Escalators Hurt Kids in Crocs Clogs

September 2007

Attention parents – the popular, flexible clogs known as Crocs are endangering the safety of children riding on escalators across the world. Numerous reports of the soft-soled shoes, and other similar footwear, have identified their unique material and design as a potential hazard when combined with the dangers posed by the sides and “teeth” of escalators.

Crocs are made from soft rubber that provides grip while causing the shoe to mold to the owner’s foot. But the “teeth” at the bottom and top of escalators, as well as the crack between the side of the escalator and the moving steps, can easily trap the rubber shoes. Reports of child escalator injury have come from many countries all sharing the common link of Crocs or similar footwear.

In Singapore, a two-year-old girl wearing rubber clogs had her toe ripped off in an escalator accident. A 3-year-old boy in the Atlanta airport received a deep gash across his toes after being caught in an escalator while wearing Crocs. To prevent injury, experts advise children to stand in the center of the steps and to avoid excessive activity while riding escalators.