Nowadays, there are a lot of fashion trends that I’m just not into. Think lace-up shoes, clear plastic sandals, and, yes, Crocs.
But the more I see them (people are wearing them on runways now), the more I notice the different styles. There are dressier versions, more casual ones, some with heels and others without—some even look like sneakers! And if you think about it, they aren’t that different from flip-flops or any other shoe.
So why is it that high schoolers and every other student from that level below still Googles, “Can you wear Crocs to school?”
Perhaps their doubtful curiosity is a function of the dress ethics of their schools. School dress codes vary from institution to institution but, the underlying idea is that students are supposed to present themselves in a manner that is both professional and appropriate for learning. And although Crocs are lightweight, waterproof, and extremely durable—perfect for kids who spend a lot of time running around outdoors, they don’t exactly spell “appropriate for learning.” Or do they? We’ll be finding out now.
Crocs can be worn to school and all over town, but some school districts have policies against wearing them inside schools. Students should have a pair of sneakers handy at school—especially for recess and gym class.
Take note of the phrase, “some school districts.” Many people wear Crocs in public places, including parks, shopping centers, and even schools in the United States. These shoes come in various colors and patterns that are pleasing to the eye—for example, Glam, Haze, and camouflage.
Nonetheless, school administrators and parents continue to express concern over the safety of students wearing backless footwear such as slides, flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs to school.
These same administrators suggest that sneakers are a better choice than Crocs, as the former guarantee better stability and support when kids are running around at recess or during gym class.
I understand if you agree with the people in the above school of thought. After all, the past few years have been fraught with reports of kids’ toes getting stuck in escalators while wearing their beloved Crocs.
For example, Washington D.C.’s Metro Station posted an ad warning people wearing Crocs to exercise caution while riding escalators.
Escalators and worries aside, Crocs offer a boatload of benefits to whoever will be bold enough to brave the basket-like shoes this summer and every other season. So stick with me, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about it.
Crocs and Summer: A Relationship Timeline
Crocs is a famous shoe brand originally intended for boating and fishing, but its shoes have become fashionable items among the general public. These shoes are made from soft materials and are incredibly comfortable. The Classic Clog has been the most popular shoe sold by Crocs since its inception in 2002; more than 100 million pairs have been sold worldwide.
Well, summer is here, and there is no reason not to wear Crocs. These footwear have ventilated uppers and cushioned outsoles and are the leading comfort accessories for every fashionista since they come in different hues to complement any attire. And that’s not even half of the story.
Crocs Protect Your Feet
One of the best features of Crocs shoes is that they provide plenty of arch support and cushioning. They have holes that let air in, so your feet won’t get sweaty.
Furthermore, Croslite ™, the primary material used for manufacturing Crocs, has antimicrobial properties which combat any germs that may want to attack your innocent feet.
Variety Is the Spice of Their Footwear
Crocs have made it their mission to provide everyone—from kids to adults—with a comfortable pair of shoes that represents their unique charisma.
The brand’s wide variety of shoes for humans includes the Classic Clogs, athletic sneakers, flip flops, slip-ons, and more. You’re sure to find a pair of Crocs that is just right for you!
No Laces, Don’t Care
Summer is a time when you really don’t want to be bothered with shoelaces. Crocs solve that problem for you. They are easy to slip on and off, so your kids can get in and out of them quickly. Another benefit of Crocs is that they don’t need to be tied—unlike most other shoes. Kids are notorious for having untied laces, leading to tipping over and falling.
Crocs at School
Crocs were created with the simple goal of being comfortable, warm-weather shoes. That’s probably why so many American school kids wear them.
The idea of kids wearing Crocs at school is a good one, according to Russell G. Volpe, a professor of pediatrics and orthopedics at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. “They make a great beach and pool shoe,” he tells WebMD. “(They’re) easy on and easy off.”
But students perform a lot of physical activities at school—activities that Crocs may not be suited for.
According to Volpe, he worries about young children performing rigorous physical activities in Crocs because the shoes aren’t designed to provide adequate support for the hustle and bustle of child’s play.
Besides that, Crocs tend to slip off easily when you wear them while doing anything other than walking. This is especially the case in a gym setting or on a playground.
As a result, doctors have warned that Crocs are not ideal shoes for school children. Kids engage in physical activity daily; they need shoes that can stand up to their rigorous lifestyles at school and elsewhere, not ones that will fall off when they’re not expecting it.
In Andover, Thompson Elementary School has banned its schoolers from wearing Crocs and sandals while on school premises.
The rule banning sandals, flip-flops, and Crocs in school was enacted to protect students from injury in the playground, gym, or canteen. It also absolves the school authorities of any blame if any student sustains injuries while wearing Crocs on the school premises.
Given that Crocs are not known for their safety (and are often the subject of jokes), parents should think twice about allowing their children to wear them to school. Volpe suggests that sneakers be worn instead.
Another problem with wearing Crocs in school is that they can’t be worn during the winter months. Students who live in cold climates should consider ditching their Crocs for boots that are both warm and waterproof.
When it rains or snows, Crocs can get wet, which makes them uncomfortable and slippery to wear. This is one thing that parents should remember when the cold and rainy season comes.
“Can You Wear Crocs to School?” Answered!
Although Crocs are generally a good choice for summer footwear, some schools have banned them because the shoes pose severe hazards to students when they participate in intense physical activities.