There’s no denying that Crocs have skyrocketed in popularity, becoming the newest and coolest shoe. Whether it’s because of their versatility, comfort, or their fun charms called “jibbitz,” Crocs have earned a loyal following despite their unconventional style. 

Although a fairly new trend, Crocs have a lengthy history and have come a long way since their debut in 2002 at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The foam footwear was invented by three friends vacationing in the Caribbean. Intrigued by the water resistance of the clogs they were wearing, the trio began to develop a similar shoe. With the addition of a strap on the back and their signature 13 holes, Crocs were born.

By 2006 the company was a success, earning an estimated $200 million in profits. Customers fell in love with the shoe’s durability, citing its waterproof and odor-defiant properties. Crocs also has an array of fun colors, each pair being lightweight and breathable due to the holes. Perhaps most of all, buyers love that Crocs are so comfortable to wear.

“I love, love, love Crocs!” said Arcadia High School (AHS) sophomore Sage Geiger. “They are so comfy and adorable; these shoes slay. As the owner of a cute white pair myself, I definitely would recommend them.”

The market for the shoe was initially pretty exclusive, mostly appealing to young children. The company’s demographics eventually began to expand, notably to those working on their feet all day. Busy doctors, nurses, chefs, and all else alike, became fans of the orthopedically beneficial shoe. However, among much of the general population, Crocs faced mockery for their odd design. People saw the clogs to be ugly, juvenile in style, and simply bulky and weird.

Things took a turn in 2016 when Scottish designer Christopher Kane showed off his collaboration with Crocs at London Fashion Week. Suddenly, the once strange children’s shoes became high fashion. The following year, Crocs and Balenciaga released a collaboration of jibbitz, Crocs’s very own charms. These jibbitz were a viral hit and were certainly a gateway into a new era for the brand.

Ever since, Crocs has worked with numerous other brands and celebrities, including rapper Kanye West, artist Takashi Murakami, and influencer Bretman Rock. Since the rollout of all these unexpected collections, everyone’s eyes are on Crocs. The formerly infamous shoe has become widely accepted by people all over the world. The resurgence of effortless footwear has turned into a massive trend for younger generations especially, with many AHS students even rocking a pair of Crocs to school this year.

“I love Crocs, but it’s weird when my feet get sweaty and they’re just marinating in the rubber, so I like to wear my Crocs with socks,” said AHS sophomore Rianna Marquez. “Also, personally I think that the only acceptable type of Crocs are the basic shaped ones or the platform ones.” 

Now in style, the company’s sales have surged. As of March 2022, Crocs have even become Amazon’s best-selling shoe, amassing thousands of positive reviews. Buyers enjoy selecting from their wide range of designs, colors, and customizable jibbitz. 

For many, Crocs still remain an absurdly ugly fashion choice. The unique foam clogs may never escape their style controversy, but the shoe’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

Photo by Adwaid Nk