Kate Middleton and Helen Mirren are fans...but Crocs are BAD for your health, says leading doctors

  • Crocs have sold more than 300million pairs since their 2002 debut
  • But doctors said they can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses
  • Podiatrist has said: 'Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use'
  • Suitable for those with very high arch or suffer from excessive edema of their legs and ankle
  • But generally they are unstable for long walks and should only be worn sporadically  

Cast your mind back to 2002 when the oddly shaped rubber shoes known as Crocs first hit the shops.

Initially ridiculed by most, they have now become an attractive flip flop alternative for the likes of Helen Mirren, Steven Tyler, Jack Nicolson and even Kate Middleton. 

But the majority of right-thinking individuals still shun them as footwear for 'the lame' - and it turns out for good reason. 

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Helen Mirren
Kate Middleton

Despite being worn by the likes of Helen Mirren (left) and Kate Middleton (right), several podiatrists were consulted on whether Crocs were actually good for your health

Dr Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute said : 'Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use.'

Dr Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute said : 'Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use.'

Several podiatrists were consulted on whether the modern-day clogs were actually good for your health. They all resoundingly said no.

Dr. Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told Huffington Post: 'Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use.'

She added: 'These shoes do not adequately secure the heel. When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses.

'The same thing can happen with flip-flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.' 

While  Dr. Alex Kor, the president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine told the site that they are the primary cause of arch or heel pain in his croc-wearing patients, who come in with these complaints on a daily basis. 

Steve Tyler
Jack Nicholson

They may be damaging to your feet but mega stars Steve Tyler (left) and Jack Nicholson (right) are still big fans

Certain people may benefit from wearing them, such as those who have a very high arch or suffer from excessive edema of their legs and ankle, says Kor.

In summation, Crocs are suitable for short intervals but should not be worn for long walks and 'under no circumstances should they be worn for 8-10 hours a day.'

The news will come as a shock to the Croc-believers. 

One Amazon reviewer unwittingly commented: 'I have so many problems with my feet, Crocs are like walking barefoot on a soft cushion. I love them.'

But a more clued-up buyer wrote: 'I use these for slippers in our Florida home. Walking the tile floors barefoot was killing my feet. These were recommended to me by my orotho doctor since I have a very high instep.

'Very, very comfortable and ugly as hell. I still think it should be illegal to wear them in public.'  

Medical misdemeanors aside, they have sold more than 300 million pairs in 90 countries and with retailing prices starting at $11.99, they won't be going out of fashion any time soon. 

 

 

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