PITTSBURGH -- The shoes are big, colorful and very popular, but Crocs and similar shoes may have a hidden danger, reported WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.

Crocs was the first to make the light and flexible shoe. Now many companies sell similar shoes, but they all have the same potential problem when it comes to escalators.

There have been reports of the rubber-like shoe getting caught in escalators.

Eric Cohen, of Monroeville, Pa., said that is what happened to his 9-year-old daughter, Jillian.

Cohen and his daughter were at a Connecticut mall on Father's Day.

His daughter was wearing her favorite Croc shoes and was going down the escalator with her dad right behind her.

Just as they got to the bottom of the escalator, Jillian started screaming, Cohen said.

"She started screaming, and she's, like, 'My shoe!' and I saw her shoe going under the escalator," Cohen said. "I literally grabbed her and watched her shoe go into the infinite beyond of the escalator."

Cohen managed to pick his daughter up, out of the shoes and out of harm's way.

There have been stories like this one reported in other cities, the television station reported.

However, a representative for Crocs said the shoes are "completely safe."

"The popularity of our shoes has helped draw attention to a long-existing issue that we think is very important -- escalator safety. Escalators and moving sidewalks, particularly those that have not received proper care and maintenance, can be dangerous and pose risks to their riders," Tia Mattson, of Croc Shoes, said in a statement.

Some Pittsburgh-area malls now post warning signs cautioning people about wearing rubber shoes on escalators.

Doctor Warns Of Escalator Dangers

Dr. Barbara Gaines, director of trauma at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, hasn't seen any injuries from Crocs but said escalators and kids can be a dangerous combination.

"The motors in those things are fairly powerful, and they aren't necessarily going to stop when a child falls," Gaines said.

Millions of people ride escalators daily, and only a small number of accidents have been reported. But there are precautions you can take to make sure you or your child doesn't get hurt.

Gaines also warned about wearing loose-fitting or long-dangling clothing while riding escalators.

"If something gets stuck, that motor is potentially going to keep pulling down the kid," she said.

Gaines said in the winter, scarves that hang down can be especially dangerous. She also said to be careful with backpacks that have straps that dangle down.

Other clothing the Consumer Product Safety Commission warns parents about are: loose shoe laces, drawstings, scarves and mittens. They all can get caught in escalators.

Gaines also warns about backless shoes and flip flops. She said they pose a tripping hazard.

Parents should always hold small children's hands while on an escalator and never allow them to sit or play on the steps. Always face forward and hold the handrail.

Always stand in the center of the step and avoid the edges where entrapment can happen.

Make sure your children stay in the center of the step, and don't drag your foot along the side of the escalator. It can create friction and can cause soft-soled shoes to get caught in the escalator more easily.

Also, take note of where the emergency shutoff buttons are.