the dress code.
When To Consider New Shoes?
Well, most often we replace shoes when we notice wear and tear around the heels, uppers, or soles. As a rule of thumb, shoes that are worn for 300-500 miles are past their prime and you will notice a drop in functionality that warrants purchasing a new pair.
Your shoes can also lose their cushioning and protection due to wear and become flat in shape. If you feel pain or fatigue in your ankles, feet, hips, or knees, you should consider switching to shoes that are more ergonomic and offer better support.
If you outgrow your shoes as you mature or due to pregnancy or weight gain, you should get ones that fit you better.
Are Crocs Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
Crocs are considered good for people suffering with Plantar Fasciitis. In fact, according to Spectrum Foot Clinics, Crocs were originally designed for people with this condition.
Choose an Orthopedic pair of Crocs clog that you can find in their Crocs At Work series. Their soles are even thicker, offer heel and arch support with comfortable insoles.
They offer a snug fit that’s not tight but just hugs your feet comfortably, good cushioning, and flexibility. People with this condition have to deal with inflammation and pain. So, Crocs being as comfortable as they are offer relief.
If paired with insoles that are targeted towards Plantar Fasciitis, Crocs become even more suitable for patients.
Where You Can Walk In Crocs?
You can walk on flat surfaces while wearing Crocs. They are suitable for walking indoors both at home or at your office considering you wear a pair that’s designed for all-day wear.
You can also wear them to the beach and walk there or to the pool. Crocs are water-resistant and they will drain out due to the massive holes. You can also wear your Crocs to casual outings and errands. You can walk into a cafe, restaurants, grocery stores, or other casual spots wearing them.
Are Crocs Good for The Outdoors?
Crocs are good for the outdoors as long as you aren’t taking part in activities that put stress on your feet like hiking on uneven trails. You can take it out to the beach, go on short walks on flat terrains.
Go out to casual meetings or run errands outside, walk around the park, etc. That’s all fine to do in a pair of Crocs. As long as you aren’t earring them for too long and doing any vigorous activity, Crocs are great shoes to wear outside.
Can You Wear Crocs Without Socks?
Yes. A lot of people prefer to not wear socks with Crocs and that’s fine. Really, it’s up to the preference of the wearer whether they want to wear socks or not. There’s no one way that’s right.
The benefit of not wearing socks is the added breathability and space. Crocs offer a lot of room and the upper has holes to allow air circulation. So, if you love the breeze hitting your feet, wearing Crocs without socks sounds like a wonderful idea.
How Long Does Crocs Last?
Since Crocs are made of closed resin Croslite material, they are known as durable. However, how long a particular pair will last depends on regularity of usage, the activity, etc.
If you only wear your Crocs a couple times a week, you can expect it to last for 3-4 years. With regular usage, your Crocs will be worn out within 2-2 years.
The common issue that makes your Crocs unusable is that the treads at the bottom become smooth from wear and the shoes lose their grip. The circulation bumps on the insole also wear out from usage. Your shoes will lose their cushioning and comfortable feel eventually if you continue to wear them at this point.
Can I Wash Crocs Daily?
You can definitely wash your Crocs daily but that will reduce their lifespan. Moreover, it’s unnecessary to wash them that frequently. Sure, your Crocs will get dirty and sweaty from time to time.
In that case, hand wash them with soap and water. Rinse and let them air dry. This will protect your feet from fungal infections and that’s great. But regular washing seems redundant.
Should I Wear Crocs To Class?
As long as they are allowed in your school’s dress code you are free to wear Crocs to class. As we’ve already established, Crocs are comfortable and if they go with your personal style, there is no reason to not wear them to class.
You should go for pairs that offer better arch support and breathability as you will be wearing them for a long time.
Final Words
Are Crocs good for walking? As long as you only walk a short distance with them, yes. But they aren’t meant for hiking in rough terrains at all. Crocs are great shoes for casual usage but they aren’t meant for performance and heavy activities. You will be better off with running shoes.
So, we recommend, you get Crocs shoes that are meant for heavy usage if you plan on wearing them for long hours and walking a moderate amount in them throughout the day. Go for their work series.
Watch what happens to Shawney Deep’s feet after he walks 36 km across Singapore in Crocs.
