There’s a reason so many people reach for the same pair of shoes day after day. When something is easy to slip on, feels soft underfoot and doesn’t pinch, it’s hard to justify wearing anything else—especially when you’re just running out for coffee or puttering around the yard. Comfort is a perfectly good reason to love a shoe. But as we get older, comfort isn’t the only thing our footwear needs to deliver.
Our feet change with age. The fat pads on the soles can thin, muscles and tendons can lose some of their strength and flexibility and balance can become less steady than it once was. Those shifts are a normal part of getting older, but they also mean the shoes we choose start to play a bigger role in how stable we feel. A shoe that worked fine at 35 might not offer the support a 65-year-old body needs.
Related: ‘I’m a Podiatrist—This Common Habit Is Wrecking Your Feet’
That matters because falls are one of the most serious health risks for older adults, and they can lead to fractures, hospital stays and a loss of independence. Many falls happen during ordinary moments, like walking across the kitchen or stepping off a curb, which is why podiatrists pay close attention to what people wear on their feet every day.
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So which shoe are foot experts urging people over 60 to reconsider? It’s one you’ve almost certainly seen—and might even own.
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Why Podiatrists Want People Over 60 to Ditch This Popular Shoe
The shoe podiatrists want older adults to think twice about is Crocs. The lightweight clogs are beloved for their cushioning and slip-on design, but podiatrists warned that those same qualities can contribute to muscle weakness and balance issues that develop over time.
Dr. Jerry Roberts, DPM, Podiatrist, Upperline Health, previously told Parade that the softness so many people love is part of the problem. “The cushion that many Crocs fans enjoy can also lead to instability and increase chances for a fall,” he said.
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Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM, Podiatrist, Solely Podiatry, also previously told Parade that Crocs fall short where it counts. “Crocs are known for being lightweight, easy to take on and off, for their cushioning and their water-resistance, but they lack significant structure, stability and arch support,” Dr. Sharkey said.
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She explained that Crocs don’t support the midfoot and heel well, and that the roomy fit creates another issue. “Due to the loose fit of Crocs, the toes have to work overtime to grip and hold the shoe on, which can result in strained foot muscles. Loose shoes are also a risk factor when it comes to trips and falls,” Dr. Sharkey said.
When It’s OK—and Not OK—to Wear Crocs
That doesn’t mean you need to toss your Crocs entirely. Both podiatrists said the shoes have a time and place. “For children with developing muscles who generally have less foot pain, for use as a recovery device after athletics or for use in the garden or dirty environments where easy cleaning is important, Crocs can certainly be helpful,” Dr. Roberts said.
Dr. Sharkey added that they can work well around the house, in a locker room, at the beach or for quick errands. Where they fall short is during long stretches of standing, walking or working. For those situations, she recommended shoes with more arch support, a deep heel cup, a firm heel counter and a more secure fit.
Related: ‘I’m a Podiatrist—Here’s How To Shop for Shoes if You Have Plantar Fasciitis’
Foot type matters, too. Dr. Roberts said people with flat or very flexible feet do better in a motion-control or walking-style shoe, while those with stiffer feet or medium to high arches may find Crocs offer a reasonable balance of support and shock absorption for low to moderate activity.
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His advice: Match your shoes to what you’re about to do. Gardening or a trip to the pool? Crocs are fine. Spending hours on your feet? Reach for supportive sneakers instead.
Adapted from Parade’s I’m a Podiatrist, and This Is the One Thing I Wish Everyone Knew About Crocs by Emily Laurence Sardinha.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
