When your child is finally ready to start wearing shoes, you want to find ones that are comfortable and good for your child’s feet. It’s also nice if they are easy to get on so your child won’t have a hard time.
Are Crocs good for children’s feet? The answer depends on the child’s age, existing foot issues, and how long they are worn. Young children just learning to walk should not wear Crocs because of the lack of support. Older children can wear Crocs occasionally, but they should not be worn for long periods or activities like sports.
Crocs are not inherently good or bad, but there are certain situations that make them less than ideal for kids. As a parent, you have to decide if they are right for your child.
Like most things, Crocs aren’t all good or bad. They offer advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation.
Crocs for Children: Good or Bad?
When deciding whether or not to offer your child Crocs, look at all the factors. Crocs are better for certain stages of life than others.
Crocs Support and Protection
A major issue with Crocs and any other shoe that has no back is support. That loose strap in the back does nothing to hold your child’s heel in place when she walks, and that can lead to problems.
Your child may walk improperly since their heels can move, or they may fall over because Crocs don’t hold their ankles in place.
Flat feet, as well as the back of the foot not lining up properly with the front, can be caused by wearing shoes with unsupportive backs, especially if your child is just learning to walk.
Benefits of Crocs for Kids
The main benefit of Crocs is that they are easy for your child to get on and off. This means less of a fight when it’s time to put on shoes. They are also wider than most shoes, so kids with wide feet might find them easier to wear.
Disadvantages of Wearing Crocs
Crocs simply do not offer the support a child needs when she is learning to walk.
A child who learns to walk improperly will eventually have problems with their feet, such as flat feet. Flat feet can lead to other problems that make it harder for your child to be mobile without pain.
Eventually, a child who doesn’t walk properly can experience pain in their hips and knees. When your child is learning how to walk properly, they should be in a shoe that does not allow their heel to move freely.
Crocs Age Recommendations
Though Crocs come in sizes for all ages, they should not be worn by a toddler or any child who isn’t already walking with a proper gait.
Even when kids are older, they should not wear Crocs for long periods of time or while playing any sort of sport.
They are good, quick slip-on shoes for kids, but wearing them long term increases the risks of them falling off or causing foot issues.
There is no specific age recommendation, but it’s probably a good idea for kids to at least be in elementary school with no foot issues before they try Crocs.
When Kids Should Not Wear Crocs
Kids should not wear Crocs when they are engaged in even moderate physical activity. Crocs fall off easily, and they do not offer support for your child’s heels. Podiatrists also don’t want to see kids wearing Crocs all day long.
Are Crocs Bad for Toddlers?
Crocs are not ideal for toddlers. Toddlers are just learning to walk, and they need to be in a semi-tight shoe that won’t fall off or allow them to turn their ankles while moving. Crocs just don’t have the right support for this job.
What About Baby Crocs?
First of all, your baby will likely not want or need shoes. You will carry babies everywhere or have them in a stroller. Baby Crocs are impractical because they simply fall off when you put them on anyway.
Your baby definitely doesn’t need to be wearing Crocs as they move from the baby to toddler phase because they will cause your child to trip when trying to move.
Best Shoes for Baby Learning To Walk
There are a ton of different brands podiatrists recommend for early walkers, but they all tend to have certain things in common.
Good shoes for kids learning to walk should be tight enough to be secure but not so tight that they keep your child’s muscles from growing and developing.
Anti-skid features keep your child from slipping, and your child should have a shoe that is wide enough in the toe area that they can spread their toes out for balance.
Rubber soles are also popular because they are light while still offering support. Check out Stride Rite, Converse, or Tsukihoshi for great options.
What Shoes Do Podiatrists Recommend for Children?
Robeez are the favorite of The American Podiatric Medical Association, but there are other brands podiatrists love as well. Momobaby, Pediped, Stride Rite, and Keen are all considered exceptional choices for a child’s growing feet.
Related Questions:
Are Crocs Good for Flat Feet?
In general, Crocs are not great for flat feet unless you buy the right kind. Certain Crocs have extra arch support that can help someone with slightly flat feet.
However, Crocs aren’t good for anyone to wear for long periods of time, and this is especially true if you already have issues with your feet. Choose a more secure option that offers better support for flat feet.
Are Crocs Bad for Your Knees?
Crocs don’t support your heel, and this can lead to pain in your legs and knees. If you already have knee problems, a podiatrist would likely not recommend Crocs since they don’t give you the support you need for your legs.
When you have knee problems, you need to work with your podiatrist to find the ideal shoes for your specific knee issues so you don’t have to deal with chronic pain.
Closing Thoughts
Crocs are not good or bad, but they aren’t right for every situation and shouldn’t be worn when you’re even moderately active.
Kristy is the mother of four, including identical twins. With a background in education and research, she is constantly learning more about parenting and raising multiples. When she has spare time, she enjoys hiking into the woods with a great book to take a break.