I'm Obsessed With Crocs, So I Asked Podiatrists What They Really Think About Them

“Crocs should be reserved for limited use and not relied upon for longer periods of activity,” Dr. Sharkey explains. “I like to think of them as a house shoe or something to wear at the beach or pool. While the lightweight cushioning can feel comfortable at first, they simply aren’t constructed with enough support to replace supportive footwear.”

Translation: Crocs are fine for errands, quick trips outside, or lounging. But if you’re planning a day of walking, your feet deserve better structure and stability.

Both experts note that the roomy, flexible fit comes at a cost: toe gripping, nail trauma and long-term structural issues. “They’re a huge fall risk,” warns Dr. Barrow. “These are wide, loose shoes that aren’t secure, and if you’re elderly or you walk fast, you can trip and fall.” If you live in your Crocs, Dr. Sharkey says you might run into problems. “Most commonly, I see arch and heel pain in the form of plantar fasciitis from the lack of structural support. I’ll also see forefoot pain once the cushioning wears down. Occasionally, patients complain of toe pain and blisters from the excessive gripping toes must do to hold the shoe on the foot.” Dr. Barrow agrees: “I always talk to my patients about wearing the right shoe for the right function,” she says. “Crocs are not for everything. If you’re walking around Disney World all day—no. But for errands or quick trips, absolutely.”

Crocs may feel cushiony at first slip-on, but that doesn’t mean they’re giving your feet the structured support they need. “While Crocs do provide some cushioning underfoot, their arch support is minimal,” explains Dr. Sharkey. “The heel cushioning is soft, but the wide heel doesn’t offer stability. The flexible sole also fails to control foot motion the way a structured shoe or sneaker would.”

Dr. Barrow adds that the very material Crocs are made from—closed-cell resin—can present another drawback. “If you’re someone with sweaty feet, these are not the shoes for you,” she cautions. “Because the material is nonporous, sweat doesn’t wick away, it just sits there. Over time, that moisture can contribute to problems like fungal infections or athlete’s foot.”

So, if you have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or chronic heel pain, Crocs likely aren’t your best option.

Despite their limitations, Crocs can shine in certain scenarios. Dr. Sharkey recommends them after in-office procedures like ingrown toenail surgery, since the roomy design can accommodate bandages and protect the toe from being bumped. They can also serve as a shock-absorbing house shoe for anyone who experiences pain walking barefoot on hard floors.

Dr. Barrow agrees that context matters. “As we mature, we lose fat in our feet because collagen starts wearing thin,” she explains. “Crocs can feel great for people who need that extra cushion.” She also points out that Crocs’ wide fit can benefit pregnant women or people with diabetes, who may experience swelling and need extra space. And for those with limited mobility, the slip-on convenience can be a real advantage.

Can’t quit your Crocs? Both podiatrists say there are ways to make them safer:

• Use the heel strap to reduce toe-gripping fatigue. (Sharkey)
• Rotate them with more supportive shoes throughout the week. (Sharkey)
• Limit them to light wear—like around the house, working from home, or quick errands. (Barrow)
• Be mindful of kids and fast walking: their wide, loose fit can increase tripping risks, especially if you’ve got little ones running around the house. (Barrow)
• Wash them regularly to minimize bacteria and fungal growth from sweat.

Crocs can be risky for little ones, especially new walkers. “For kids, I recommend reserving Crocs for locker rooms, pool decks or post-sporting events,” says Dr. Sharkey. “They’re especially risky for toddlers because of the loose fit, which can increase trips and falls. Plus, children need shoes that provide proper arch development, stability and heel support—especially for active play.” In short, sneakers are the better everyday choice for growing feet.

If you love the lightweight feel of Crocs but want more support, Dr. Barrow suggests looking to newer footwear innovations:

• Memory foam shoes: “These cradle the foot and provide shock absorption,” she says.
• Lightweight sneakers: Brands like Hokas offer plush cushioning plus structured arch and heel support.
• Carbon-plated running shoes: Extremely lightweight but built with the stability Crocs lack.

I personally love my Oofos Recovery Slides to wear around the house all day.

The Bottom Line

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there is nothing wrong with wearing Crocs, just as long as you do so sparingly and with caution. You can certainly add as many color variations and pairs to your closet, but make sure these aren’t your go-to shoes for any long-distance walking or fast-paced activity, comfy as they may be.