Traveller explains why you should ALWAYS wear Crocs on a plane

Backless footwear has come under fire recently for being inappropriate for plane journeys, with an American Airlines stewardess saying that it poses a safety risk.

Andrea Fischbach told whattowear.co.uk that ‘backless sandals make it difficult to quickly evacuate the aircraft… [and] can also end up flying off your feet’, adding that ‘your feet are more likely to freeze, especially during a long flight’.

Does that mean that passengers should avoid wearing highly popular Crocs sandals during flights?

Andrea’s comment suggests yes, but one traveller has countered that there are Crocs with ankle straps that are ideal for flights, being both comfortable and secure.

Writer Adam Erace, from South Philadelphia, penned a love letter to Crocs and their suitability for air travel in an article in CNN in January, explaining that he wore them on a flight to Orlando and found they were easy to take on and off at security and that he arrived at his destination with his feet feeling ‘just fine’. He added: ‘[There was] none of the tension or throbbing I usually experience, even in my most comfortable sneakers, after trudging through two airports.’

Backless footwear, such as Crocs, has come under fire recently for being inappropriate for plane journeys. But writer Adam Erace has said Crocs are actually great for plane journeys

In an email to MailOnline Travel this week, he reiterated his belief that Crocs are just the ticket for plane journeys.

He said: ‘Unless you’re traveling in business or first class, simply existing as a human on an airplane is typically an uncomfortable physical experience.

‘My approach is to not let what I’m wearing exacerbate that discomfort. Crocs keep my feet cushioned and cool, and it’s not just about being on the plane but walking long distances through the airport.

‘I really recommend them, with one caveat: never without socks. I’m not a monster.’

Are there any downsides?

He said: ‘No downsides for me to wearing Crocs. When I first started, I expected a lot of sideways looks, but instead I wound up noticing many more passengers also wearing them.’

Adam said: ‘Crocs keep my feet cushioned and cool, and it’s not just about being on the plane but walking long distances through the airport’

And what did he think about Andrea’s safety concerns?

He said: ‘I would defer to the expertise of a flight attendant, of course, but without knowing more details it seems like Crocs would be a notably reliable shoe in an emergency.

‘Easy on/off, no sharp edges or heels to puncture an evacuation slide, and when secured with the ankle straps they’re not flying off your feet like sandals or loosely tied sneakers.’