For something as banal as shoes, crocs have caused quite the controversy since they were first released in 2002. Many people hate the plastic shoes because they deem them to be unfashionable, while others absolutely adore them because of the comfort they offer. But as we have discussed many times, the types of shoes you wear have an enormous effect on the wellbeing of your feet. So where do crocs lie in that regard?
Crocs are designed to be a very loose, open shoe that give your feet lots of space and room to breathe. Because of this, they can actually have very positive effects for people dealing with any number of issues. The shoes were originally designed for people who suffer from pain of the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs from your heel to your toes. They offer good arch support, but also have very cushioned insoles, making them a very comfortable choice for people experiencing this kind of pain. But while that is part of the reason that they were designed the way they were, they actually have benefits beyond that.
In addition to the obvious benefits of their comfort, the roominess that crocs provide makes them extremely comfortable for people who have just had foot surgery, and many surgeons now recommend people to use them during their post-operative recovery. This extra room has also made crocs a good choice for anyone who is suffering from hammertoe, where one or more toes are bent or curled in an unnatural way. Hammertoe is a common issue for people who wear shoes that are too small for them, so the extra room provided by crocs means they are more comfortable, and won't make the condition any worse. However, crocs by themselves cannot reverse the condition, which will only get progressively worse over time. If you think you are developing hammertoe, you can save yourself a lot of time, pain, and money by addressing it early.
The combination of space and comfort that crocs provide also make them a good choice for people who suffer from bunions, warts, verucas, boils, and so on. In fact, since they have become such a popular choice for people dealing with foot problems, crocs have released the Rx line, which is specifically intended to help with foot problems. Many of these come with antibacterial lining to prevent infection for people with open sores. There is even a pair designed to be suitable for an office environment so people can take care of their feet all the time, without looking unprofessional.
The shoe is also a very wise choice for diabetics, which may surprise many people. As you may know, the feet are often very badly affected by diabetes due to the fact that they are the farthest body part from the heart, and their positioning makes circulation difficult. This can result in many open sores, which in turn can often lead to infections. The room, cushioning, and antibacterial properties of crocs make them the ideal choice for diabetics at risk of foot problems.