Kids and Crocs Shoes: Trendy or Risky?

and schools -- wonder if the loose-fitting style of these
cool kicks can actually pose a danger.

Experts gave WebMD advice on kids' Crocs, including the benefits of Crocs
during summer, the risks of Crocs during the school year, and when a
full-coverage shoe, like a sneaker, might be a more sensible -- and safer --
choice.

Crocs Shoes in the Summer

Crocs, which were created in 2002 as footwear for boating with non-slip
tread and waterproof tendencies, have morphed into a foot phenomenon for all
ages. It's clear that for kids in particular, these shoes offer a hip
alternative to sneakers, and when the warm weather rolls around, a better
option than bare feet. B

"Crocs shoes do provide protection, compared to going barefoot, or
wearing flip-flops or sandals," says Donna M. Alfieri, DPM, associate
professor at the N.Y. College of Podiatric Medicine. "They offer some arch
support and cushion, the holes in the shoe allow air in and keep the feet from
sweating, and the antimicrobial properties of Crocs could help prevent
infections in kids' feet." B Kids' crocs come in so many different
styles and colors, kids everywhere are wearing the shoes that fit their feet
and their personality. B

"In addition to the support and protection kids get from Crocs, the
great thing is they want to wear them," says Hal Ornstein, DPM, chairman of
the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.

Ornstein, who sells a special therapeutic line of adult Crocs, called Crocs
Rx, through his private practice, says that his own children wear Crocs and
love them.

"My kids wear Crocs all summer long," says Ornstein. "Instead of
having to tell them to tie the laces on their sneakers and worrying about them
tripping over untied shoes, Crocs are convenient and they like them -- they're
cool."

Fashion aside, when the days start to get shorter and the backpacks come
out, some experts say it's time to rethink your kids' Crocs in favor of some
tried but true choices.

The manufacturer of Crocs was contacted for comment, but didn't respond.

Crocs at School

Crocs shoes were created for boating in warm weather, and maybe that's for a
reason.

"I generally like Crocs for kids for their convenience factor in the
summer," says Russell G. Volpe, DPM, a professor of orthopaedics and
pediatrics at N.Y. College of Podiatric Medicine. "They make a great beach
and pool shoe -- easy on and easy off."

But school is another matter, explains Volpe, with too many physical
activities that make kids' Crocs a risky choice.

"I start to have concerns when a child is doing any sort of moderate
physical activity," Volpe tells WebMD. "Crocs provide little support
and they can easily slip off during recess, gym, or any other activity beyond
walking."

Alfieri also is concerned about the risks from wearing Crocs from the
morning bell to when school lets out in the afternoon. "Crocs are not the
kind of shoe that should be worn all day long," she says. "This is when
they cause a danger because they can fall off as kids engage in the activities
of the school day."

The Thomson Elementary School principal in Andover, Mass., agrees, having
enacted a Crocs ban, along with a ban on flip-flops and sandals, on school
premises for both playground safety reasons as well as a precaution in case of
a fire emergency.

Short of a Crocs ban at your child's school, parents and kids need to be
smart about when Crocs can be worn safely and when sneakers are required,
experts say.

"Other than allowing kids to wear Crocs as they walk to and from class,
they should be replaced with sneakers," says Volpe.

Another school-year Crocs problem is weather. Unless you live in a climate
where it's warm year-round, your kid's Crocs should hibernate for the winter
and be replaced with something waterproof and warm.

"Whether it's rain or snow, when Crocs get et they're terrible,"
says Volpe. "During the school year, this is something parents need to keep
in mind. As soon you hit the poor weather, if your child is wearing Crocs he
might as well be shoeless."

Crocs Shoes Alternatives

Kids love Crocs -- that much is obvious. Sit on a bench near a park and more
than half of the kids that pass by will likely be sporting a pair. For kids who
avoid shoes in the summer or consistently forget to tie the laces on their
sneakers, Crocs are finally a shoe that fits.

"Other trends have really affected shoe-wearing in children in a
negative way," says Ornstein. "So Crocs, which kids like to wear, have
been a breath of fresh air."

Worn at the beach or the pool, or for walking short distances, Crocs are a
good choice. Still, kids and parents need to remember the other shoes in their
closets.

"You need to switch around the shoes your kids wear to make sure they're
getting the right support, and based on the activity they're doing," says
Alfieri. "Shoes aren't a one-kind-fits-all sort of thing."

What about kids who are too active for Crocs, sandals, or flip-flops? The
obvious choice for busy kids is sneakers.

"Any sneaker-type shoe, even one with Velcro if the child is too young
to lace, is going to give your child good support and foot protection,"
says Volpe. "The trick is to make sure your child uses the laces.
Otherwise, he's not going to get much value from it."

Kids' Crocs Checklist

Not sure when your child should be wearing a Croc, or when a sneaker or boot
might be better? Here's a Crocs checklist to keep both feet going in the right
direction:

ActivityB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
OK for Crocs?

Gym
ClassB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
No

HikingB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B No

Walking to and from
classB B B B B B B B B Yes

RecessB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B No

Going to the
beachB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B Yes

Going to the
poolB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B Yes

After-school
sportsB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B No

BoatingB B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B Yes

Walking on a cold winter
dayB B B B B B B B No

By Heather Hatfield
Reviewed by Louise Chang
B)2005-2006 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved