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Do escalators eat Crocs?

by Grant Martin (RSS feed) on Jun 5th 2008 at 12:30PM

I've been slow to catch on to the whole Croc trend, even though I hear that they're crazy comfortable. Maybe it's because I can't seem to pull away from the Birkenstock trend or maybe it's because I think they look kind of goofy. That's fine. I've never been the pinnacle of style anyway.

Passing through the Tokyo airport the other day though, I saw this sign posted at the top of the escalator with a photo of our favorite polymer shoes on them. It says:

"Caution! There have been many reports of accidents in which people's resin sandals have got caught in the escalators."

I had no idea that there was an issue with Crocs and moving stairs. I guess I'm most surprised that some American hasn't tried to sue Crocs for a million zillion dollars because their foot got stuck in an escalator or for "wrongful imprisonment." Has anyone had a problem with Crocs on escalators? Should I call the fire marshal?

Either way, watch your step when you're on the escalator at the mall this weekend. You could be in danger!

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Japan

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Justin Glow Jun 5th 2008 12:39PM

I don't understand how Crocs are more prone to getting caught than, say, sandals, or even other, regular shoes? Someone fill me in.

Kelsey Mulyk Jun 5th 2008 2:02PM

Maybe the escalators recognize how horribly ugly they are...

Shane Jun 5th 2008 5:58PM

Japan has asked Crocs to alter the design. Apparently these signs are being put up by the Washington Metro subway system (among others) too.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/18/national/main3271384.shtml

I don't get the whole Croc thing either and think they are kind of ugly but then I am often in the minority when it comes to the latest in fashion.

Shane Sakata
The Tokyo Traveler
http://www.thetokyotraveler.com

Twinkle Toes Jun 6th 2008 6:54AM

I love my crocs , they are so comfortable after three
surgerys for an injured let quad they are like walking on marshmellows. I think they are more sensible than high heels and I love all the colors.

Sue Jun 6th 2008 7:36AM

I've known for many years that escalators eat rubber shoes. When I was 17 I worked at Sears, I'm 52 now, and my department was right next to the "moving stairs" I heard a child and woman screaming and ran to push the emergency stop button. The little boy had a pair of Keds tennis shoes on and had his foot on the step next to the stationary side of the stairwell. His shoe was mangled and drawn into the crack between the step and the wall. I guess I was in shock by then myself because I don't remember what happened after that with all the commotion. I don't even know if I ever went back to work there after that so I don't know the outcome of the injuries the boy sustained.
All I do know is escaltors are dangerous for rubbery shoes and you should be especially vigilant when taking children with crocks or tennies or flip flops for that matter on an escalator!!

Sincerely,
Sue

Melissa Nelson Jun 6th 2008 9:08AM

I think these people who have had escaltors eat their crocs are the same ones who the warnings for not using blow dryers while showering, do not put garbage bag over your head and do not take suppositories orally were written for. I am sure these were people who just didnt pay attention or as one poster put it "maybe the escalators sense they are so ugly" That has to be it.
For the record i didnt realize my lace up roper boots had come untied and the people move sucked me in. My boot waspulled from my foot and just danced at the top landing until i quit laughing long enough to pull it free. It was my fault and i didnt ask there be a sign put up to take the place of my common sense or lack of.
And just how does an escalator eat the crocs? they are the biggest funkiest shoes on the market. Only NASA moon boots are bigger.

Ken Smith & Associates Jun 6th 2008 9:15AM

I'm an escalator consultant. All other factors being equal, the probability of entrapment between the escalator step and skirt increases as the coefficient of friction between the object (in this case the shoe) and escalator side (known as the skirt) increases.

Similar shoes may have a higher coefficient of friction against the skirt than other footwear, or may tend to stick, and are easily deformed, possibly making them more likely to get caught in an escalator. Ken

Marilyn Terrell Jun 6th 2008 9:53AM

Wow, it's cool to get the word directly from an escalator consultant, even if I don't quite understand it.
But if you want to get rid of your Crocs, for either safety or style reasons, you can recycle them:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2008/06/carbon-footprin.html

Debbie Jun 6th 2008 6:18PM

The combination of grippy shoes & escalators is particularly tough for little kids to manage.

Here's a story from today's news on Consumerist about a child who broke three toes because her foot got caught in an escalator when she was wearing Crocs

http://consumerist.com/tag/danger/?i=5014022&t=crocs-%252B-escalator--yet-another-mangled-foot

Debbie
http://www.deliciousbaby.com

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