bad croc

How many of you think Crocs are just the best thing since sliced bread? I'd have to put my hand up, too. But several news stories have broken in the last few days that say Crocs are a hazard on escalators and that several injuries have already led to malls and other public places banning Crocs.

News 5, in Pheonix, AZ, has reported that children are having their Crocs shoes ripped off in escalators. This is most likely due to the design of the shoe, which fits loose for comfort and is made of a rubber-like material for support and grip. However, these benefits soon become a hazard on a fast-moving escalator. If the shoe gets too close to the edge, the rubber substance and loose fit provide perfect conditions for a shoe being pulled down into the machinery.

Doctors have always warned of escalator dangers, especially with children involved. The machinery is built to endure a lot, and may not stop if a child's foot is dragged into the mechanism. The Croc shoe could be an ideal way for that horrific eventually to become real.

The Daily News in Canada also reports that signs warning of the dangers have started to appear in malls. Expect to see them in a mall near you soon. The soft sole of a Croc does not stand up well to escalators, like a harder-soled sneaker. If the Croc gets stuck in the side, it could very well pull down a child's foot in seconds.

After doing a little more digging, I discovered that this is not a new danger. ABC reported the story way back in 2005, along with the tale a little girl who's foot was sucked into the side of a moving escalator.Why am I, and you, only just hearing about this then?

A spokesperson for Crocs is standing behind the shoe, saying they are "completely safe" and that escalators have always been a danger. However, although I'll still be wearing my Crocs I now have serious doubts about letting my toddler daughter wear Crocs, especially near escalators.

It's also worth noting that flip-flops can pose a similar threat, so basically take extra care folks. Let's try and have a safe summer.

Main image by me. I thank you.