Crocs now banned in some schools over bizarre safety issue

It was the monumental return we never saw coming, but this week, Crocs are hitting headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Apparently, the iconic brand of noughties shoes has found itself on the receiving end of a ban across several US schools amid child safety concerns.

The shoes made their comeback in the 2020s (undefined undefined/Getty)

Not everyone was thrilled by the 2020s comeback made by the foam footwear brand, which was first founded in 2002.

Though they temporarily fell out of fashion, recent times have seen the shoes surge in popularity once again, with Gen Zs relishing the opportunity to purchase a dazzling array of colours and once again adorn their feet with charms.

As we say, however, staff at several schools across America have spoken out against the brand's resurgence.

A recent report by Bloomberg alleges as many as 12 different states have banned Crocs from their classrooms after filing a stream of accident reports.

Lake City Elementary School in Georgia has a special section of its dress code dedicated to the brand - which reads, 'All students must wear closed toe shoes for safety (No Crocs)'.

And according to 11 Alive, Jonesboro High School - another educational facility in the same state - issued a warning over potential suspension for students if strict footwear rules are disobeyed.

Crocs have been banned in the schools of several states (Paulo Sousa/Getty)

Such was also the case at LaBelle Middle School in Florida, the dress code of which similarly states: "Safe footwear shall be worn at all times. No open toe shoes, bedroom slippers or shower shoes.

"All shoes must have a strap or back at the heel. Proper lace up athletic shoes must be worn during P.E.) NO CROCS allowed."

But what exactly is their beef with Crocs?

Thankfully, one nurse at the Florida educational facility spilled the tea, revealing it was due to a sudden surge in foot-based injuries in recent years.

Discussing a group chat he has with other school nurses, Oswaldo Luciano told press: "Whenever someone mentions a foot injury, the first thing everyone says is, 'I bet you they were wearing Crocs'."

Interestingly, teacher concern was also seconded by one podiatrist, who lifted the lid on the shoe's risk to health.

"I've seen more structural issues like heel pain, arch pain, sometimes more hammertoes, because you have to grip the shoe to keep them on and so the toes are overworking," Priya Parthasarathy told NPR recently.

The brand has issued a statement in response to the ban (clovercity/Getty)

Following the controversial ban across the numerous states, a TikTok meme went viral which saw millions of Croc-wearing kids sharing clips of themselves jokingly stumbling over their reportedly impractical footwear.

And by the sounds of things, the shoe brand is more than aware of the stumbling reputation it has harboured over the years, and even commented on one viral TikTok, jesting: "Only the cool kids get it."

Crocs have also told press in a statement: "The Crocs Classic Clog is a comfortable, casual shoe that is appropriate for everyday wear but not intended for athletics or more strenuous activities.

"We are unaware of any substantiated health and/or safety complications with wearing our products. Since our brand inception, students have and continue to wear our Classic Clog in their day-to-day activity, whether for pre- or post-sport, as part of a school club or simply as a means of showcasing their personality.

"For many, our shoes create community and allow for personal self-expression – both of which are factors we know are meaningful for students. Banning them feels unnecessary."