We just learned something important about when to wear our Crocs

Crocs are a staple of many people’s wardrobe, whether for comfort or because they like the look of those funky rubber clogs. However, Huffington Post recently spoke with podiatrists about the floatable, comfy shoes and we learned something important about when to wear our Crocs.

Dr. Megan Leahy , a podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, told Huffington Post that Crocs “are not suitable for all-day use.” But they’re so comfortable! Dr. Leahy said that although Crocs “offer nice arch support,” they don’t “adequately support the heel.” See, and here we were thinking that the only thing important about footwear was arch support.

Dr. Leahy explained that Crocs are similar to flip flops and other backless shoes in that while walking around in them, we tend to grip with our toes. This can lead to tendonitis and even problems with your toenails. Specifically, president of American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine Dr. Alex Kor explained we all need support in our “shank,” which supports between the heel and the toe. “Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank,” he explained to Huffington Post.

So, rather than wearing Crocs all day long, Dr. Leahy said the shoes can be worn for short periods of time: puttering around the house, gardening or a trip to the beach are all OK. You know, any place you’d wear your flip flops.

And the good news? Dr. Kor told Huffington Post the rubber clogs can be good for anyone with an extremely high arch, or those who “suffer from excessive edema” of their legs and/or ankle.

So if you love your beloved Crocs, that’s totally OK — just wear them sparingly as you would your rubber flip flops this summer.