Crocs: The Fashion Trend That Isn’t Getting Captured and Killed Anytime Soon

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Made of an odor eliminating non-marking material called PCCR (not plastic or rubber as some erroneous believers say), these shoes have stirred quite the controversial pot amongst footwear fashionistas both far and wide. Sure, they look odd but no different than any single molded clog would look.

Are they any less appealing than a Birkenstock or a Chota men’s sandal? How about the Heelys styles that are rolling across the nation? And some of those athletic shoes that trend setting stars are advertising in magazines?

Despite haters and “nay sayers” alike, with websites such as ihatecrocs.com popping up, these fashion statements are still seen on the streets, in malls and everywhere you look. Whether headed for the beach, working in the yard or a long day at the office, the big comfy toe boxes in bright colours accent any casual outfit. And if the shoe itself wasn’t fun enough, there are little ornaments called Jibbitz that can be purchased to personalize a plain pair of basic Crocs. Choose from flowers, sunshine, flamingos or even rhinestones. There are over 1,600 different options because its all about the wearer.

With styles ranging from mary janes, rain boots, flip flops, sandals, boating shoes and even a fur lined option for cold weather climates, it is safe to say that Crocs lovers have something going on. Although the basic Croc style that seems to be on the receiving end of all the negativity may not be right for everyone, there is something right for just about every individual. There are even clothes and other products available.

A recent style hit the street that takes the trendy shoe a step up: Crocs high heels. Fashion has merged with comfort so women no longer have to make sacrifices to look great. Well, at least not totally.

Not everyone is receptive to the benefits of Crocs, however, with a write up in Newsweek giving them a big thumbs down. Of course, the report was written by a self-deprecating fashion failure who claims he owns only one belt (probably brown on one side and black on the other) to hold up his Docker's khakis. The report also talks about how the writer and his son like to label anyone who wears the shoes a “Dork”, presumably a much better activity than enjoying an alternative game of non-name calling.

There have also been a few reports of the soft-soled boxed versions getting caught in escalators, specifically with children. ABC ran a news report in 2006 and the topic? Crocs and escalators, however, the news report also stated:

It's not just Crocs that pose a danger -- any soft, pliable shoe, even flip-flops, can be dangerous on an escalator.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 10,000 people go to the emergency room every year after accidents on escalators. Of those, 20 percent involved having hands, feet or shoes trapped.

Of course, more people die from imposing on others their second hand smoke than wearing a pair of Crocs.

As long as the Crocs are still hanging around, ugly or not, there is obviously a market for them. The benefit in coastal and other marine locations due to their ease and cleanability make them a top seller and with a variety of other Crocs products available, these little guys have definitely taken a bite out of the fashion industry.

Once again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Crocs first quarter financial results (second quarter will be released August 7, 2008).