The resurgence of Crocs

LONDON:

Let’s talk about Crocs. Yes, those sensory nightmares that once made us collectively cringe. Remember the days when walking into a Crocs store was a rite of passage for every 10-year-old, eagerly picking out jibbers emblazoned with every cartoon character known to man? Ah, the simpler times.

Fast forward to now, and Crocs are no longer just for kids running around in water parks (in sport mode, of course). Oh no, these rubber clogs have clawed their way into the wardrobes of the fashion elite, proving that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder — or perhaps, in the depths of a pandemic-induced need for comfort over style.

The new streetwear darlings

The ugly shoe trend is here, and it’s not just a passing moment. #uglyshoe boasts millions of views on TikTok and brands have caught on. From Ugg to Birkenstock, Balenciaga to Dr Martens and even Adidas, it seems everyone is cashing in on this trend. But today, we’re talking about the most unlikely of all comeback stories: the revival of Crocs.

Yes, after years of merciless mockery, people are eating their words and embracing these rubber monstrosities – not just for their style, but for their comfort above all else. I’m convinced that every Croc wearer started ironically and then never looked back. What a time to be alive.

As a former Croc hater – because let’s be real, being a Croc hater isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life – I’m in a weird position. Defending my disdain for these shoes has been a full-time job. Yet here we are, watching Crocs transform from poolside jokes to streetwear favorites. It’s enough to make you question reality. It’s no longer just shoes that make that crazy “puch puch” noise after a day at the pool. it’s now a fashion-forward statement piece that you can dress up or down.

“Frankenstein’s One-Shoe Monster”

Crocs have rebranded and I have to admit, they’ve done it with some flair. According to their official website, there are now over 120 styles for adults and children, with over 100 million pairs sold. They’re not just surviving but thriving – and dare I say it – becoming kind of chic. As a kid, I loved running around the Crocs store, the jibbitz being the ultimate accessory. Today, I am confused about their evolution. They have transformed from children’s toys to fashion shoes, unrecognizable from their original form.

Take Siren Dam for example. This Frankenstein’s monster shoe combines a chunky heel with authentic Croc detailing. It’s absurd and yet, somehow, it works. They’re really comfortable despite their nearly four-inch heel and can be dressed up or worn as a statement piece. Then there’s the Mega Crush Clog, which keeps the classic Crocs design but adds a platform for a more edgy look. Perfect for those who want to go about their day with a little extra height.

But perhaps the most current style is the Dylan Clog. These are not your run-of-the-mill Crocs. No sir. They took out the “air holes” (a blessing to my mildly trypophobic self) and adopted a sleeker design. You wouldn’t immediately think “Oh, Crocs!” if you saw someone sporting them on the street. And that’s the beauty of it. They still offer the same unparalleled comfort, without the visual assault of the original design.

Defying all odds

If you’re still not convinced that Crocs have gone from “joke shoe” to “serious apparel,” consider their high-profile collaborations. Designers and celebrities such as Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, SZA and Post Malone have all lent their names to Crocs. Yes, Balenciaga – known for its high fashion – has teamed up with Crocs.

For the uninitiated, Crocs are made using exclusive Croslite technology, a closed cell resin that makes these shoes soft, lightweight and odor resistant. This unique material is partly why they have endured. Now you can scroll through their website and really care. There’s a pair for everyone, even if you, like me, aren’t into the original design.

Crocs’ resurgence is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings as a comfortable children’s shoe to a fashion icon, Crocs have defied all odds. They have proven that comfort can coexist with style, even if that style is, to put it mildly, unconventional. So whether you love them or love to hate them, one thing is clear: Crocs are here to stay. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll find myself slipping into a pair of Sirens clogs.

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