Hardly any other brand causes such strong differences of opinion as Crocs and yet they are absolutely trendy. The " ugly shoes " have been around for over 20 years now. In 2010, the brand made it onto the Times Magazine list of the worst inventions and in 2023 onto the Times list of the most influential companies of the year . A truly remarkable transformation.
The once ugly, functional shoes have become a global fashion phenomenon that is celebrated by fashion icons and children alike. In this article, we tell you how Crocs' style has changed since their founding and how they have become the absolutely stylish shoe brand
From the garden to the runway
The origins of Crocs
Crocs have been around since 2002. The shoes were originally launched as boat shoes. Yes, boat, not garden. And despite their strange appearance, they quickly became popular because of their comfort and functionality. But more in the garden and at work than on the street.
The characteristic holes, the lightweight material and the non-slip sole are ideal for various activities. Many people appreciated the comfort and practicality early on. However, the design was met with skepticism and ridicule. And yet Crocs found a niche among all those looking for comfortable and durable shoes. The clogs became increasingly popular, especially for gardening and other professional groups (medical professionals, for example). But the shoes remained in the niche nonetheless. Of course, there were one or two who dared to wear the clogs on the street, but the group remained manageable, because this really drew disapproving and mocking looks.
The beginnings in the fashion world
For a few years, “ugly shoes” were around, but relatively unnoticed. In the fashion world, they made their first media appearance in 2016 at London Fashion Week. At the show by Christopher Kane, who dressed his models in specially designed classic clogs with a tie-dye look. The clogs were decorated with “Jibbitz” pins. Shortly after, Balenciaga collaborated with Crocs. In 2017, they showed their pink and yellow 10cm platform Crocs at Paris Fashion Week. Up until then, Crocs had been many things: practical, comfortable, unbreakable, and ugly. Balenciaga changed that, and the first fashionistas wore the shoes on the street after the fashion show. However, the shoes were only mega cool in small circles at the time, but it was a start.
The comeback or rather: the breakthrough into the mainstream
Many people are talking about a comeback when it comes to the new Crocs trend. We personally don't like that term because Crocs have always been there. They just weren't that trendy. At this point we prefer to call it a breakthrough in the fashion world and in the mainstream.
The brand was one of the winners during the Covid pandemic. People were looking for comfortable shoes during lockdowns and home office times. Jeans were replaced by joggers and sneakers by comfortable slippers. After all, there wasn't much to do other than take out the trash, go for a walk and go shopping. And Crocs were increasingly chosen. The numbers confirm this. According to OMR , the company has grown rapidly since 2021 and has more than doubled its sales within two years.
More and more influencers and other fashion icons started wearing the shoes. Suddenly we saw the clogs at events and on the red carpet. And legendary collaborations quickly followed: from Justin Bieber, to Pixar and Barbie to Lil Nas X. In addition to the collaborations, the
Brand also constantly releases updated models that are far less "ugly". So, in addition to classic clogs, new designs such as platform Crocs, sandals and boots can be seen on the streets. And over time, more and more people have had to admit that they actually like Crocs. One of the most famous examples is Victoria Beckham. She once said that she would rather die than ever wear Crocs. A while ago, she wore the absolutely huge and crazy MSCHF Crocs.
The great thing about the brand is that they don't take themselves too seriously and value their community. They implement ideas from fans, like the Crocs cowboy boots. They announced their collaboration with Shrek as follows: "IT'S HIDEOUS!!!! And also available on crocs.com". Translated, that means something like: It's terrible and is available on crocs.com.
Crocs now have a firm place in the streetwear scene. They go perfectly with baggy jeans and oversized hoodies. The designer Salehe Bembury is also responsible for the hype. He and Crocs released the “Pollex Clog”, which is inspired by his fingerprint.
All in all, the cool thing about Crocs is that you can wear them anywhere and there is something for every interest. The shoes are comfortable and almost indestructible. We now see them on so many different feet in super different designs and we celebrate that.
The best Crocs models
Current trends at Crocs
If you already know Crocs , you know that the shoes come in countless colors, designs and patterns. Above all, there is a huge selection of platform shoes that are totally on trend. And our highlight: even the platform shoes are available in sizes up to 49. Crocs are unisex, which we think is pretty nice. The style of Crocs has changed completely over the years. At first they were considered simple, functional shoes and today you can make a fashionable and personal statement with them. The designs are bold and experimental. And you can personalize almost all models with Jibbitz pins and there are hardly any limits to your choice of colors. And that's why we are sure that Crocs will continue to be on trend in 2024 and that this trend will not decrease drastically in the coming years. We are excited to see what else Crocs has in the pipeline and, above all, who they will collaborate with in the future.
Our top 5 Crocs models
Of course, we don't want to withhold our favorite Crocs models from you at this point. That's why we have prepared a top 5 for you:
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1. The Classy Clog
Number 1 has to be the classic, “ugly” Classic Clog. The shoe that started it all and the one that everyone still wears today. We celebrate the color palette, all the variations and, above all, the collaborations that take us back to our childhood.
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2. The Pollex Slide by Salehe Bembury
A different slide. The variation of the Salehe Bembury clog is the Pollex Slide. A little less clunky but still super special.
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3. The Stomp Slide
The Stomp Slide is dramatic. The platform slides add a wild touch to any outfit. They're also comfortable, what more could you want?
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5. The Stomp Clog
The Stomp Clogs are just as high as the Stomp Slides, but are more similar to the classic. If you want to get away from the garden cliché, this model is just right for you.
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6. The Echo Storms
The Echo Storm is a closed shoe, but you can easily slip it on thanks to its sock entry. If you're looking for comfortable shoes with a firm grip, you can't go wrong with this one. And you'll look cool doing it.
Conclusion
There is hardly a more controversial brand than Crocs. You either hate them or you love them – or over time you come to terms with the fact that they are simply cool. Thanks to their versatility, comfort and constant reinvention, Crocs have firmly established themselves in the fashion world. Whether in the streetwear scene, at high-fashion events or in kindergarten, Crocs are a symbol of individual style and comfort. We also see parallels between Crocs and the traditional German brand Birkenstock . Both originally stood for comfort. And have evolved from slippers to everyday shoes. And both brands have managed to establish themselves in the fashion world. We will continue to see them on many people's feet in the coming years; Crocs are and will remain trendy for now.
Crocs are not only fashionable, but also good for your feet. They offer excellent cushioning and support, making them ideal for long-term wear. Their lightweight material and easy cleaning also contribute to their popularity. Many people especially appreciate Crocs for long days or activities that involve a lot of walking. Crocs also allow you to express your personal style, making them an essential part of many wardrobes.
FAQ about Crocs
How do I style Crocs?
Crocs can be styled in many different ways. For a casual look, you can combine them with jeans and a T-shirt. But you can also wear them with dresses and more formal occasions. With Crocs, there are no limits to your creativity. The great thing about Crocs is that they go with both casual and formal outfits, depending on how you combine them.
Are Crocs comfortable?
Yes, Crocs are super comfortable. Their patented CrocsLite material gives you excellent cushioning and support and you can wear them for a long time.
Are Crocs stylish?
Whether Crocs are a good, stylish shoe depends on your individual taste. They are trendy and are worn for all occasions. They offer you a unique mix of comfort and fashion statement. You can combine them in many different ways. But in the end, you decide what is stylish for you and what is not.
How do Crocs fit?
In most cases, Crocs run true to size. For models that run smaller or larger, you will find a corresponding note on our website.
Are there Crocs with different fits?
Crocs offers a variety of models to suit different needs. There are models with a standard fit and there is a category for a wider fit. In addition, there are also models for specific activities, such as gardening or medical professions, which offer special comfort and support.
Are Crocs good for your feet?
Yes, Crocs are good for your feet. They provide excellent cushioning and support, making them ideal for long-term wear. The ergonomic design and lightweight material add to the comfort.
What material are Crocs made of?
All Crocs shoes are made from the patented Croslite synthetic resin mixture. The technology gives each shoe a comfortable, colorfast and lightweight quality. Croslite is a synthetic resin mixture.
Why are Crocs so popular?
Overall, Crocs are so popular because of their unparalleled comfort and versatility. They have managed to evolve from a simple comfort shoe to a real fashion phenomenon that has found its place in both streetwear and the high-fashion scene. And you can personalize them with the Jibbitz charms.
How do I clean my Crocs?
You can wash your Crocs either by hand or even in the washing machine.
To hand wash, simply hold the shoes under the tap and wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap.
The classic clogs, slides and other models made of Croslite material can also be cleaned in a gentle wash cycle with mild detergent.
Since when are Crocs cool?
Crocs made their breakthrough in the fashion scene with the Balenciaga collaboration. Chunky and edgy shoes are trendy, which is why Crocs are cool too.
Why wear Crocs?
Crocs are worn for their comfort and versatility. They are lightweight, easy to clean and provide good support for your feet. With a huge selection to choose from, you can express your personal style with them.
Author: Asphaltgold |