Can Nurses Wear Crocs? The Answer For Healthcare Professionals

The debate around whether “Can nurses wear Crocs” in healthcare settings has been ongoing for many years. Some nurses love them, while others—and some hospital administrators—have concerns about their suitability. So, what is the answer to all this? VivaCrocs will help you explore and figure out why Crocs are so favored in healthcare and the safety issues that can limit their use in hospitals!

The Ongoing Debate About Can Nurses Wear Crocs

Healthcare professionals have mixed opinions on wearing Crocs in clinical settings on Reddit.com. Some nurses passionately approve of them as workplace essentials, while others strongly caution against their use in emergencies (running), creating a vibrant debate within the profession.

@Ida Kern disagrees: “While many at my hospital wear Crocs, I found them impractical. My feet slid around, making it difficult to run in. For me, footwear needs to be secure enough for quick movement, which Crocs don’t provide.”

On the other hand, some nurses have safety concerns through their experience with Crocs and other open-toed footwear. Their warnings come from a place of genuine worry for fellow healthcare workers.

@Kate agreed that nurses can wear Crocs and said: “Nurses can wear Crocs without holes. I see some nurses wear the ones with holes, which breaks the dress code, but that’s risky. I’ve gotten blood on my shoes too many times when wearing open-toed footwear.”

Interestingly, hospital policies mainly dictate Croc’s use. Some hospitals ban certain styles of Crocs, while others allow them.

@Harold Zwanepol stated “My hospital system bans open footwear. Therefore, nurses can wear closed Crocs, but not the ones with holes. We do this to protect nurses from fluids and germs and to prevent the spread of infections from feet.”

Even so, some Crocs fans still exist. They don’t just approve of Crocs but consider this footwear are essential equipment in certain hospital departments.

@GW Hallman determined that Crocs can be seen by everyone in a healthcare setting by saying “Not only are they acceptable in some areas almost a requirement. Almost everyone wears them in the ICU, OR, Recovery Room, and ER. I liked mine so much I wore them everywhere and completely wore a pair out.”

These opposite views highlight how separated healthcare professionals think about this simple footwear choice—what works perfectly for some may be unacceptable risks for others.

So, Can Nurses Wear Crocs?

Yes, but this decision isn’t simple and depends on several factors such as: 

• Hospitals set dress codes that either permit or restrict Crocs. 
• Departments within hospitals may also have their own footwear rules based on risk. 
• Regulations vary by location, country to country, state to state, and even between institutions. 

Finally, the type of Crocs matters; professional nurse’s models with no holes are generally more acceptable than the classic versions. Therefore, a nurse might be able to wear Crocs, but they must first check their specific workplace policies and department guidelines.

The Rise Of Crocs In Healthcare: What The Research Says

Crocs have become a popular choice in healthcare settings, thanks to their practical design and ease of maintenance. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that footwear made from smooth, non-porous materials, like rubber clogs, has significantly fewer bacteria than traditional fabric shoes. 

This makes them especially appealing to healthcare workers focused on infection control, as the smooth surfaces are easier to clean and disinfect. However, a 2019 review in the American Journal of Infection Control pointed out a potential trade-off. 

The 2019 review stated that perforated shoes, including classic Crocs, may pose a higher risk of fluid contamination compared to solid shoes, especially in environments prone to spills. As a result, the popularity of Crocs in healthcare is mostly because of their ease of cleaning and comfort for long hours of work.

5 Reasons Why Nurses Love Wearing Crocs To Work

Crocs have become a surprisingly popular footwear choice in healthcare settings, particularly among nurses. Of course, there have to be reasons for such a welcoming attitude coming from those who work in healthcare settings.

1. Exceptional Comfort

The proprietary Croslite™ foam technology provides cushioning that molds to the foot, offering support during long shifts. A 2019 survey by Nursing Times found that 78% of nurses who wore Crocs cited comfort as their primary reason for choosing them.

2. Easy Cleaning And Disinfection

Healthcare environments expose footwear to various contaminants. The non-porous material of Crocs can be quickly wiped down with disinfectant wipes or even machine-washed—a significant advantage in settings where exposure to bodily fluids is expected.

3. Slip Resistance

Many Crocs models have slip-resistant treads for workplace environments. The Crocs at Work™ line, for instance, has been tested according to ASTM F1677 standards for slip resistance on wet and oily surfaces.

4. Quickly Wear And Remove

The ability to quickly remove contaminated footwear is crucial in healthcare settings. Slip-on designs enable nurses to change shoes rapidly if exposed to biohazards.

5. Weight Distribution And Fatigue Reduction

The lightweight nature of Crocs (typically 6-10 ounces per shoe) combined with their rocker-bottom sole design helps distribute weight evenly, potentially reducing fatigue during long shifts.

These combined benefits explain why Crocs remain a favorite choice for nurses seeking functional and comfy footwear during hours shifts. Ultimately, the balance of comfort and convenience makes them a reasonable option for many facing long shifts on their feet.

Before Wearing Crocs, There Are 5 Keys To Consider If You Are Working In Healthcare Settings

Key 1: About Hospital Policies

Hospitals enforce specific dress code policies to uphold staff safety and professionalism, for example, many institutions enforce a forbidding of Crocs due to concerns regarding insufficient protection against sharp objects and an increased risk of slips and falls. Therefore, you need to verify your workplace’s detailed rules before wearing Crocs, as regulations vary.

Key 2: Are Crocs an OSHA Violation?

OSHA doesn’t specifically ban Crocs or open-heeled shoes but does require employers to perform workplace risk assessments that determine appropriate protective equipment, including footwear. OSHA guidelines typically recommend fully enclosed, fluid-resistant footwear in areas with sharps or fluid exposure risks.

Key 3: Nurses’s Responsibilities In Healthcare

As a nurse, you must first understand your facility’s specific footwear policies, which are based on OSHA’s general guidelines. Then, you need to evaluate whether your chosen footwear protects you from potential risks in your work area.

Finally, regardless of the brand or style of your shoes, you are responsible for keeping them clean and properly disinfected to prevent the spread of infections, which is essential in healthcare settings.

Key 4: The Concerning About Safety

The primary safety concerns revolve around a lack of protection from bad footwear, that can expose nurses to risks like stab wounds from sharps, impacts from falling objects, and slips or trips on wet or uneven surfaces. 

The risk of contamination stems from the potential for shoes to become contaminated with bodily fluids or other infectious materials, which can then be spread throughout the healthcare environment if not properly cleaned and disinfected.

Key 5: The Appear Of Professionalism

Beyond safety concerns, the appearance of footwear also plays a role in perceived professionalism. This perception is rooted in the expectation that healthcare professionals maintain a clean, tidy, and appropriately formal appearance, which includes their footwear. Therefore, you should choose shoes that are suitable for your specific working environment, balancing both professional presentation and practical needs.

Cost Analysis: Crocs vs. Other Nursing Footwear

When considering the financial aspect of professional footwear, Crocs stands out as a remarkably affordable and durable option compared to other nursing shoes. We can easily see that aspect when we compare Crocs with other footwear: 

Footwear Type	Average Cost	Typical Lifespan	Cost Per Year
Crocs Professional Models	$50-$60	12-18 months	$40-$60
Dansko Professional Clogs	$120-$150	2-3 years	$40-$75
Brooks/Hoka Nursing Shoes	$130-$160	8-12 months	$130-$192
Alegria Nursing Shoes	$110-$140	18-24 months	$55-$93
New Balance Nursing Shoes	$70-$120	10-14 months	$60-$144

As the table demonstrates, Crocs offers the lowest cost and a competitive lifespan, resulting in a lower annual cost compared to brands like Brooks/Hoka and New Balance. While Dansko and Alegria offer similar or slightly longer lifespans, their initial investment is considerably higher.

This affordability, connected with a long lifespan, makes Crocs, especially VivaCrocs, a financially attractive choice for nurses. This cost-effectiveness is a significant factor contributing to their popularity among healthcare professionals, just because they are a budget-friendly option. See our selection of affordable Crocs and start saving today! 

4 Types Of Crocs To Avoid In Healthcare Settings

While some Crocs might be acceptable, certain models pose safety and hygiene risks in healthcare environments. Specifically, these Crocs models should be avoided:

• Flip Flops Crocs: Provide insufficient protection and stability.
• LiteRide Crocs: While comfortable, they have mesh components that are difficult to clean.
• Slides Crocs: Lack the necessary heel support for extended shifts.
• Fuzzy Crocs: Impossible to properly disinfect and typically violate hospital dress codes.

FAQs

1. Can NHS Nurses Wear Crocs?

Yes, you can but it depends on the specific NHS trust. Some allow crocs that meet safety standards, while others ban them entirely. Always check your trust’s uniform policy for confirmation.

2. If Nurses Can’t Wear Crocs, What Shoes Are Best?

Other good nursing shoes include Dansko clogs, athletic shoes (Brooks, Hoka, New Balance), Alegria shoes, and specialized nursing clogs (Sanita, Klogs USA).

3. Do Hospital Rules About Nurse Shoes Change?

Yes, hospital policies often change based on updated infection control guidelines, workplace injury reports, new healthcare research, leadership decisions, and staff feedback. Always review your facility’s latest dress code policy for any updates.

Our Final Thoughts

Even though the answer to the question “Can nurses wear Crocs?” is Yes. You need to check your workplace policies. Ultimately, the best nursing shoes keep your feet comfortable and protected through long shifts while complying with your workplace requirements. Still wonder where to find the most affordable customized Crocs? Check out our newest collection now!