Call me the Croc Hunter

Crikey!

Two articles from the Associated Press today illustrate the dangers posed to you and your children from wearing those little, rubber foot coverings with the holes in the top... no, they're not shoes, I tell ya, those "cute" and flexible toe traps that rhyme with "rocks."

The first story to catch my eye was of a new development in the world of Crocs, as new models without holes in the top are being developed for use in hospitals. Previously, a hospital worker was admonished for wearing Crocs, those in charge charging that a syringe or other hazardous object could jam directly into the worker's foot thanks to the superfluous holes in the top.

Call me old-fashioned, but I want just one hole in my shoe — the one I use to get my foot inside.

The second story retells the horror of youngsters getting their feet stuck in escalators, thanks in large part to the flexible nature of the rubber used. Some unfortunate kiddos had their toenails ripped off as their mothers attempted to extricate them from the situation.

My wife and in-laws swear by these things, but I can't help but do my best to restrain a loud, resounding "I-told-ya-so" every time I hear someone complain about how their feet and ankles hurt after a day of walking in these monstrosities.

Believe me, there is a time and place for sandals, flip flops and slip-ons. Heck, my favorite walkers are a pair of black suede size-12's with no laces, easy to slip on and off... but they come up to my ankles and get me from place to place with no issues.