I had back surgery a four years back, and have been pain free through a combination of yoga, core strengthening exercises and barefoot-style footwear. I was nervous when I faced culinary school because I'd be on my feet for so many hours. These crocs allow me to spread my toes, run (if necessary) across a slippery floor to turn off a boiling pot, protect from falling knives, and even though every part of me aches from the workout school provides, after a long day my back is fine.

If you are used to a lot of sneaker-style support you may take a week to adjust to them (bring an extra pair to switch to school/work) but after you get your muscles in shape, you'll never want anything else. The reviewer who "heard" crocs are bad for your back should provide some sources. Unless you have unusually high arches or unusually flat feet, shoes that provide less support are actually better for you. Do some searches on "barefoot running" and "Stanford head coach Vin Lananna" or check out the book&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Born-to-Run-A-Hidden-Tribe-Superathletes-and-the-Greatest-Race-the-World-Has-Never-Seen/dp/0307279189/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen</a>&nbsp;... less is more and crocs give you just enough to stay safe in the kitchen, and no more than that.