Crikey! It Is the Croc Attack!
Manolo says, here is the long article about how popular the Croc have become, for as we all know if something it is very popular it must be very good.
“There’s no doubt that they are very, very hot right now,” said Michael Wood, vice president of the marketing firm Teenage Research Unlimited. “The key to it is they’re comfortable, they’re practical and they’re fun … and they’re also affordable so you can buy into the trend without making a big investment.”Jen Mosher of Tuscaloosa, Ala., said she got her first pair of Crocs for Christmas in 2002.
“I stuck them on to wear for slippers and haven’t taken them off since,” said Mosher, 39, a University of Alabama microbiology graduate student who’s often on her feet in a lab.
She now has the original Crocs in nine colors dark blue, royal blue, yellow, orange, red, purple, green, black and the tan ones she wears as dress shoes.
She cleans them by throwing them in the dishwasher.
Remind the Manolo not to have the dinner at this person’s house.
It has now become clear, that despite the best efforts of the Manolo once again, the nation it is sinking into the slough of bad shoes, and just when the curse of the Uggs had abated.
The Manolo must reiterate this point, that the Crocs they are suitable only if you are less than 10 years of the age, the point at which the vividly colorful plastic things are cute.
If you are taller than these girls, the Crocs they should be avoided.
July 1st, 2006 at 12:23 pm
The dishwasher? Brilliant! Seriously. I’ve got some flip-flops that could use rejuvenation; and the bleach in most dish detergents would work wonders. I just hope that she doesn’t run the crocs through at the same time she’s doing a load of dishes. *bleh.*
July 1st, 2006 at 12:43 pm
The dr. nic, she sees many people wearing the crocs at work in the OR. She herself wears the Klogs . She however wears them only while at work, carrying them in and out in the plastic bag. She would love if the Manolo could find something as comfortable that would not be ruined by the blood and other things that get on her Klogs so that she could banish them forever.
July 1st, 2006 at 1:07 pm
I aver that Manolo is too kind about Crocs. I contend that they should be avoided at all costs, by anyone and everyone. They’re not even suitable for use as flower pots or clay pigeons.
July 1st, 2006 at 1:15 pm
This too shall pass. At least, until some idiot decides they should become fashionable again in another 20 years.
July 1st, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I saw those in a shop a few weeks ago and my immediate thought was : Icccckkkk!!! Those things are icky! And she contanimates the food? Gross.
July 1st, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Manolo, do podcasts! The only way this blog could be better was if I could listen to it while sunbathing!
July 1st, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Someone is wearing these? How hideous. How tragic.
I just found your blog and I like it. I’m quite into shoes and though I have a small selection by the standard of some it is a select collection I adore.
Good luck with your blog. I’m sure I shall return.
July 1st, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Que horrible! The other day as I was coming out of the yoga studio I was assaulted by a foul stench at the shoe rack. Yes, it was a pair of Crocs! Now, I look for the Crocs, cover my nose and mouth, quickly grab my shoes and RUN! For some reason, people who wear these ghastly things have no idea how much they smell.
July 1st, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Is anyone else terribly disturbed by the fact that she’s wearing the tan ones as DRESS SHOES??
Obviously, the apocolype, it is coming.
July 1st, 2006 at 2:49 pm
She uses them as dress shoes?! What the hell is wrong with this woman? Seriously she could have bought nice shoes with all the money she spent on those crocs
July 1st, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Actually, that would be the Apocalypse, with an “s” and an “a”. I don’t know what this “apocolype” is!
July 1st, 2006 at 3:17 pm
This is indeed disturbing. I don’t think your dress shoes should be dishwasher safe.
July 1st, 2006 at 5:23 pm
horrors indeed. minvan moms started wearing these here in north dallas last fall - now my daughter says she no longer has to see the vehicle to know if it’s a mom i’ll get along with, just look at their feet.
plastic shoes? I never even let HER wear freakin’ jellies when she was TWO!
GOOD GOD WOMEN SLAP YOURSELVES!
July 1st, 2006 at 5:41 pm
I am pleased to report that I have done my duty in protecting the public from the horrors of the croc.
My future mother in law was going to buy a pair (because they are so comfortable of course). I promptly showed her this site and the Manolo’s “Gallery of the Horrors”. She still wasn’t convinced, so I went shopping with her and managed to cajole her into a nice pair of leather wedge sandals instead.
That’s one for our team.
Remember everyone: Even if the cool kids like ‘em. JUST SAY NO!!!
July 1st, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Is anyone else worried that she is wearing them in the lab? I was trained always to wear close-toed shoes, preferrably leather when doing lab work. A good dash of liquid nitrogen, or hot sulfuric acid could do quite a number on a pair of crocs - and the feet inside them.
July 1st, 2006 at 10:23 pm
I will always say no to the horror that is the Crocs! And in the spirit of the Manolo, and the mission to further the wearing of the beautiful shoes, I bought three pairs of Fluevogs today. The most I have ever spent on shoes, but I think it’s well worth the money.
July 1st, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Oh, so that’s what “Crocs” are. I’ve heard people talking about them but never connected them to those silly rubber boats that are meant to be worn on the feets.
July 2nd, 2006 at 7:09 am
I had a pair of similar shoes, and the only place I wore them was in the muddy garden, I promise! They make great garden shoes. The neighbor dog ate one so now I just use old tennis shoes.
July 2nd, 2006 at 8:38 am
The Croc people now have a “professional” version of their shoe, and it’s ten dollars more than the regular one!
“The Italian styling of these Crocs will have you looking like a Professional”
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/11084654/c/3.html
Now - let us analyze this: “Italian styling”? Where! Where? Is it the”patented resin” material? In the “removable back strap”? Does Italian styling mean “bacteria and fungus resistance”? Does “durable and non-skid clog” spell professional to you?
I mean, really. Who are these people? And who are the people giving the crocs 5 stars in every category? Has the world gone mad?
July 2nd, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Well, not to be mean, but the woman pictured doesn’t particularly look to be on the cutting edge of fashion, does she?
Here’s another funny chapter in the annals of the war against Crocs. One of the commenters even references our dear Manolo.
July 3rd, 2006 at 5:58 am
This woman’s hair was last styled in 1979….should we expect anything else than a Croc on her oh so trendy foot?
July 3rd, 2006 at 10:56 am
I can’t say they’re that horrible. They do have a cute factor, but I would have to say that if you’re old enough to go to the store by yourself and buy your own shoes, then these are not for you. These should only be bought for children against their will.
July 3rd, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Hey people, these were designed as boating shoes, not gardening shoes, and definitely not dress shoes. Hence the holes to drain water. They are excellent for paddling (kayaks for you fashionistas). I’ve worn them gardening this summer and have to kick soil and mulch out of the little holes all the time, plus I have little tanned spots on the top of my feet which are not attractive when I wear my wedges (but not on the boat nor in the garden). I originally heard about them from a chef who wears the closed top version. There has been absolutely nothing better created for people over 30 who work on their feet. It is not a fashion error to purchase them if you are going boating or as slippers around home. I’m even willing to forgive those who have to stand all day on hard surfaces. The fashion error is to wear them as dress shoes.
July 3rd, 2006 at 2:15 pm
Crocs have their uses. They are the perfect shoe for walking the dog in the morning when the grass is still wet or for house cleaning. I also love them for flying. You can slip them off to go through the X-ray and they are incredibly comfortable. The closed black ones look like regular clogs when wearing pants and are not totally hideous IMO. Of course I don’t wear them to the office or when going out to dinner or anything which requires the pretty feets.
My sister, an ER nurse, swears by hers. She has tried every shoe known to man and says they are the first she has found which allow her to finish work without being sore. Just as scrubs are not the most flattering outfit, I think it’s fine that for them practicality and comfort be paramount. Nurses deserve anything which makes their lives easier and for this alone, I will respect the crocs.
July 3rd, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Have a look at http://www.shoesatno1.com just for fun. It changes every few hours I think. So far not a croc in sight.
July 3rd, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I can see them being a good paddling shoe. They look like they would float. However, I would no more wear them in a public setting than I would wear a wetsuit. And I would no more wear a Croc as a dress shoe than I would glue sequins on to my wetsuit and wear it to a cocktail party. It is about having the common sense and good judgement to know when a certain item of clothing is appropriate, and WHERE it is appropriate.
July 4th, 2006 at 9:16 am
Crocs are the scrunchies of the new Millennium.
July 4th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Crocs as dress shoes? That’s disgusting. Obviously, this woman has not been exposed to good taste or style, such as that of the Manolo.
July 4th, 2006 at 11:23 am
Yeah, they’re tragic. But, as a nurse, I have to admit that they are the cheapest and most comfortable work shoes on the market. (Hanging head in shame.) I have several pairs which I wear to work and another three pairs dedicated solely to gardening. At least I don’t wash them in the dishwasher. Garden hose works fine.
July 4th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
speaking from the teenage view (a mere 16 mind you) those shoes are repulsive. thank god they havent caught on where i live…not even the moms around here would wear them…they all have their louboutin wedges and manolos….never nasty rubber things…and whoever figured that they were popular in the teen market?? hahahah hilarious….
July 5th, 2006 at 12:08 am
While I agree that the shoes are hideous, as a nurse-aide, they work very well as nursing shoes!!! So, amendment says that those under 10 and those that work in healthcare can wear them!
July 5th, 2006 at 3:11 am
I’m a teenager working in a shoe store, and Crocs are one of our big sellers. I personally find them disgusting and repulsive. Of course, being a salesperson, my job is to sell the hideous things. I’ve actually gotten pretty good at telling people how cute they are, and how comfy and durable and practical. We even sell little button things called “gibbits” that go in the holes of the Crocs. There’s little flowers and ladybugs and peace signs and smiley faces. It’s pretty hilarious.
July 5th, 2006 at 8:20 am
I think you might have stumbled upon a new marketing slogan for them!
“Crocs: repulsive, yet hilarious”
July 5th, 2006 at 8:47 am
Argh. Really, no! Why should anyone want to wear those hideous things? They’re so…bulky and plastic…and really, really wrong! Crocs should never be worn by anyone. Including impressionable children!
July 5th, 2006 at 9:43 am
“We even sell little button things called “gibbits” that go in the holes of the Crocs. There’s little flowers and ladybugs and peace signs and smiley faces”
Now I want a pair for the ladybug gibbits. I want to prance around in my multi-colored crocs with the ladybug gibbits and be the envy of all my friends. I imagine the wonderful conversations my ladybug crocs will start….
Coworker X: “Where did you get those shoes….with the… um….”
Me: “the ladybug gibbits?”
Coworker X: “Uh, is that what they’re called?”
Me: “Oh yes, they come in smiley faces and flowers too. The best part is that I can wash them in the dishwasher with my trashcans and exhausted urinal cakes!”
July 5th, 2006 at 11:50 am
The real scary thing is that she works in a MICROBIOLOGY lab with all the wee critters that should stay in the lab and then she puts these things in her dishwasher. I don’t care how much bleach is in dishwasher detergent, shoes that have been worn in a microbiology lab and a dishwasher are not a good fit! Maybe she needs to run this idea by her professor.
July 5th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
As a molecular biologist myself, I can say that those things are definitely NOT approved labwear, which would be closed-toe, closed heel shoes, not plastic things with drainage holes. And while I appreciate the need for comfort, being on my feet all day much of the time myself, I can attest that there are plenty of comfortable options that don’t make you look like you are dreaming of a life as a garden gnome.
July 5th, 2006 at 12:53 pm
Why do people keep saying that they are comfortable? They are loose and shapeless and not even particularly well-padded.
I can’t think of anyone in the know who would consider these shoes good for feet or safe to wear while driving.
Croc fans might take a peek at a few soles and shoe inserts designed to prevent and relieve foot, heel, shin, knee, and hip problems and then notice how the shape and size of the Croc does not, not in any way shape or form, map to these aids whose well-understood benefit to the comfort-needing foot has been proven time and time again.
July 5th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I was on the cape this weekend and crocs were everywhere!!!
please make it stop!!
July 5th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
I do like the Crocs thong version. Of course, it’s all about time and place …
July 6th, 2006 at 12:04 pm
I tried a pair on, just to see if they were actually comfortable.
They weren’t.
I think they worst I’ve seen them is when I saw a girl wearing her flip flops inside the crocs. In the winter. When it’s snowing and cold.
July 6th, 2006 at 12:15 pm
ugh, crocs are so ugly. ick.
July 6th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Does anyone know the creators email address? I’d love to leave numerous complaints. They’re hiddeous.
July 6th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
I recently saw a young college student walking down a major street wearing sweats, a sloppy ponytail, and what I initially took to be bright pink bedroom slippers. Living in a college town in the Bay Area, I wasn’t terribly surprised by the sloppiness of her appearance, but the bright pink footwear did cause me to do a double take, which I immediately regretted. Upon closer inspection it was revealed that, instead of bedroom slippers, the girl was wearing neon pink Crocs. I had to physically restrain myself from stomping up to her and shouting, “You couldn’t have just worn slippers?!”. .
That’s right. Crocs: Less acceptable than houseshoes since 2005.
July 6th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
You are so right on, the Manolo, about the Crocs only being good for the children. They are adorable on my kids (5 & 3) but the giant orange ones I have (which were gifted to me as an ugly shoe JOKE) are frightening. They’re not even good for gardening because the dirt gets in through the holes. I can’t figure out what they’re good for except regifting next year. :)
July 6th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
Oh, please. If you like them, wear them. If you stand on your feet all day and they’re comfortable, wear them. If you are criticizing them for their looks, get a life. If you think putting them in the dishwasher contaminates your food or your dishes, you are an idiot.
July 6th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
First of all, Troy says that the Mike /\ needs to stop wasting his precious time reading and posting on websites he disagrees with. And then Troy must say that even though he is far from super fantastic himself, especially when it comes to footwear, he almost spit out his drink when he read that this woman wears crocs as DRESS SHOES. Even Troy would not wear anything like crocs at all, let alone in a situation in which he wishes to present his best self. And what kind of lab is she working in where semi-open-toed shoes are allowed? Yikes.
July 6th, 2006 at 9:40 pm
Hey, I can laugh at the fugliness of my Crocs, and I’ll buy more because they are without exception the most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet. I would never buy them in the bright colors, nor would I wear them as my dress shoes, but I see nothing wrong with people who are on their feet all day at work and/or who have pain in their feet wearing a comfortable shoe even if it does offend the delicate fashion sensibilities of others. Bunions, hammertoes and all those other great things you get from cramming your feet into fashionable shoes aren’t the best sight for sore eyes either.
July 7th, 2006 at 9:04 am
Okay, if you need special shoes for special foot problems, THESE are the shoes you should be wearing. Built specifically for particular foot problems, out of actual leather, and with scientific research to mold the inserts. Not some sort of gummy plastic manufactured for wading in streams.
My design firm does most of the design for this shoe company: that’s why I know so much about how the shoes are made. Some of the styles are laughably ugly, but in recent years, they’ve come out with some that are almost cute!
July 7th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
As a highschool student I have better sense than she does to be wearing these open toed monstrosities in a LAB. How is she a scientist?
There is a girl at my school that wears a bright green pair with skirts,and it makes me want to cry.
Everytime that I walk into a shoe store, and see the crocs, I want to buy them all and burn them. Oh what a lovely bonfire that would be.
July 7th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Oh and another thing-
Dress shoes? F-ing dress shoes?!
I hope she is not a mother. Some people should not procreate.
July 7th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
Troy wishes to remind Bethany to be wearing some sort of filtered breathing device while warming herself around the Crocs bonfire.
July 7th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Whew! Glad I’m not the only one who did a triple take at the idea that those hideous monstrosities could possibly pass as dress shoes. I pretty much hate crocs with the fiery burning passion of ten billion suns, although I’m almost–almost–willing to forgive the cooks at work who wear them. They are, after all, on their feet for obscene periods of time and often get pretty messy, so I can see the advantage of a shoe you can hose off. Plus the kitchen floor is often wet and maybe they’re non-slip? I don’t know.
But I do know that I will NEVER degrade my feet by slipping them into those things.
*shudder*
July 7th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
You got the orange ones as a “joke”? Damn! I thought they were kinda cute…
July 7th, 2006 at 10:56 pm
Crocs are …well… a CROCK. …or a cruel joke played on our eyes by a wicked dystopian hell-bent on further putrifying an already painfully unlovely world. For the second time I am forced to admit that I know a women who not only ‘luuuuvs’ these ’shoes’, but actively advocates their charms. AT WORK!!! -and that means the crime of advocacy happens on government property. I’m sure there must be a law somewhere condemning the advocacy of wanton vulgarity. …I’M CALLING THE EPA MONDAY!!!!
July 7th, 2006 at 11:06 pm
Nice idea, Bethany, but I’m affraid to enact your plan would be the aiding and abetting of a crimainl enterprise. Croc-Corp, or whoever they are would only use the money to formulate even MORE shockingly profane colors, and perhaps, variations on the theme-such as SEQUINS!!! Would it be indelicate of me to hope/wonder out loud that Mr.Croc, of CrocCorp be made to wear these at his own funeral?
July 8th, 2006 at 2:17 am
i have a pair of nike shox for running. i ran a marathon in january. if i ever do another, i’m thinking of wearing my crocs. i’m not joking. they are heavenly. i, honestly, have changed into them to go on a run. would i wear them to a wedding with a strapless dress, um not unless i was running from a burning building to get to the wedding, because gee, i’d want to be comfortable while escaping fire. but otherwise, not for dress up events. what a freak! yes, i think the woman with a crazy collection is a freak and the fact that she has one for dress, yes, that makes her a mega freak. but that’s kinda cool that she’s that freaky. so, whatever. i’m glad not everyone wears the same shoes, that would be borning. and who cares what the lab lady is wearing? obviously a lot of people, geesh. and hey mike- do you want to fight troy? might i suggest wearing a pair of comfy crocs, in case he’s bigger than you and you have to run away?
July 8th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
there are many uses for crocs. but they should only be used in the appropriate situations. thus take notice, croc wearers, where these should probably be worn:
1. In an OR. When i meet the doctor, i would definitely prefer much more “authoritative” footwear; in the event of possibly slicing me open, i’d rather you not focus on your fashionable tootsies. Same story for those who have similar hospital jobs.
2. I’ll allow sailing or other filthy situations that are profoundly messy, like butchering.( i’m sure any blood and gore job will merit wearing crocs.)
Other wise . . .
1. Those who never see a scalple should NEVER wear Crocs. My sister, who is a PA and works 12 hour shifts and sometimes longer, manages to wear appropriate and fashionable sneakers everyday.
2. They shouldn’t be worn for workouts, unless you have a legit excuse, like working out in rural Siberia.
3. Children should not wear them. Parents should be training their kids to look appropriate. Just because you are 5 years old doesn’t justify looking like a clown.
4. No shoes should be washed in the dishwasher, EVER. If the shoes look like they can go in the dishwasher, DON’T WASH THEM IN THE DISHWASHER! You think a microbiologist would know about hoof and mouth disease.
July 8th, 2006 at 11:14 pm
Troy needs to stop living in an echo chamber and recognize that dissing people’s footwear is a real waste of time. It makes you look like much more of a clown than Crocs would
July 9th, 2006 at 11:54 am
…Not wanting to be philosophical or anything, but the spectre of an entree into serious thought on this matter is to be found in many posts above.
Firstly we note that Crocs are a polarizing shoe. (or “shoe”)
Because polarizing, then we must surmise that there is something deeper involved here than simply color choice, materials used, plane and solid geometry, etc.
I understand this to be one of the epic and never-ending battles of all of human life-which is to say that the field of engagement is that of practicality V Aesthetics.
So long as the advocates of either core position take care and not allow the battle to take on a moral dimension, all is well in the kingdom.
Should, however, we take the triumphalists position and attempt to arrogate the whole field for ourselves, then all hell breaks loose.
There are no great stakes to win in this battle after all,
Except, of course to prove conclusively that WE are right, and THEY are wrong.
(Dammit!!!)
The pragmatists have their beliefs,
The Aesthetes, theirs.
However the universe we inhabit is one in which the moral vacuity of equanimity is satisfying only to anasceptic souls, so we have no choice OTHER than to engage in open combat, those who refuse to take up our cause.
Let the games begin I say!
To be more …pedestrian about things; let us just begin by admitting that there are some of us whose highest priority is COMFORT.
Another whose highest priority is BEAUTY.
Comfort corresponds to the tellurian passions,
Beauty, the Cerebral.
Thus Plato would place as the natural rulers…oh, lets forget that part.
The frequent fault of our comfort-loving brethren is that they too easily forget the comfort of the eyes of your fellow man is ALSO a very valid concideration, and to make short shrift of ones DUTY to be at least minimally pleasing is heading off in the direction of rudeness.
Therefore one ought not to let ones legitimate love of comfort overrun your fellow mans legitimate desire to live in a beautiful world.
Ergo Reason confirms that the Sun of this logical enigma is Aesthetics.
The moon, Pragmatics.
We who travel aright take our bearings from the sun and walk upright in daylight.
…so to speak.
[and not in Croks!]
;)
July 9th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
For flying???? No, no, no, no, no, no!!! When one flies, one must wear nice clothes! Not only in consideration of one’s fellow passengers (one is not working in the yard, one is not at the gym, one is not taking a nap — one is IN PUBLIC!), but also in hopes that one might be upgraded to first class by a gate agent who is in a good mood.
Yes. This does happen. My former boyfriend works for an airline. He has a lot of freedom to put people in first class or to take them out. He refuses to upgrade people (even if they had the miles) who are not dressed appropriately. Men in shorts, sandals or wifebeaters never sit in first class on his shift. He just tells them it is full. “Someone who has paid for a first-class seat doesn’t want to sit next to one of those losers,” he says. “No one wants to touch their bare legs or see their armpit hair or gnarly feet.”
But if there is room, he puts women traveling alone with small children in first class just to make their lives easier — without their asking. He picks other people at random to put up in first class. Being dressed nicely does not hurt.
And how much time does it take to remove shoes at security, anyhow? There are only so many hours in life. Why not spend them nicely dressed and shod?
July 9th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
Have to admit it, I bought a pair about a month ago and I am in LOVE.
Hands down the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever owned.
Still, they are terribly silly-looking so I have to be pretty judicious about where and when I wear them…
Unfortunately.
July 9th, 2006 at 11:07 pm
My grandmother was a nurse once upon a time and long ago, when nurses wore starched white uniforms and white leather shoes. She abhors the unnattractive scrubs of today, but even more does she abhor the ugly footwear of nurses today. She thought her nursing shoes were pretty bad, but Crocs? Don’t get her started.
Also, yes, they’re easy to clean, but is it really wise to be wearing them in a situation where you’ll be getting blood on them? I mean, they have holes, wouldn’t you get blood on your feet? If you’re in a situation where you have to cover your hands with gloves, wouldn’t you want your other body parts also suitably protected? Open-toe, open-heel shoes in an OR does not seem sanitary or safe. If it is, I’d like to hear the explanation.
July 10th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
So I’m wasting time dissing other people’s footwear. If this is Rome, I’m doing as the Romans do. It’s my time to waste, after all. But I fail to see — perhaps it’s the echo chamber I’m living in that is clouding my vision — that if what I’m doing is a waste of time, how dissing people who are dissing people’s footwear is a valuable use of time.
July 10th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Dissing other peoples’ footwear is a hobby.
July 11th, 2006 at 4:48 am
i totally agree! Crocs shld be left for kids.. seriously. what were the manufacturer thinking? -.-
July 11th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
My 5 year-old daughter is currently begging for a pair of these…things. My wife is almost willing to cave and buy a pair, but I am adamant. I simply tell her, “In our family, we do not wear plastic shoes.”
July 11th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
in my family we only wear plastic shoes!
July 13th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
When I went to Tennessee with my family in April, Crocs were everywhere!! My mom and I were so shocked to see so many people wearing these hideous monstrosities (I probably spelled that wrong), and even more shocked to see them being sold at the Journey’s in the mall by where we live (and we live in NY). They’re just so ugly, not even kids should be wearing them. And using them for nursing shoes?! My mom has been a nurse for 25 years and she said that she would never wear them to work. All of the nurses that wear Crocs, I suggest that you invest in a pair of the Skechers with the elastic velcro (whatever it is), or (and I’m not kidding) a pair of cheerleading sneakers because those are the comfiest things in the world!
Bethany, just tell me where and when the bonfire will be and I’ll gladly join you.
July 29th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
I wrote a posting for MarketingProfs “Daily Fix” this week called, “Hate My Brand…Please”. The Crocs story served as my illustration the power of a brand that people hate.
This seems to be a case where good fashion and good business part.
And Crocs are not the only example of a brand that splits people between love and hate.
As people what they think about the Scion xB car; and you will get much the same reaction. Most will call it ugly…and yet it is a very successful new car.
Maybe there is no explaining people.
August 1st, 2006 at 12:31 am
My boyfriend and I were looking for Crocs online and saw this blog. Hmmmm, interesting stuff here. We are both nurses and we both love our Crocs. Who gives a steaming pile of fecal matter what they look like if they keep you comfortable. After all, comfortable nurses are happy nurses and happy nurses keep you alive! Oh, for those of you who think they only come with holes, check their website. They do have models without holes to help nurses keep your entrails off our feet when you come to us on the verge of death.
August 2nd, 2006 at 11:38 am
Crocs are the worst. And because I hate them so, I bought the domain I Hate Crocs Dot Com (http://www.ihatecrocs.com) in an effort to end the Crocs pandemic once and for all. Rally around! Stop the Crocs outbreak!
August 2nd, 2006 at 3:49 pm
My first impression to these shoes was, “UGG!” which as we all know is not only short for “UGLY” but yet another type of horifying shoe, every bit as unsightly as these clogs that seem to be popping up just about everywhere… Sad.
August 4th, 2006 at 10:54 pm
Even worse than the Crocs themselves, there is actually a company called “Jibbitz” making ridiculous things (like flowers, jewels, basketballs etc etc) to stick in the holes of the shoes! I was horrified enough when my mother in law presented the hideous red plastic shoes to my five year old daughter, but the other day she gave her butterflies, hearts, and pink jewels to stick in the holes. Yikes, the things people will spend money on…..
August 12th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Hey Everyone, I love my Crocs For Work. I am a nurse, Yhey are anti microbial meaning they resist germs, those holes make your feet cooler for use that work on our feet all day. and the reason behind the large look is that they are meant to not touch any sides of your feet to reduce all pressure. If you are a hard working nurse, beleive me, these shoes are a god send. Now for out side of work is a whole different story. Maybe now you will understand.
August 17th, 2006 at 7:36 am
Egad! I cannot stand Crocs. Before them my pet peeve for shoes were Birkenstocks! Even the new ballet slipper Crocs are terrible! I actually saw a whole family wearing crocs, same colour and style! Please, step away from the plastic!
August 30th, 2006 at 12:31 am
I absolutely think these are adorable for children. I think it’s so unfair to say that these shoes should be outlawed and banned. There are so many people that have been Blessed by these shoes. Because of the construction, those with surgical issues, bone infractions and so on are thrilled to have shoes that they can wear comfortably. Our medical professionals wear these shoes and are able to withstand long hours on their feet in Crocs. Adults love to trek through the house in their comfort and why not in their Crocs. If teens are able to feel apart of the IN CROWD just by wearing these shoes… is that really so bad? It could be drugs, sex and destruction. As we have approached the one year mark of KATRINA, there are so many other pressing issues in this country confronting us all. I can only hope that as a designer of fine European shoes, purses and handbags that you all have put as much passion into humanity and compassion for our United States citizens as you have wasted on this blog. God Bless you all and I pray that no one will ever judge your life so harshly.
September 5th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
I have a LOT of issues with my feet being a Diabetic who is struggling to get and keep her blood sugars under control. My Mother in Law introduced me to the Croc sandals over the summer and I have never looked back! I have a TERRIBLE time with my feel swelling and could not even hope to stand to be on them all afternoon to enjoy an outing in any other shoes until I bought my Crocs!
The sandals aren’t as ugly as the regular ones, which both my husband and I got a pair of for working in the yard. I did wear my black sandals as dress shoes to an outdoor wedding, and was complemented on how attractively I was dressed several times. But the most important thing is that I HAVE MY LIFE BACK!!!
I can now join my family at the Museum, the Renaissance Faire, the beach, or the Science Academy. We explored a small town all afternoon and my shoes accomodated the minimal swelling I experienced easily. When I got home, I washed my shoes in the sink with regular antibacterial dish soap. They did NOT smell, even after me wearing them for hours and my feet didn’t hurt AT ALL!! My kids are happy that their Mother can safely attend outings again. Crocs are the best shoes that I have ever worn, bar none.
Pretty shoes are NOT always the best shoes for every person. Individuals have different needs from one another. Maybe folks who like their Crocs are happy, and life is too short to not be happy!
October 14th, 2006 at 10:55 pm
The Tia Nieve, she works all day on her feet in comfortable yet elegant shoes, yet when she returns to Casa Nieve, she slips on the Crocs of a subdued sage green and wriggles her toes against the nubbly soles. The Crocs they are as are the slippers so fuzzy would be to the Tia Nieve, and she appreciates them for what they are. The Tia Nieve would never wear her Crocs in public, or even to the market-so-super or the station of gasoline, just as she would never to those places wear the slippers so fuzzy.
The Tia Nieve believes that one wears appropriate shoes for all occasions. The comfortable yet elegant shoes are appropriate for the work of the Tia Nieve. The Crocs of the subdued sage green are appropriate for the toe-wriggling at the Casa Nieve.
November 29th, 2006 at 1:41 am
Crocs are so cute. Something must be wrong with the group that freak out over Crocs. I have seen the most fashionable young women wearing Crocs - many different styles - and they look fabulous. When we find a shoe that is cute, comfortable, funky, why do so many people have to criticize it. Must be something very wrong with them to spend the effort worried about what I and my friends wear.
Not only “get a life, but you had better do it quickly’. There are a lot more important things to worry about than my shoes. Viva la Crocs!
November 29th, 2006 at 1:44 am
Addendum to my Sophie say: Also, the most fashionable young Men are wearing Crocs. What a great shoe.
January 5th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I have diabetes. I also have Manolos, Cole-Haans, Esprits, Vitadinis, Mootsie Tootsies, Aerosoles, Birkies, and the most expensive you-name-it-brand shoes.
Since I cannot be civil if my feet hurt, I wear Crocs. Crocs anywhere, but to dressy events, because shoes for my feet are better than shoes for my head.
My senior citizen peers, after seeing me wearing Crocs, have been embolded enough to purchase their own. We agree, they are comfy and affordable. I wish they were invented sooner.
People, I used to work in healthcare, poo on leather and fabric shoes, which cannot be cleansed. I highly recommend wearing closed toe Crocs instead. While a dishwasher gets hot enough to kill the bacteria, just leave them at work and disinfect them regularly. If bright colors are not professional, duh… buy the neutrals. Your healthcare professionals would concentrate more on your diagnosis and treatment, not their hurting feet.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I work in a medical uniform store and sold Crocs for about 3 months. I bought a pair and thought they were they most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet. Nurses think they are comfortable–wait a couple of years and we will be listening to your foot complaints. Think about it. Heel fascities, heel spurs, fallen arches. You are not doing your feet any favors. There are alot of great shoes out there for the nurses and doctors.