Lots of kids wear Crocs, but are they bad for young feet?

Question

Crocs — those colorful clog-like shoes — are popular with many kids and teens. But doctors say foot problems could be possible if they're worn constantly. Here's what to know if your kid wears Crocs.

This article analyzes the question of whether or not Crocs have detrimental effects on developing feet. The author provides backing from Amiethab Aiyer, a confirmed orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Johns Hopkins University. The article was published on October 8, 2024, making it a very up-to-date analysis. Multiple additional articles on the Internet address the same issue, many of which are from orthopedic-related websites. The headline is directly linked to the information provided in the article.

Comments

The provided evidence and article implies that the clog-like shoes advertised as Crocs aren't entirely bad for children feet. It is interesting to read that these shoes can cause blisters and more cases of hammertoes if consistently worn. Although the slide on shoes are convient they are not built for consistent wear and if over worn as "everyday" shoes they can cause long term effects.

Maria Godoy explains that future injuries and problems occur due to consistent grip toes must have on the show to keep in on while walking. The natural structure of the shoe is over sized intended for comfort but ironically is what would cause future discomfort.

Answer 1

This article was written by Maria Godoy from NPR and asks a serious health question regarding Crocs, and if they are bad for younger feet. 

Godoy interviews a podiatrist named Priya Parthasarthy who is also the spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Parthasarthy praises crocs and the practical uses of the shoe, being a mom of three she loves how they can independently put the shoe on for certain occasions. The problem she faced was she noticed issues coming from the crocs in people that were wearing the shoe all day long. She claims that the shoe is causing structural issues and heel pain. 

In an article by Healthline, which was medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss and Sidney Wieser who are both DPMs working at their respective institutions. The article supports Parthasarathy's statements by saying that people with flat feet should avoid Crocs entirety. In the article Wieser states, “Crocs are backless and do not support or control the heel,” Weiser adds. As a result, you could develop heel pain and tendonitis of the heel." 

This claim can be fact checked by many other DPMs in the same field as Parthasarthy, providing strong evidence that Crocs can be bad for your feet if worn for too long using similar claims and real evidence. 

Are Crocs Bad for Your Feet? What to Know (healthline.com)

Comments

The polarized opinions on Crocs, especially regarding health implications, are quite fascinating. Parthasarthy's perspective as a podiatrist and busy mom adds relatability, but it’s crucial to recognize that while Crocs provide convenience, their lack of structure may pose risks for those with existing foot conditions.

The Healthline article points out that individuals with flat feet may be particularly vulnerable, raising the question of which demographics should avoid Crocs altogether. More targeted studies on diverse foot types could enhance our understanding of these risks.

While many swear by Crocs for comfort, such testimonials are often anecdotal. Empirical research on their long-term effects on foot health is needed to inform this discussion.

Lastly, skepticism toward some online fact-checking is warranted, as expertise doesn’t always translate to universal applicability in foot health. Developing clearer guidelines on when Crocs may be appropriate versus when they should be avoided would be beneficial. What are your thoughts on creating such criteria?

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This is a good fact check, I like how you included an additional source supported by multiple podiatrists. Despite the lack of formal studies on Crocs themselves, having multiple licensed doctors from this field in respective institutions agreeing indicates that it is likely  true.

Answer 2

This NPR article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the widely popular Crocs. While these shoes are incredibly easy and convenient for children to wear, parents and experts are expressing concerns about their impact on young, developing feet. The main issues revolve around the shoes' lack of support, which could lead to heel and arch pain, foot deformities, and even hammer toes.

Godoy speaks with podiatrist Priya Parthasarthy, who serves as a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. Parthasarthy appreciates Crocs for their practicality, especially as a mother of three, as her kids can easily put them on themselves for various occasions. However, she has observed problems arising in individuals who wear the shoes all day. She asserts that prolonged use of Crocs can lead to structural issues and heel pain.

The claim made by the article is true. According to an article by Shuler Shoes, it is stated that "The bottoms of our feet contain many nerve receptors that communicate with our brain to transmit sensations, stimulate muscle contractions, and, importantly, maintain balance. Crocs are very sensory depriving. The materials they’re made of (Croslite™, a resin that gives a soft, lightweight feel) blind the receptors on the bottom of our feet that send signals to the ground. The result? A loss of balance that can cause people to trip and fall." The claim made in the article is true.

https://blog.schulershoes.com/are-crocs-bad-for-your-feet-our-certified-pedorthists-weigh-in/

Comments

This is a great summary of the content of the NPR article but I'm curious if there are other sources besides NPR that corroborate the claims made in the original article. In addition, a blog post by a shoe company could be biased and it's best to rely on medical sources instead.

Answer 3

This article from NPR explores the pros and cons of the very popular Crocs. Although the show is very easy and convenient to slip on for children, parents as well as experts are worried about the side effects for young children's developing feet. The concerns are in regards to the lack of support for the foot, which could cause heel and arch pain, foot deformities, and even hammer toes. 

This article is seemingly unbiased, and is more informative rather than opinionated. According to the Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart, NPR falls right between "skews left" and "Middle or Balanced Bias", so the publisher as a whole is a good, decently unbiased source.

According to Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, whose words were used across many platforms as well as in this article, says that although they are considered "bad" for developing feet, unless your child is directly complaining about feet pain, it's not a huge issue.

From the article linked below: ""Even if they wear them all day, and they're not complaining of foot issues — no, it's not the worst thing in the world," Parthasarathy says."

https://health.wusf.usf.edu/npr-health/2024-10-08/lots-of-kids-wear-crocs-but-are-they-bad-for-young-feet 

Comments

This is a great fact check. I really appreciate how you researched the political bias of the source. Along with that its great how you got the opinion from another doctor to get another viewpoint on the topic.

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This fact check was done very well. I liked how you investigated the potential bias of the sources, which adds credibility to your argument. Including the viewpoint of an additional physician also provides a more impartial analysis of the problem. Plus, using direct quotes from a podiatrist adds solid evidence to support the claims, making the argument even more credible.

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This fact check is impressively thorough. I appreciated how you examined how the sources could be biased, which strengthens your argument's credibility. Incorporating the perspective of another physician offers a more balanced analysis of the issue. Additionally, including direct quotes from a podiatrist adds strong evidence to support your claims.