Since their release, Crocs have sold more than 300 millions pairs in the 90 countries that haven’t made them illegal. Although they still receive a massive amount of criticism, those numbers are proof that the plastic-holey shoe is here to stay.

Here’s an Amazon review:

They are great at the dog park or in the backyard where I am likely to step in something that is very difficult to clean off sneakers but comes off easily with a hose or a wipe from my clogs.

Gross. Here’s another:

Great protection for toes and great to lounge around. Also great for travel in tropics with aquatic activities.

Yay.

Sure, they are affordable and have almost reached the “classic” stage, but podiatrists are not fans. Are you ready for it? The first critique comes from Dr. Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute:

Unfortunately Crocs are not suitable for all-day use. They offer nice arch support, but the real reason you shouldn’t wear them over long periods of time is that 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.

Another hater is Dr. Alex Kor, the president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine:

The most important feature in any shoe is the shank, the supportive structure between the heel and the toe. Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank.

Crocs are the ‘poster child’ for shoes with a flexible shank. … In other words, on a daily basis, I see patients who come into my office complaining of arch or heel pain and they are wearing Crocs.

The only two types of patients that may benefit from wearing Crocs are patients that have a very high arch or those who suffer from excessive edema of their legs and ankle.

But, under no circumstances can I suggest wearing Crocs 8 to 10 hours per day.

Leahy agreed:

Crocs are OK to use for trips to the beach or the pool, but should not be used for long walks. I do notice that children (and even adults) tend to trip and fall more in these shoes.

Personally, this is the only time I have seen a Croc look good:

Maybe we should just take all the Crocs back to Florida where they belong.

[source: huffingtonpost]