Crocs for Children – Is Your Child in Danger When Wearing Crocs?

January 30, 2023 Summer Shoes Juan Valenzuela 20 - Comments

Crocs might be one of the most loved pieces of footwear by children (boys in particular). Children love wearing Crocs because of the ample room it offers to their toes, and how easy they can put them on and take them off. These types of shoes have become a popular choice, but many questions arise: Are Crocs meant to be loose? Are they suitable for toddlers? Most importantly, are Crocs good for children’s feet? In this guide, I will address these questions and provide you with a list of the best Crocs for children.

Are Crocs Good for Children’s Feet?

I have been fitting children’s shoes for over 10 years now at a specialized children’s shoe store and when parents come to the store, they all seem to have one question in common: Are Crocs safe for my child to wear? My answer is quite simple but summarizes it well: As long as they are worn at the beach or the swimming pool, or for any activity that requires walking short distances, Crocs are a good choice for your kids’ feet.

Most children love Crocs because of the roomy toe-box. This loose fit means no pressure points or rubbing spots! Some children will come to the store in the middle of winter wearing their Crocs so proudly without a care in the world about how cold it is outside. All the parents agreed that: “there’s nothing we can do, they are the only shoes he wants to wear”.

Child wearing blue Crocs.

Are Crocs Meant to Be Loose?

The answer is yes. Crocs are designed to have a roomy fit, which allows for air circulation and comfort. This loose fit is particularly beneficial for children who are still developing their motor skills, as it enables them to move their feet freely. However, it’s important to ensure that the heel strap is used for younger children or those engaging in more active play. The strap provides added security, preventing the shoe from slipping off during activities.

Did you know that certain Crocs styles are made of higher-quality materials and provide more support than others? Those are the styles I will describe in this article so you can keep your kids’ feet and legs healthy!

Caution – Is Your Child in Danger When Wearing Crocs?  

If your kids are running around and performing high-intense activities while wearing their Crocs, this can definitely put them in danger of falling and hurting themselves. Children should never run in Crocs as they don’t provide any stability and your kids will be in serious danger of falling and hurting themselves. Parents should ask themselves: Am I able to run in a pair of Crocs? If you don’t know, try it! You will see how far you can get. Also, you will notice how your feet will move too much inside the shoe since there is no strap holding the foot in place.

That is the main reason why I only recommend wearing Crocs for short periods of time. Crocs do not support a child’s foot needs since they do not provide any arch or ankle support, especially with all the movement and stress a child performs during everyday activities.

Some Medical Professionals Categorize Crocs as Supportive Footwear

Even though doctors have stated that Crocs are built with inner support, heel cups, massaging heel nubs, and arch support and that they are ideal for people with foot problems, from a shoe fitting expert’s perspective this is not completely true. Let me explain to you why:

If the type of footwear you are wearing does not have any way of securing your foot (either with laces or velcro straps), the shoe is unable to provide you with support for the activity. For example, you can buy the most expensive running shoe in the market with all the support features in it, but if you don’t make it tight enough you are not getting any of the benefits the shoes have to offer. That being said, Crocs do not provide any way of tightening or a way of securing the shoes, hence, all the support features they have are useless.

I have read several articles and doctors’ opinions where they state that Crocs offer more protection for your feet than flip-flops. It is true that Crocs offer more protection for your kids’ toes since they have a close toe box.

I mentioned at the beginning of the article that I was going to provide you with a selection of the best Crocs for children that I have fitted before. The styles I describe below are the better-made and the more supportive ones.

Choosing the Right Crocs for Your Child

These Crocs are capable of fitting children with medium or wide feet. There is actually a particular style that was recently released that offers better stability and support than the previous ones. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.

Most Supportive Version of Crocs

  • Order the shoe style Crocband Croslite by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to get on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Crocband Croslite by Crocs on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Adjustable velcro strap
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Crocband by Crocs on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to get on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Crocband by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to get on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s foot size

Traditional Version of Crocs

  • Order the shoe style Crocband Clog by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Classic Glitter by Crocs on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Crocband Clog by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Classic Clog by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Classic by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sandal by Crocs on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Croslite foam creates a colorful effect 
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Classic by Crocs on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
  • Order the shoe style Sandal by Crocs on Zappos
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Ventilation ports add breathability and help shed water and debris quickly
  • The pivoting heel straps allow for a more secure fit and easy on and off
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size

Are Crocs Suitable for Toddlers and 2-Year-Olds?

When it comes to toddlers and very young children, parents often wonder if Crocs are appropriate. The answer depends on the child’s activity level and foot development.

Pros and Cons for Toddlers

Crocs can be a good option for toddlers due to their lightweight nature and ease of wear. The heel strap helps keep the shoe in place, providing stability. However, parents should ensure that the Crocs fit well and that the child is not wearing them for long periods, particularly if they are still mastering walking.

How to Order the Correct Crocs Size Online

Ensuring the correct fit is crucial. While Crocs are meant to be roomy, they should not be excessively loose. A proper fit allows for movement without compromising stability. If you are unsure of your child’s foot size I suggest that you take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service that outlines two simple steps to determine foot length and foot width. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot size and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.

How Are Crocs Supposed to Fit? – Get it Right!

Once you try a pair of Crocs on your child’s feet, they should conform to fit your child’s foot securely with minimal or no slipping as they walk. Follow these 3 steps to make sure your child got a good fit:

1️⃣ Your child’s heels should rest securely and the shoe shouldn’t ride up and down.

2️⃣ The sides, top and arch area of the shoe should comfortably hug your child’s feet.

3️⃣ Wiggle room at the front of the shoe – your kids’ toes shouldn’t touch the front.

If you follow those 3 steps, then your child will be good to go!

Some Parents Don’t Allow Their Kids to Wear Crocs – Let’s Find Out Why!

Some parents fail to understand that Crocs were never made to replace or be worn as children’s everyday shoes. I have spoken with several parents who kept explaining to me why they hated Crocs. Below are some of their reasons:

  • The first reason is that children will refuse to take them off and wear his/her everyday sneakers instead.
  • The second reason is that the shoe doesn’t provide any stability or support.
  • The third reason is that they believe they look ugly.

Are Crocs Hurtful or Helpful? – Know When and Where to Wear Them!

Many parents instruct and guide their children on when to wear the funky footwear that is Crocs. Please remember: Crocs can be a great piece of footwear as long as they are worn for what they are meant for: short-distance walking. To conclude, I provide you with a table so I can summarize in which instances it is appropriate or inappropriate to wear Crocs.

ActivityAppropriate?
Gym ClassNo
HikingNo
Short Distance WalkingYes
Swimming PoolYes
BeachYes
BikingNo
Long Distance WalkingNo
Inside the HouseYes

Are Crocs Bad for Children’s Feet?

The issue with Crocs is that they are not recommended for active children who are always running around, since they don’t provide any stability to your child’s feet. Crocs won’t hurt your children’s feet as long as you wear them for what they are designed to do. A brief stroll in Crocs will not harm your child. However, if your kids are wearing Crocs for long periods of time, this can lead to several foot problems such as blisters, calluses, or corns.

Are You Having a Hard Time Finding Shoes for Your Child?

Do not hesitate to contact me directly via email if you have any further questions or if you need a different pair of shoes for your child. My email address is: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com

I really hope you find this post useful! Remember that it’s essential to consider the child’s individual needs, activity level, and foot health when selecting Crocs.