Listen Up: Crocs controversy grows as US schools ban famous footwear over safety fears
Practise your English with our short listening exercises: play the audio; answer the questions; and check the answers at the bottom of the page
Crocs are banned in some US schools due to safety concerns. Photo: Shutterstock Questions
1. If something is “divisive”, it is …
A. liked by everyone.
B. a source of disagreement.
C. only available in very limited amounts.
D. bad for health.
2. What are the consequences of wearing Crocs at Bessemer City High School?
A. in-school suspension
B. in-house suspension
C. expulsion
D. probation
3. What is another name for Crocs mentioned in the podcast?
A. hole-covered clogs
B. dress code violation
C. black-and-white
D. none of the above
4. Why might wearing Crocs lead to hammer toes?
A. The shoes are too tight.
B. The shoes force the toes to curl upwards.
C. Wearers have to hold the shoes to their feet using their toes.
D. The shoes rub against the toes.
5. According to the podcast, which group of people is more prone to tripping and falling while wearing Crocs?
A. athletes
B. adults
C. teenagers
D. young children
6. Based on your understanding of the podcast, what do podiatrists specialise in?
A. giving foot massages and pedicures
B. selling foot care products
C. designing fashionable shoes
D. care and treatment of people’s feet
7. What can Crocs’ design change?
A. how fast a person’s toenail grows
B. the way a person walks
C. a person’s foot size
D. all of the above
8. What did the Crocs spokesperson mentioned in the podcast say about the company’s shoes?
A. They are designed for professional athletes.
B. They are meant for young children.
C. They are suitable to be worn all day.
D. none of the above
9. When are Crocs a good footwear choice?
A. for running a marathon
B. for playing sports
C. for quick errands
D. for hiking long distances
10. What do the experts mentioned in the podcast mean when they say to wear Cros in
“moderation”?
A. wear them all the time
B. do not wear them too often
C. wear them only at night
D. wear them once a year
11. Listen to the podcast again and list three benefits and three issues with wearing Crocs. (6 marks)
Answers
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. D
7. B
8. D
9. C
10. B
11. Benefits: They are lightweight. / They are easy to slip on. / They provide support for swelling feet.
Issues: They can cause heel and arch pain. / They can cause hammer toes. / They can affect walking patterns and stability. / They can increase the risk of toddlers and elderly individuals tripping and falling.
(accept all reasonable answers mentioned in the podcast)
Script
Adapted from Tribune News Service
Voice 1: Crocs have long been a divisive footwear choice. But now, they are no longer just a fashion debate – in the United States, they are landing students an in-school suspension. At Bessemer City High School in Alabama, Principal Stoney Pritchett recently banned the footwear, citing potential injuries. According to Pritchett, Crocs are a safety hazard that can twist the wearer’s knees and ankles.
Voice 2: This ban is not isolated to Alabama. Schools across the country are adding Crocs to their list of dress code violations. But what makes these hole-covered clogs so controversial? According to podiatrists, the answer is not black-and-white. Crocs offer certain benefits – they are lightweight, easy to slip on and provide support for swelling feet. However, their lack of arch and heel support can lead to various foot problems.
Voice 1: Dr Priya Parthasarathy, a Maryland podiatrist, said these shoes could cause heel pain, arch pain and sometimes even hammer toes. This is because wearers have to grip the shoe to keep them on, so the toes are overworking. The shoes’ loose fit can also affect walking patterns and stability. Particularly for toddlers and elderly individuals, Crocs can increase the risk of trips and falls.
Voice 2: However, medical professionals are not calling for a complete ban on Crocs. Instead, they suggest moderation and appropriate use. The shoes are great for quick errands and brief outdoor activities, and they can be a good option for feet that are swollen or in recovery. They are just not ideal for all-day wear, especially during active activities.
Voice 1: Experts suggest alternating between Crocs and more supportive footwear. When wearing Crocs, people should also watch for warning signs. These include tired or aching feet, changes in walking patterns or frequent tripping.
Voice 2: Despite the bans, a company spokesperson responded that while the restrictions were “unfortunate”, they had never marketed their shoes as performance footwear. So, should you toss your Crocs? Not necessarily. Just wear them in moderation.