Are crocs ok for toddlers?

[Aurora94]

So my toddler walks with a wide gait and also waddles quite a lot (I don’t know the technical term but he sways when he walks). I have raised concern with a professional but they have said he should grow out of it and it’s not a concern at this age.
I was just wondering if wearing crocs occasionally in summer could make it worse? I lived in crocs as a kid as they’re so easy to get on/off and they seemed to last forever but obviously don’t want to harm his foot development. We’re going on holiday next month so thought they’d be perfect for wandering around.

P.S.- he is barefoot where possible and has got some properly fitted shoes for when he needs to wear shoes.

What age toddler? A 3 year old, I think would be fine. 18 months, I’d be inclined to get some teva style sandals with the velcro straps and good arch support. That’s what mine always wore as a toddler.

How old is he? I've just got my 2.5 year old some crocs as his childminder said that they are easier and more comfy for them. Though not sure about if there's an issue with gait already

When I was Chair of a preschool we had to write to all parents and ask them not to send thir kids in crocs as they were tripping over when running all the time.
The issue is that they come in dual sizes and are usually too big

They’re not great for young children at all. Very minimal support and encourage them to scrunch their toes to hold them on properly.
BIL is a podiatrist and strongly discourages people from putting both Crocs and converse on children.

Your childminder probably shouldn’t be advising on footwear in that instance. Yes, they’re certainly easier to slip on and off, which probably makes her life easier. But they’re not good for gait, support or flexibility. Especially for young children.

I would only go with properly fitted shoes at this age

occasional use is probably fine, just avoid regular wear. They aren’t great for their feet so if you bear this in mind you’ll probably regulate it appropriately. We use ours for garden only, no wearing them outside the house.

I had some crocs last year for my son he was around 18 months. He definitely fell over in them more than if he was in his shoes! This year I’ve gone for some GEOX sandals and he’s been sprinting round in them and hasn’t fell over once.

Mine have always stayed in clarks fitted shoes until about 5/6 ish. In summer we just got sandals fitted but only let DC pick the velcro options and some of their doodle style shoes and both were great for them to get on and off easily whilst still being supportive and properly fitted. We’ve had both shoe style sandals with the backs for a more supportive style and the water type ones both of which have been great but water ones have been good for water play, sea etc. I’ll link what DS has previously and currently has so you can see what I mean x
https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/surfing-tide-kid/26176693-p
https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/spiney-step-t/26176042-p
https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/foxing-vibe-toddler/26181062-p

Depends if you want him in shoes or sandals for usual wear? If he will wear shoes most of the time like he does now, I'd say crocs are fine for limited wear at say the beach or the paddling pool, but I would have thought some firmer better fitted sandals that give his feet support, if he is going spend whole days in them. Especially if he will be walking on hard surfaces like a playground or pavement.

Thanks for all the replies, I think I will get him some sandals and leave crocs for just in the garden with the paddling pool.
@mindutopia he’s 17 months

My 15 month old walks great in her crocs - so easy and comfy

I didn’t know this! My 13 month old wears crocs and my daughter did as well!

I would think crocs would make his gait more akward. Theres a really cute toddler on instagram who falls over loads. I’m convinced it’s due to her footwear. She wearing toddler versions of adult shoes.

I think at that age, ds had fitted sandals from Clarks. Later on, aged about 7 he had crocs then aged about 9, boat shoes. As an almost adult he spends the summer in trainers. I don't think he'd ever wear sandals nowadays!

You could look at the crocs sandals instead