Dissent at the Blog of the Manolo
Manolo says, not everyone agrees that the Crocs Mammoths should be abominations unto the Manolo. Such is the case with this comment, left this morning at the blog of the Manolo.
This is SOOO sad. You people are all up in arms over SHOES? That you “wouldn’t be caught dead” in? I don’t know what is sadder, the fact that you absolutely hate something SO much (which, by the way, are JUST shoes!), or the fact that you feel the need to have a website devoted to your hate for said shoes.
My 5 year old son LOVES them, he had a pair this summer and practically wore them everyday (except when he HAD to wear sneakers), and I just ordered him a pair of the mammoths for winter. I actually like them, too. I had some in the summer and just ordered myself some mammoths as well. What I think is so “sad” and should be “the end of the world” as you all refer to THESE shoes, is the fact that you would go out and spend a ridiculous amount (YES, $800 or more on a pair of uncomfortable heels simply because they say “Manolo” is RIDICULOUS). You act as though these shoes are “beneath” you all, but I guaran-damn-tee you all that if they weren’t made by Crocs, but by Manolo, you’d all just HAVE to have them. And you all have to through in the comments about what’s good for the environment and what’s not, but I’d be willing to bet that the environment is not on ANY of your minds when you are out buying your Manolos, huh?
Be damned if I am going to go broke buying heels that will hurt my feet and ruin them in the long run when I can buy something for a tiny fraction of the price and be comfortable. And, in response to a comment that someone left on here, it DOES matter that they are comfortable. Yes, I understand that your flannel boxers are comfortable too and you don’t go out in them, but if you did, I wouldn’t judge you. Unfortunately you cannot say the same because just about every single comment I have read on here shows what kind of materialistic, judgemental, arrogant people you all are. THAT is what is sad…not a Croc shoe.
Consider the Manolo chastened!
December 1st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
When the person wrote, “which, by the way, are JUST shoes!”, they lost all credibility.
It’s something only a crazy person would say.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:05 pm
To the Manolo–
I would respond to this fine lady’s post with 2 statements: One, that she has a point, and two, that she has missed the point of this blog.
I have often thought that your (and the subsidiary blogs’) insistence that the only ethical shoe is the designer-hand-crafted-by-an-Italian is (just a little) absurd. I understand that many generic shoes are made in unethical situations. I also understand that, at this point in my life, it is unethical for me to spend the equivalent of my family of three’s food budget for two weeks on a pair of shoes– not that I wouldn’t love to. Being as I can’t buy food for my family without shoes on my feet, I buy the $12 shoes at Payless.
That said, I don’t come to this blog for practical advice, although I know some people do. I come here to look at pretty things that, who knows?, I may someday buy when my husband’s thesis is done. For the pretty things to look at, I thank the Manolo… and I must confess, I do think Crocs are atrocious. To each his own though– you’d probably think lots of my things are atrocious:).
December 1st, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Funny Alex S., however, I must say that this person makes a valid point. They are just shoes. Not since “Sex in the City” have I heard of people’s lives revolving around shoes as they do on here.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:23 pm
This is a shoe blog; if you want to read about the wild horses of the Great Plains, the political situation in Montenegro, or what’s on tv tonight, you need to go to a different blog. That specialized sources of information exist is neither wrong nor surprising: does the writer suggest going down to the library and pulling all the books on knitting off the shelves while yelling “it’s just knitting!”? That enthusiasts have a place to discuss their enthusiasm is, it seems to me, a good thing. Or is she requesting that we cease discussing anything she doesn’t think important altogether?
And the generalization of this blog’s readers as label-addicted zombies is both offensive and inaccurate. If there is one thing we can learn from The Manolo, it’s that quality matters, not what’s on the tag. It’s not the fact that Crocs are Croc-brand that makes them inappropriate for wearing in public; the rule applies to all shoes of that style.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
She does, actually, seem to be all up in arms about shoes herself. That’s one helluva lotta exclamation points!
December 1st, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Amen shoe sister Raincoaster!!
As for the croc commenter … fork her and feed her beans.
redsolebottom there is a wonderful wide and varied world on the web go forth and have fun. Please leave us to our fabulous shoes.
I thought The Manolo had conceded that the hideous croc was good for the children. I would even have to disagree here having watched a small child repeatedly flop out of crocs when playing.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:54 pm
It certainly looks as if “ma2one” is in desperate need of a sense of humor. Which is kind of ironic, actually. I would have thought that anyone who would willingly wear the Crocs already *had* a sense of humor.
December 1st, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Why are you chastened, Manolo? Do you not have the right to your opinion about shoes just as this commenter does? I don’t think putting style above comfort is “arrogant” or “judgmental”; it’s just a personal preference.
Perhaps you ought to post some comfortable and stylish alternatives to the Crocs on your blog?
December 1st, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Denise-
Thank you for understanding and agreeing with my point. It wasn’t so much that I came here for practical advice-before today I had never even seen this blog before-but rather just to see what type of blog this was. I am with you, pretty things are nice to look at and it’s nice to “dream” that maybe one day if you win the lottery you can just go and buy whatever you want. But, I am a VERY practical person. I have a family of 3 as well, and $800.00 (just a loose figure) is more than our house payment! I was looking at the practicality of it all, that’s it. Well, the practicality AND the fact that some people on here were acting like the Croc shoes were actually “beneath” them. Like those who do wear them need a special permit to wear them, or are either too “poor” to wear “good” shoes like they do. That is how I took several of the comments, and it just sounded SO celebrity-ish. I mean really, if these were the last shoes on the earth, are these people really just going to not wear them because they think they are hideous. I hardly think so…
December 1st, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Thank you guys, but I have a sense of humor. I just didn’t find it funny, that’s all. This blog is the same as any other, anyone with a different opinion than that of the masses is bashed.
And “Manolo”:
Why did you feel the need to take my comment and make a big deal out of it? There were other people that commented on that same blog as I did, and you didn’t do that to them. And I NEVER said putting style above comfort was “arrogant or judgemental”. The way the comments were written were arrogant and judgemental.
Good thing I am thick skinned, huh? Whatever. Have your fun…bash away.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:20 pm
“Why did you feel the need to take my comment and make a big deal out of it?’
I love it when people say this after they’ve just made a big deal out of something in a very public way, and then are dealing with the consequences. Funny, when I disagree with someone and I don’t want a big deal made of it, I either (a) say nothing or (b) send an email to the person I disagree with, so that the exchange stays just between us. This is because I understand that blog postings are not only public, but pretty much the property of the blogger.
I see this on every blog. Some bonehead logs in, takes terrible offense at the blogger’s opinion, and leaves a snotty, long-winded post about how wrong the blogger is and how smart/informed/practical/superior the poster is. Three days later, they’re back on the blog, whining about how these people had the NERVE to insult their comment!
Where are these people coming from? And how do we get them to stuff a sock in it?
December 1st, 2007 at 7:25 pm
ma2one - the way I perceive it, Manolo posted your email because he realizes you have some valid points, not to mock you. That’s the way I took it, though I do understand why you may have taken the posting the way you see it also.
Manolo - I hope I am right in my inference above, so Kudos for posting this. From my reading of your blog for the last few years, you typically treat us “commoners” graciously - saving the lampoons for the rich, famous, and truly ridiculous ‘fashion’ designers.
My 2 cents - wear what makes you happy, and that you can afford. If that is crocs for comfort - go ahead. If it is Blahniks, more power to you too!
December 1st, 2007 at 7:30 pm
ma2one: Manolo’s post here (above) said he was chastened; apparently believing you had a point. I don’t see how he is bashing you by doing so. I actually thought he was being rather open-minded by “making a big deal about it.”
December 1st, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Oh yeah..and “Raincoaster”, there is ONE exclamation point in my comment…that is a helluvalotta exclamation points? Hmm..OK.
December 1st, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Kimberly: This was my first time here, and I am not complaining because I didn’t like the opinion of the blogger. And seeing as how this is a public blog and all, I have just as much of a right to be here now as you do.
It is still odd to me that “Manoloa” took my comment and made it its very own topic, when others seemed to agree with me, but, what the hell? No big deal.
If “Manolo” was in fact being open minded about my point, then I say thank you. But, honestly, I don’t see him as the one bashing me, it is everyone else that thinks it’s so bad that I had a different opinion. How dare I?
December 1st, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Addressing the subject on general, I find it disingenuous that the defenders of the Crocs always jump to the comparison with ludicrously expensive designer heels. After all, no one is expecting you to do the grocery shopping in five inch stilletos. A better comparison, I think, would be a nice pair of sneakers, which can be both comfortable and inexpensive, while still looking like you did bother to get dressed.
And, for the record, I think crocs are fine for small children.
December 1st, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I for one have now gained a helluva lot of respect for the Manolo for being so openminded to post the dissenting comment. So what if others disagree? It’s still a free country and as far as I know the First Amendment is still intact. Kudos to the Manolo for his displayed “humility”. I see no need to take the dissenter to task for her taste or her opinion. Good job Mano Mano. In the legendary words of Rodney King (wink wink), “can’t we all just get along?” Or, in the Pink Panther’s first spoken words, “why can’t men be more like animals?”
December 1st, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Help me out here. After “JUST shoes” all I got was blah, blah blah, blah blah blah blah.
December 1st, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Dear Ms. Ma2one,
I understand the point you are making about shoes. You’re right; it IS much more important to make a personal statement in support of comfort and frugality than to have the biggest, most important designer name. And I’m touched you’d be more apt to judge me based on my comments in support of fashionable shoes on a blog dedicated to fashionable shoes than you would if I were to wear flannel pajamas in public.
In fact, I believe you should practice what you preach! Spread the gospel of practicality and footsweat, one inappropriate situation at a time. Why stop at fashion blogs? Church, job interviews, first dates…give ‘em ALL a Crocin’! I’m sure when I stand next to you, well coiffed and in my Jimmy Choo snakeskins, I’ll secretly feel a lukewarm spreading of shame. You might notice it. It’ll be expressed in the curve of my Chanel’d upper lip.
To obviate that shame in advance, may I please make a donation to your cause? Just hold out an empty coffee cup and I’ll contribute my spare change.
-Sarah
December 1st, 2007 at 8:33 pm
1. The First Amendment does not apply to private individuals (ie, the Manolo). It only restricts what the government is allowed to do. Manolo is under no obligation to tolerate dissent on his blog. It is a sign of his graciousness that he does.
2. Not all opinions are equally worthy. You can say that manure doesn’t stink, but that doesn’t change the fact that it does. Some shoes are ugly. Some are beautiful. If you happen to like ugly shoes, that’s fine, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are ugly. Own the ugliness.
3. Comfortable doesn’t have to be synonymous with ugly.
4. Manolo should be unchastened and unbowed.
December 1st, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Ode Crocs
What ho say I in disbelief.
What have you got upon your feet?
Clog or sandal,
Slipper or shoe,
Or did you just step in some goo?
How does the rain stay off your soles?
When your footwear’s full of holes?
You say your offspring wears this shoe.
If you jumped from a bridge
Would he jump too?
When it comes to Crocs I do declare
You can dress them up, but don’t take them anywhere!
The End
December 1st, 2007 at 8:49 pm
But shoes don’t have to be comfortable and ugly, they can be comfortable and pretty.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:03 pm
I’m pretty sure the Manolo was being sarcastic. But, chacun à son goût.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:13 pm
I do not own any of the fabulous designer shoes, I do not have the money….(I will gladly accept any size 8 Monolo, Chou, etc..that is no longer loved…) ***)sniff(*** I read the Monolo for the witty reparte, the amusing insight on the lives of the rich and foolish, the help on finding sales on clothes that fit, and as an escape from the mundane. I have never found the site to be arrogant, judgemental, or materialistic. I have also not seen such a blatant misuse of CAPITALIZATION since the recent Clay Gaykin (I mean Aiken) furor. All I can say, my dear, (that is condescending, Bless your Heart…) is with that kind of passion over a blog, perhaps you should lend your services to righting true wrongs such as the continued deaths of our young men and women in the middle east……
December 1st, 2007 at 9:26 pm
My best friend has a pair of yellow Crocs that she loves and wears everywhere (except, of course, to professional events or other occasions where she wants to dress up). The bright color makes her happy, and truth be told they work pretty well with her personal style, which is colorful, quirky, and casual. She also has to wear orthotics and so any shoe that can fit the darned things is a godsend for her.
But for me, Crocs are all wrong. I have large-ish feet (and I’m self-conscious about them) and Crocs make them look absolutely enormous. I feel happiest when I’m wearing more tailored, feminine clothing. So when I say I hate Crocs or I won’t wear them, it’s a matter of personal taste. Do I think that makes me superior to my best friend? Of course not.
I doubt that anyone on this blog would seriously claim that owning a pair of Manolo Blahniks makes one morally superior to a person who owns Crocs. The people here simply enjoy aesthetically pleasing shoes, and poke fun at Crocs because they’re so antithetical to the purpose of this blog. I have found this blog one of the most enjoyable and pleasant places to post on the web, even though I’m a graduate student who has never spent more than $150 on a pair of shoes. It is my impression that most of the “snottiest” comments are tongue-in-cheek, not serious statements of personal philosophy.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
I wonder sometimes if there are other sites, perhaps those dedicated to model train enthusiasts or salt and pepper shaker collectors, or potted herb gardeners where people show up at a post via the magic of Google and go, “Dear lord! Pay $800 for a model train? You must be out of your mind. They don’t even *do* anything. They’re impractical. You must be ’round the bend! I, however, collect pictures of trains painted on black canvass. They are much more economical, and save space. Why don’t you stop complaining about black velvet paintings of trains, and I’ll leave you alone about your expensive…” oh dear. I think i’ve become too involved in my own metaphor.
The point, of course, is that this site is not meant for everyone. Only for those interested in the fabulous, beautiful (and, yes, perhaps uncomfortable and often expensive) shoes, and other fashion items. Such things are perhaps frivolous. But so are many other things we spend our time on. I might be tempted to add getting upset and composing lengthy comments berating the tastes and opinons of website owners in that category. I certainly include my extended reply.
And Ma2one, in my opinion is right when she said many commenters viewed the shoes in question as “beneath” them. But not because of the price tag, or the designer label. They are plastic clogs with holes in them lined with fake fur. I, personally, find that hideous, and I think that I am better than hideous shoes. Would I actually discriminate against someone wearing those shoes? No. Would I make fun of them among a group of people who enjoy fashion discussions? Well. Clearly you have my answer. Judge me as you like.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:02 pm
ma2one: you are quite right, there is only one exclamation point in your comment; I mistook the gratuitous use of capitalization (SHOUTING) for exclamation. My apologies.
One further note, quoting from your original remarks:
…just about every single comment I have read on here shows what kind of materialistic, judgemental, arrogant people you all are…
I’m very glad you’re not judgemental!
December 1st, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I can understand why Raincoaster thought there were too many exclamation points, in spite of the fact that there was only one — it was all that shouting. Writing a word in all caps is the equivalent of yelling. When I read Raincoaster’s comment I nodded in agreement; there certainly was a lot of passion in Ma2One’s comment. For future reference, yelling is just as excessive (if not impolite) as using a lot of exclamation points; if you want to emphasize, you can use tags to italicize particular words. It’s not difficult.
I have to respond to two statements:
You act as though these shoes are “beneath” you all, but I guaran-damn-tee you all that if they weren’t made by Crocs, but by Manolo, you’d all just HAVE to have them.
No. As others have said, ugly is ugly, it doesn’t matter the name on the product. Do you think that we slavishly adore every single design that comes out of every single design house? Far from it — that’s part of the fun of all the Manolo’s blogs, poking fun at the excessive lunacy, outlandishness, or just plain “huh?” that the fashion world attempts to foist upon us. I think that this statement came about because of the other line I have to respond to:
This was my first time here…
If you had spent any time reading the Manolo, and the Manolo’s commenters, on any other of the many topics they have written about, you might not have had to get up on your high horse and start telling us how we are looking down on you because we dislike Crocs.
It’s absurd to accuse the Manolo of being elitist. The Manolo has recounted on many occasions the desperate poverty of his youth, when he was forced to create his own simulacrum of fabulous shoes out of the discarded newspapers, packing twine, and the occasional wine-bottle label. The Manolo is the epitome of practicality, and always advises us to buy the most beautiful things we can afford. He does not chide us if we are not all flashing Jimmy Choos — far from it. He knows that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in the case of shoes, it is also on the feets. A shoe that would compliment a delicate size 4 may look absurd on a sturdy size 10.
The point is: there are beautiful shoes out there for everyone, why should anyone settle for less? The world can be a cruel, harsh, cold place; we should surround our selves with beauty whenever we can. Sometimes, all we can do is hold an ideal in our hearts, but as The Manolo said, we’ll always have the shoes.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:16 pm
the best part about crocs is when you can immediately suss out the wearer’s relative intellect and level of trailer-dwelling trashitude by the amount of pins, drawings, and other “cute” embellishments attached to their poorly-chosen footwear. like it or not, commenters, but if you wear crocs, you are being judged by anyone who knows better than to join you on your march towards sweatpants-loving squalor. enjoy those tater tots right out of the bag, cheer along with oprah’s guests on her “these are my favorite things!” episode, and all that other stuff that mouth-breathing red staters love to do, you are an eternal punchline.
December 1st, 2007 at 10:27 pm
don’t be chastened. crocs are not only hideous, but bad for a number of other reasons. for instance, they are not biodegradable. once the fad is over landfills will overflow with their hideousness. also, they encourage the casual attitude many americans have adopted towards appearance. it is important to look good, or at the very least, appropriate. crocs are rarely appropriate.
“I don’t know what is sadder, the fact that you absolutely hate something SO much” so this woman hates nothing?! what a stupid comment. everyone hates different things. i, for example, hate people who don’t take their appearance seriously and insist on wearing things that are hideous but “comfortable”. oh yes, there are no comfortable shoes that aren’t made of lime green plastic.
“I understand that your flannel boxers are comfortable too and you don’t go out in them, but if you did, I wouldn’t judge you.” psshh, yeah. i bet she wouldn’t think twice about it. what a lie!! there are some things it is just unacceptable to wear!
December 1st, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Cap,
“the best part about crocs is when you can immediately suss out the wearer’s relative intellect and level of trailer-dwelling trashitude by the amount of pins, drawings, and other “cute” embellishments attached to their poorly-chosen footwear. like it or not, commenters, but if you wear crocs, you are being judged by anyone who knows better than to join you on your march towards sweatpants-loving squalor. enjoy those tater tots right out of the bag, cheer along with oprah’s guests on her “these are my favorite things!” episode, and all that other stuff that mouth-breathing red staters love to do, you are an eternal punchline.”
Ouch!I don’t even wear Crocs, but that’s just rude.Rude and quite malicious.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Wow.
I’m sure my comments aren’t needed in the general slapdown of Ma2one, but I feel the need to pip up.
Ma2one, how dare you walk into our conversation, listen for a minute or two, then declare all of us “materialistic, judgemental, arrogant people?” Really, who do you think you are?
Would you display this sort of behavior if we are all in the same room together? Just walk in, listen to our conversation for a couple of minutes, bash all of us, then get defensive when we roundly give you the slapdown you so richly deserve?
The slapdown has nothing to do with shoes and has everything to do with social etiquette. Your behavior displays an appalling lack of social etiquette. Not coincidentally, one of the themes of this blog, had you read enough, is that the more sloppy our society’s clothing has become, the more sloppy our social etiquette.
The Croc is emblematic of all things sloppily comfortable. I should know, I have a pair. I love them. For digging in the mud. For getting the paper in the rain. For walking on a cold day because, oddly enough, they are incredibly warm. But I won’t wear them to work and I won’t wear them to dinner and I won’t wear them to a friend’s party.
Why not? Because when I am engaged in social rituals, I want to be respectful of the persons I am visiting. One way I demonstrate respect for others is through a clean and neat appearance. I don’t wear expensive clothes and I don’t have a lot of money. But I do have clean and well-mended clothing that allows me to feel good about myself while I conduct the business of social interaction.
My Crocs, bright pink and a lot of fun to wear as they may be, are clunky, plastic, and dirty, and the message they convey isn’t “Thank you for inviting me to your house and trusting that I will look appropriate and not track mud on your livingroom carpet.”
Ma2one, if you’ve stuck with me this far, I thank you. Clearly your feelings were hurt by the Crocs comments on this blog, and I extend my deepest sympathies to you for that. However, the comments you’ve made, in your hurt and anger, have only solidified, as far as I’m concerned, the general belief that Crocs = sloppiness (in this case, sloppy social etiquette).
Deirdre
December 1st, 2007 at 11:32 pm
You guys are funny! Thanks for the laughs…
I am not a glutton for punishment (especially when I’ve done nothing wrong)-so you guys enjoy your site.
I did a simple search for a certain type of shoes and that search brought me here. I so regret that, and before any of you say it, no, you don’t regret it any more than me.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Ugh, the peasants, they revolt. And in smelly, bad shoes, no less!
December 1st, 2007 at 11:39 pm
I have heard great things about Crocs until now. Everyone who wears them seems to love them. I must say that I cannot even afford a pair of Crocs much less any designer shoes at this point in time, so I cannot speak for myself (I’ve already overspent my Christmas budget). I will admit that I was a little disgusted when I saw an advertisement for the fur lined version of the Crocs. I’m not sure that I would purchase a pair of those even if I could afford them.
This is my first time posting on this blog, and I personally think that its a good thing that people in our country have an opportunity to discuss, agree and disagree about anything…including Crocs. Everyone has to have a passion, whether it be shoes, fashion, politics, or football. I’m glad that my husband’s two tours of duty in Iraq to help protect this freedom were not in vain!
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:13 am
ma2one, you do realize The Manolo is not Manolo Blahnik. Don’t you?
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:30 am
I think everyone should just read the Thoughtful Dresser blog. Maybe then we could agree that dressing well, following fashion and spending lots of money on clothes/shoes are all mutually exclusive concepts.
Manolo? I love you. No really. Never change.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:58 am
Whooohooo! I like peoples who are not interested in shoes, as they make for fewer peoples I have to shove out of my way during the shoe sales!
December 2nd, 2007 at 1:56 am
Manolo is, and has always been, nothing but a gentleman on this blog. I work for a non-profit and cannot afford the superfantastic shoes profiled here, but I do appreciate fashion, beauty and style. I love it when I get an RSS feed from this blog because I know as soon as I click on the feed link, I will be transported to Manolo’s wonderful, witty, feminist(!) writings on the works of art that are designer shoes. Manolo, I have an even greater respect for you for highlighting this commenter’s opinion. It shows that you not only have an appreciation for the great design, but that you also care about many points of view, even if they are from women who cannot afford the superfantastic.
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:39 am
Soo is soo correct. An illusion has arisen that caring for how one looks and being interested in fashion is the concern of a privileged, empty-headed few.
It is certainly harder to dress exceptionally well, the less money one has, but as various celebs’ appearances on the red carpet demonstrate, money can’t buy you taste.
Speaking as someone with osteoarthritis in the subtalar joint, I am unable to wear many shoes any more, but that does not mean I have settled for ugly shoes. I’ve recently bought something in the family of Ugg, which nonetheless has received the style stamp of approval from my nephew http://offthacuff.blogspot.com/, who as a 23-year-old resident of Brick Lane in London is the ultimate arbiter of style and cool.
December 2nd, 2007 at 7:39 am
the crocs are hideous.
th
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:16 am
Hooray for the free interchange of ideas. Shoes as an art form are well-served by this disagreement. Comfort, yes. Style, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. A yes any way you turn. Spritely Debate, yes. Just look at the passion here. Wonderful. Chastened, ha ha ha. So glad I stopped by.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:21 am
all that other stuff that mouth-breathing red staters love to do,
Because Laura Bush, a conservative (so I assume) and Condi Rice dress so tackily and wear such ugly shoes? I am not in their league shoe-wise, but I am a conservative and I love beautiful shoes.
That conservatives wear Crocs and other ugly shoes because they are conservatives is not a legitimate causation (or even correlation).
Perhaps we can better say that women who are not interested in beautiful shoes wear Crocs or women who cannot afford nice shoes (and do not know how to find the bargain) wear Crocs or women whose foot problems prevent them from wearing beautiful shoes wear Crocs. Perhaps even we can say that there are women who like Crocs (bless their hearts).
But to imply that there is some defect of character or intellect in those who wear Crocs or who are conservative is taking the judgment a little too far.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:55 am
My goodness. Sigh, sigh, sigh. I continue to love the Manolo and would love nothing better than to have coffee and treats with the Manolo and the Sarah from earlier in the comments. Such fun we could have rehashing this one.
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:20 am
Gracious! Quick, Manolo, show me some fabulous shoes!
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:24 am
Deirdre and daisyj and so many others have very astutely pointed out just how rude and ridiculous the original poster was, and why we love this blog. I love Manolo because in addition to the fabulous fashion he is a really astute observer of the human condition and writes with a lot of insight and humor about all sorts of things. And he tries to promote high standards, not just in style (at whatever price point one can afford) but especially in appropriate, kind and decent behavior. Really, ma2one, have a cup of herbal tea, relax, lighten up and try to discover a sense of humor.
And I just have to say to cap that I live in one of the most liberal/leftist neighborhoods of NYC and you wouldn’t believe how many bonefide blue-staters I see wearing crocs. My neighbors are really rather absurdly style-challenged. I seriously doubt that they look any better than a red-state type.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:36 pm
“Yes, I understand that your flannel boxers are comfortable too and you don’t go out in them, but if you did, I wouldn’t judge you.”
I really doubt that - most people would be wondering when this fellow’s, well, little fellow was going to pop out. They’d probably label him a deviant and pull their children a little closer. I’m not saying they’re right to do so - but people can be very judgemental.
I understand your need for comfort - I’m an education student and I’m in the middle of a practicum block which has me on my feet all day, usually from just after 8 to 5. I also work retail on top of that. Comfortable, practical shoes don’t have to be ugly though! I’m in a school that has a more casual dress code, I can wear jeans, but the jeans are always clean and with a nice sweater or blazer, and I’m wearing a low heel, nice sneakers, or my beloved chocolate brown suede boots. These boots are warm and waterproof, which is essential as I live in a city where -40 C is not uncommon. My boots were expensive for me - $200 Cdn - but they’re well worth it not to spend another winter with wet feet. I’m not sure of what sort of climate you live in - but take it from a northern girl - in snow, those Crocs would be a poor choice.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
There’s a happy medium between snobbishness and slobbishness.
I don’t wear designer heels, despite how lovely they are. I don’t make enough money to afford them and they are impractical for my existence. But I still wouldn’t be caught dead in public in a pair of shoes that looks like they were meant for mucking in a garden.
If you ever want the middle way between designer taste and comfort, go to Berlin. They, too, worship the beauty of Italian design, but the average Berliner walks or bikes a great deal and have to own comfortable shoes.
December 2nd, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Just chiming in here.
I wear heels almost every day and have often said (to much disbelief) that they can be comfortable - if they are well made and if the fit is right for you. This can be Manolos or it can be Nine West (the bests for me, personally). And cute styles can be found all along the price range as well. I am as apt to spend my money on shoes from Target as I am on Louboutins or Choos. If anything I am not elitist because I am a shoe enthusiast - if I like them, I don’t care where they are from.
I don’t like Crocs because they are ugly and clownish and ubiquitous. I don’t want to look like everybody else, especially if they are wearing that! And there are many many alternatives in the same comfort and price range - my favorite being Mizrahi driving mocs from Target. Comfortable, great with jeans, available in an array of colors and around $20. For wet situations - a cute pair of wellies. Also from Target.
One other thing to keep in mind is what you like to spend your money on. Be it trains, cars or shoes. I am in a two income household with no kids. I don’t have to spend it on school supplies, gallons of milk, chicken nuggets or have a savings for a future college education. I can spend that lovely disposable income however I want and for me it is, more that anything, gorgeous shoes.
Luv
Poochie
http://www.shoedaydreams.com
December 2nd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I visit this blog looking for witty advice and pictures of fabulous shoes. I love to download pictures of the Manolo heels, put them on my laptop’s wallpaper and dream of someday owning a pair of magnificent and luxurious shoes. It’s that simple. What exactly about this site, from the name to the comments to the posts, implies that anyone here requires your moralizing platitudes, your personal philosophy of life, or the economy of ugly clogs, ma2one? Maybe you should start your own blog where you can write about glorious plastic footwear all day long. You could even moderate comments and password-protect it so no one could ever write anything that contradicts or upsets you. You could even have tiny icons of dancing smelly rubber things all over it. I hope you’ll consider it, because you have walked into the Manolo’s house and been very rude and boring to him and his guests. You should apologize directly to him, or at least try not to be so boring. Thanks!
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Anyone who reads more than a few posts on the blog realizes that The Manolo’s blog is meant to be incredibly tongue-in-cheek. I love it even though most of my shoes come from Payless.
He pokes fun at adults who wear crocs. What’s the big deal?!? If you like them then wear them anyway! People who don’t like crocs aren’t necessarily elitists, you know.
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:49 pm
As a Red-State Mensan (not an oxymoron!!) and college instructor who loves gorgeous, artfully crafted shoes, well, whatever–not worth the time to type a proper response. I am a staunch conservative who’s noticed that the conservative women in my area often dress beautifully, eschewing Crocs and track suits for more elegant fare. The Liberal granola girls–they crunch as they walk!–could take some lessons, even if the’re not wearing Crocs.
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:54 pm
But, agreed, that a person who simply cares about his or her presentation to the rest of the world isn’t merely narcissistic and worthless. After all, one has only one chance to create a first impression, and you never know who you’ll bump into while running a mundane errand. I’d rather not find myself in a life-altering intereaction wearing the remains of melted Tupperware on my feet.
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
As a resident, I’m quite often on my feet for upwards of 24 hours at a stretch. While some of my colleges have succub to the siren song of Crocs, I’ve yet to bow. Why? Because when I’m having a bad day and someone compliments my very fun, comfortable and stylish (purple and orange sneakers, because I’m also a bit silly) it makes me feel better, which makes me do my job better? Am I better than my colleges that wear Crocs? A resounding no. But why should I deny myself the joy of looking at something pretty whenever I happen to look down? My goal every day is to make the world a better place than when I found it. If I can do that in superfabulous shoes? All the better.
Incidentally, as a resident, I make little to no money and have school loans to pay, so I have to buy my shoes for just about what a pair of Crocs cost to my understanding.
My recommendation? Ma2one soulds as if she excepts someone to judge her harshly, which generally indicates someone who judges themselves harshly. Love what you do, who you are and what you wear, ma2one (and everyone else), and that’s Drs. orders. :)
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:15 pm
My god, this blog has gotten out of control!
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Why is it that what pleases the feet must so often offend the eyes, and vice versa?
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:58 pm
“MeLizzard Says:
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:49 pm
As a Red-State Mensan (not an oxymoron!!) and college instructor who loves gorgeous, artfully crafted shoes, well, whatever–not worth the time to type a proper response. I am a staunch conservative who’s noticed that the conservative women in my area often dress beautifully, eschewing Crocs and track suits for more elegant fare. The Liberal granola girls–they crunch as they walk!–could take some lessons, even if the’re not wearing Crocs.”
I couldn’t agree more. Viva la tastefully-shod red staters! =)
December 2nd, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I have also not seen such a blatant misuse of CAPITALIZATION since the recent Clay Gaykin (I mean Aiken) furor.
There’s an awful lot of quotation abuse, too. Just saying.
And Crocs are indeed wonderful to wear when working in the garden. A place for everything and everything in its place, I say.
December 2nd, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Surely, if you’ve read all the way to Comment 58, you’ll be open to the idea that we needn’t make judgmental generalizations about people of other political persuasions. You remind me of my friend, a former international model, who now looks down on all models as dumb, because they’re thin. Fat or thin, red state or blue state, we can all agree that Crocs belong in the garden, not out in public.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Ultimately, everybody’s shoe wear is a choice and even beyond croc, I see a number of ugly shoes out there. I think the issue that stands is that the ubiquity of crocs indicates a dying sense of propriety and style in our society. That we can go out in rainbow rubber shoes, cutoffs and whatever other housewear, to a nice place is a sad state of affairs.
I personally don’t even wear sneakers out anymore unless I’m going to the gym because they are too casual for my taste. I would never wear crocs because they are not aesthetically appealing, but I’m sure for the $30 that one spends on crocs, they can find a nice, cute, reasonable pair at payless. And that is where the offense of crocs begins, there are plenty of shoes out there that could be bought with that money that would enhance someone’s wardrobe. While I personally do spend quite a bit of money on my shoe collection, there is no need to cross a line of decorum that includes going everywhere in public in gardening shoes.
December 2nd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
… Manolo, I will always love your blog and how much laughter I derive from it. I don’t take it all 100% seriously and I doubt I’ll ever spend more than 200.00 on shoes or boots.I thought ma2one had some valid points but it was mean spirited and a rant. Of course I’m donating whatever I can to Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army. I am not shallow but I read your blog everyday and it hurts me when someone chastens you! Happy Holidays everyone, and lighten up. The Manolo, he is our friend!
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:08 pm
What a wonderful, lively discussion this silly twit has set off! I love this blog! (And what do you wanna bet she doesn’t stay gone?)
But may I echo and emphasize: Please, please, please, can we leave politics out of it? Not my blog, of course, but I’d hate to see things here go that way. It’s not like there aren’t 11 billion other places on the Web for that.
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Well, ma2one got what she wanted. Attention. And we all got conned into giving it to her.
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I agree with Abbey. Comfort and style are not mutually exclusive. I think the big problem with Crocs (and style nowadays) is that people equate flattering clothes/shoes=uncomfortable and unflattering clothes/shoes=comfort. I have found better-looking shoes that are cheaper than Crocs at Payless.
In any case, I promote shoes that have adequate arch support. A bad shoe can mess up your feet and your back. Thus, the Croc does nothing for me.
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:18 pm
The five year old may wear the Crocs. Five year olds are bringers of such beauty and sweetness. They may wear whatever they choose. The elders, well, we have to put some effort into it.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:26 am
I agree with Bridey. I love to hear people talk about politics as it relates to the fashion industry, and therefore this blog (example: the ethics of shoe production using sweatshop labor.) However, several people who shall remain nameless have started taking cheap shots at others’ perceived political affiliations.
Many people here, such as Deirdre, have shown their ability to express their opinions in elegant, clear and thoughtful ways. Others have shown only their inability to do so. Please, stop taking cheap shots and start communicating effectively.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:07 am
May the Manolo be unchastened, as the chastening post is unchaste and chaffing (and ridiculous), like the mammoth crocs, and therefore unworthy of one’s being chastened over.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:10 am
One of the things I love about fabulous shoes is that they are like wearable works of art. One of my favorite exhibits at the Field Museum is the “History of Shoes” wall. What I love about Manolo’s shoe blog is that it is a celebration of well made lovely shoes that may one day be considered more important than simple footwear. Can I afford $800 for a pair of shoes? No, I can not. (I’m willing to bet my children’s orthodontist can!) But it doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate lovely shoes and don’t deserve the best footwear that I can afford.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:08 am
This discussion is another reason I love Manolo’s shoe blog!
I agree with so much that has been said, especially about ma2one’s lack of humor and perspective. I did buy a pair of Crocs a few months ago to wear after a long day of hiking in the wilderness. Their primary benefit was weightlessness, and since I could strap them to the outside of my backpack, they added a bright color that may have entertained others.
However, I did not find them that cheap or comfortable. Others have made the point that there are attractive, sturdy, and cheap shoes available at Payless and Target, and this point cannot be made often enough when discussing Crocs. In addition, my narrow feet fairly swam in the wide Crocs, which did not make me feel particularly secure at the campsite.
Since returning from that trip last spring, I have not worn my Crocs. At home, I prefer house slippers or flip-flops, depending on the temperature. When I venture outside the home to a casual environment, espadrilles or sneakers suffice. The most comfortable shoes I own are my cycling shoes.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:37 am
No, they are not just shoes. They are nasty-looking abominations, and to suggest that anything else is expensive and uncomfortable is, at the least, severe dissembling. I spend less for better regularly, by the way. There is no point made by the humorless “chastener” which holds water.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:55 am
I don’t object to some of ma2one’s argument (I had missed the damning of Crocs on an environmental basis, which I would agree is wildly disingenuous), and while I don’t wish to wear Crocs, they don’t arouse any particular burning loathing in my soul.
But I object strongly to the notion that it’s inappropriate to judge people on how they choose to comport themselves. It’s inappropriate to judge people over what they can’t control or to value them only according to what they can spend, but it’s absolutely appropriate to assess people based on their choices. Style of expression, behavior, and dress are all choices that send messages to other people, even if the message is only “I don’t care what other people think.” It’s not a prerogative to send a message that you don’t care what I think and then tell me not to judge you. A world that allows us to dress as we wish also requires the freedom for other people to think what they wish about us as a consequence.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:19 pm
cap, you are crap.
MeLizzard you are SO right. All the people I know who wear crocs vote non-red, and the croc-wearing state I visited last, where these people were wearing crocs in the WINTER is my home state, BLUE-STATE, of Illinois.
So there’s MY anecdotal evidence to add to the rest. LOL
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:23 pm
There are plenty of comfortable, reasonably priced shoes that are not ugly. The crocs (particularly the croc mammoths with the fake fur lining) are not one of them. I will admit to having one pair, they are useful for mopping the floor, bathing animals and other housework tasks that require a water resistent shoe. But in public? No.
I’m not sure I understand the croc-fad at all, when for roughly the same price you can outfit your whole family (yes, down to the wee-ist babies) in color coordinated Vans slip-ons. Absolutely ANY classic sneaker out there is just as comfortable and more attractive.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:54 pm
The idea that there are exactly two choices in buying shoes, “ugly/cutesy, comfortable, and cheap” and “beautiful, painful, and expensive” is ridiculous. I don’t own a single pair of designer shoes, all of my shoes were reasonably priced (not cheap, but none priced over $150), and all of my shoes are comfortable and fashionable.
I refuse to wear cheap, ill-fitting shoes because I’ve seen what such shoes can do to one’s feet. The result is not attractive, and the surgeries needed to correct such problems are not cheap.
To each his own, but I shall continue to buy fewer pairs of good shoes that match my public-service-sector budget while also keeping my feet healthy and well-clad.
Meahwhile, I’ll come here to enjoy the beauty of designer shoes, and hear about the latest shoe and fashion news and opinions. But I’d rather not read poorly written rants crafted to sting our benevolent ruler and his well-behaved and loyal subjects, thankyouverymuch.
December 3rd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Ayyyyy! What a donnybrook, and over fuzzy ugly shoes! ma2one, the great Manolo intended only graciousness in his highlighting your post, I am sure. For it is good to a) realize that some people have passion about shoes, even if they are not shoes of which the Manolo, strictly speaking, approves and b) to keep the economic limitations of the real world in mind.
My sense is that the people who read this blog regularly are not snobs. Quite to the contrary, they often pine for the impossibly lovely shoes Manolo features, which are typically outside of everyone’s spending limit. We are, I’d humbly venture, aesthetes. We appreciate beauty, and wish to grow in our appreciation of it. In this regard, the Manolo is a mighty teacher. He has a spectacular eye for the gorgeousness of footwear, and is not without a bargain-hunter’s instinct either. He will point out a lovely thing on sale which might bring it closer to affordability of his worshipful readers.
Though certainly there can be debates regarding something as subjective as beauty, there appears to be a consensus among people who appreciate lovelieness that Crocs are singularly unattractive, particularly on adults, and particularly when worn in very public places (as opposed to the park or the garden). For starters, they make your feet look huge, they cut off the length of the leg and have the overall effect of making you look stumpy and yes, cheesy.
Still, no one wishes to deny you the comfort you long for, nor even the Crocs themselves if they make you happy (though yes, we’d prefer not to see them). But nor do the denizens of Manoloville enjoy being called frivolous airheads dedicated to the wasting of cash. It is that perception invited by your post which, I think, has created such a dustup.
To correct something on the record above — red/blue state politics plays no role in shoe worship. Ann Coulter, Condi Rice and Nancy Pelosi all own some spectacular footwear, and Hilary Clinton and Laura Bush own some dowdy ones. All of them would be better off studying at the feet of the Manolo.
December 3rd, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Ayyy! My lengthy, well-reasoned dissertation was lost somehow. So here’s the short version. ma2one, we are not snobs. We are aesthetes; people who appreciate beautiful things and wish to grow in appreciation of them. The Manolo has impeccable taste and we love to read the blog for that reason — to see what his eye has divined. Your post effectively calls all of us superficial idiots for finding beauty in shoes. That is why the comments here in return are a bit more aggressive than the norm.
But let’s be clear: most of the commenters can’t afford a pair of Louboutins. Doesn’t mean we don’t dream of them, or use them as an ideal of construction and form. An eye for style has to be developed just like any other skill. Once you do that, you can find less expensive versions of the shoes you see here.
Though certainly beauty can be subjective, I’ve never even heard the defenders of Crocs call them lovely. On children they can be cute, but then children can also wear ridiculous bows, high-waisted pants and all manner of other frippery that would look ridiculous on adults. No one begrudges you comfort, or even your Crocs. We begrudge a world in which things as patently ugly as Crocs become popular because it’s an indication that our aesthetic education is failing. But be sure that no one, most especially the Manolo, thinks you are an inferior person because you enjoy Crocs. We just think you should stop by more often, and tell us in 6 months whether you still think you can wear them out.
Best.
December 3rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Bah! I have read this daily for over 2 years and I have never seen such foolishness. However, Ma2one is right about one thing. I DO think that Crocs are beneath me. Yup. In fact, I think all ugly shoe are beneath me - whether they cost $8 or $1800.
The Manolo has no reason to be chastened for highlighting this blight.
That is all.
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Sigh… my chiropractor just told me to get some Crocs. *whimper* i told him i would, but that i would only wear them in the house…
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Oh my goodness, Roz goes away for a weekend and everyone forgets to take their medication.
They’re just shoes, people.
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I also fall in the crowd of people who can’t afford most of the shoes on this blog. Even if I could I wouldn’t even be able to wear 95% of them because of numerous foot problems (forget heels over 3″!). But still, I admire good and/or unusual design when I see it, even if I can only fantasize about wearing it. Many of these designer shoes are beautiful works of design and craftsmanship, and life would be just a little bit duller without such things!
As for decent-looking “comfort” shoes, I’d rather be on my feet all day in some decent socks and stylish, retro-`80s sneakers with an EVA midsole (Reebok Classics, Asics, Kangaroos, etc.) than soft foam clogs. Many of them are within $40-60 when they’re not on sale, come in almost any color imaginable, and tend to elicit friendlier comments ;)
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I’m a nurse. I work 12 to 14 hours a day, several times a week. I refuse to wear Crocs.
Despite their popularity (which is fading, by the way) with medical folks, there’s one thing that keeps me away from them:
They fuck up your feet. Badly.
That’s my main argument against them. They’re too soft to provide decent support, they’re too wide for most normal humans (though they fit me just fine, go figure), and the foot slips around in them in a way that’s actively dangerous if you have to move quickly.
I wear big, ugly, awful Dansko Sport clogs to work in. They’re solid leather, they protect my foot from dropped needles and a legion of other, less pleasant things, and your toes won’t break if you roll a bed over them in Danskos.
To me, the primary question to ask with any shoe is this: if you’re wearing it for any period of time, will it feather some podiatrist’s nest? I find the answer is “no” with most good-quality heels and “yes” with Crocs and Croc knock-offs.
But I still wear my knock-offs for gardening.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Jo, the Dansko clogs are *far* more attractive than the Crocs. :)
December 4th, 2007 at 4:54 am
I know this topic has been exhausted to death by now, but I shall state my opinion anyhow.
The problem with ma2one is that while she vehemently defends the monstrosity that is the Croc, she fails to understand a number of points.
1) She doesn’t understand aesthetics
The main reason why we readers at the Manolo blog hate this shoe is because it is ugly. Ugly shoes deserve to be ridiculed. This is true of cheap ugly shoes, and is also true of expensive ugly shoes. Crocs tend to be more ridiculed above all other shoes (except perhaps the Ugg boot) because they are ubiquitous and some people seem to not understand why they are inappropriate.
We readers of shoeblogs.com (excepting ma2one) appreciate beauty in a good shoe. That shoe does not need to be a heel nor expensive nor designer. ma2one does not seem to understand this concept.
Under her reasoning, ANY sort of art should then be considered materialistic and shallow. I mean, why go to an art museum then?
2) She doesn’t understand appropriateness of shoes
The reason why anyone would wear heels around the house is to break them in. Or, you are a Stepford wife. That is why we have comfortable shoes. There are numerous comfortable shoes out there that are cheaper, more comfortable, and more attractive than the Crocs.
ma2one’s attempt to compare Crocs and heels is like trying to compare a Paris Hilton album to Mozart.
She fails to understand that Crocs and heels serve completely different purposes. You don’t wear heels digging around in the garden. You also don’t wear Crocs to the opera.
3) She doesn’t understand that in society, appearances do matter
ma2one claims that if we were to go out in our flannel boxers are comfortable, she would not judge us. Unfortunately, society does. First impressions DO matter. You would not show up at a job interview, dressed in a nice suit but wearing Crocs.
4) She doesn’t understand the fact that her son is only 5
Yes, so what if ma2one’s son loves Crocs? He’s only five years old. It is ok for young children to wear such footwear, as the loud colors and cartoony design of the shoe are acceptable. Heck, even Ben Affleck’s and Jennifer Gardner’s little girl wears them. However, such qualities are not acceptable in grown-up men or women. What is cute on young children does not translate so for adults. How many respectable women do you see wearing pigtails or cartoon characters?
5) She doesn’t understand that Crocs are dangerous
Even though Crocs are theoretically ok for young children, it doesn’t excuse the fact Crocs are in fact dangerous. There have been many reports of children getting their Crocs caught and shredded in escalators, or even getting a toe ripped off.
The problem with the Crocs is that its rubber construction is too soft and grippy, and makes it very vulnerable to getting caught in mechanisms such as escalators.
Even the US gov’t implicity agrees. On a recent visit to the Smithsonian, I saw a sign standing next to the escalators with a photo of a shredded up Croc with a big red slash under the words “Caution”.
So really, ma2one (or anyone) should not be allowing her young son to be wearing Crocs everywhere he goes. All it will take is an accident on an escalator and she will change her mind about Crocs.
6) She doesn’t understand that didn’t express her opinion intelligently.
It’s all right to have an opinion that differs from everyone else. See the previous “Dissent on the Manolo Blog” post for an example. The problem is that she attacked ALL of us by claiming we are “materialistic, judgemental, arrogant people” without adequate reasoning. There is no quicker way to find yourself ridiculed on a blog, my ma2one dear.
December 4th, 2007 at 6:34 am
You can’t argue about taste. Actually, you can, but it’s pointless because a discussion won’t change the way you feel about prefering Crocs or Manolos.
You might even have both.
It’s also pointless to argue about the way someone else should spend their money.
I come here to look a pretty things, according to my very personal taste Crocs are not pretty and I don’t really care if they are comfortable or not, I think they are too ugly for my feet and because of that it would be a complete waste of money.
If you’d like to wear them: not my problem, as much as it isn’t anyones problem how much I spend for my shoes - which are actually fabulous and comfortable.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
I don’t own a pair of Crocs (I personally don’t like the style) -BUT I’m not going to make a judgement about someone’s personal merit just because I see them wearing Crocs to run to the grocery store. And do you guys really think ma2one would go to a formal / business-dressy event wearing Crocs?
I just think it’s mildly ridiculous that people are making assumptions about the political standpoints and intellectual abilities of the wearers of Crocs. Sure, ma2one’s original comment was strongly worded, but I don’t think there’s any cause to rail against her with such vitriol merely for daring to express that she likes the shoes.
I come to Manolo’s blog because the subject matter is light-hearted, and when you get right down to it, mildly frivolous. Yes, I said it: the upscale shoes featured here are very beautiful, and I even consider some of them to be art, but I would never buy a pair. I have a 2″ titanium pin in my foot; all I can tolerate these days is Dr. Martens and Earth shoes (which have also been decried as “ugly” on this this blog.)
I understand that appearing proper and presentable in public at all times is a high priority for many of the posters here. I work in a corporate environment and I try to look presentable at all times, too (despite my sensible shoes.) But, seriously, if ma2one is a busy mom and she likes her Crocs, let her have ‘em. The furor in this thread is just kind of over-the-top, that’s all.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
ma2one, his name is Manolo. Really. No need for the quotation marks.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
And, furthermore….
The Crocs are not a good bargain! They’re way over-priced trendy things when it’s so easy to find cuter, cheaper, better quality shoes. Yay for the rubber boots! Yay for the $15 rubber gardening shoes!
For the rain and for the gardening.
December 4th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
“Tania Says:
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Why is it that what pleases the feet must so often offend the eyes, and vice versa?”
My vote for best comment.
The rise of the Crocs is a response to the fact that so many beautiful shoes hurt the feet. And there is nothing worse than spending a ton of money on a pair of shoes, and then finding out after you wear them a while that they kill you.
Shoe designers and makers really need to look to making better looking, comfortable shoes. So many of the comfy, high-end shoes, still look pretty orthopedic.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
T says: “Sure, ma2one’s original comment was strongly worded, but I don’t think there’s any cause to rail against her with such vitriol merely for daring to express that she likes the shoes.”
The vitriol directed at ma2one had nothing to do with the fact that she likes Crocs. It was in response to her multi-paragraph rant, during which she directed plenty of insults and vitriol of her own at the Manolo and his readers simply because we dared to express that we do not like the Crocs.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Agreed, Cat. I work for the Manolo, and I’m likely to buy croc-like (but off-label, because I don’t pay for labels!) shoes this winter, for purposes of mucking out the balcony drain when we’re three inches deep in slush, but may God strike me dead if I wear those abominations to a dinner.
Horses for courses, my friends. Horses for courses.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:29 am
I’m surprised that the impression of the commenters is “judgmental and arrogant.” Overall, I think this is one of the nicest, most diverse blog communities that I visit. I read from people up and down the economic ladder and (thank heavens!) politics rarely enter the picture. (After all, we are talking about shoes.) It is unfortunate that a new visitor got that impression, but I wonder if it only fit her preconceived notion of what a shoe and fashion blog would be and from that came her comment. Just a late-arriving thought.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:37 am
dangster and everyone else phrased and organised it better than I could so thank you.
Just because they’re comfortable and cheap DOESN’T mean it’s a good idea to look like you stepped out of a Hannah Barberra cartoon. ma2one is an adult so I can’t see why she can’t see the logic in investing in good shoes like Dansko, Sofft, Softspots, or even some versions of the Earthshoe. They’re expensive but it’s b/c like many designer shoes, they’re designed to be comfortable. For what you pay for several horrendously loud coloured crocs, you could have 1 pair of sensible and attractive brown shoes that go with most professional and casual clothing.
And why does she even pick on our beloved Manolo?! There are so many posts of him pointing out absurdities, one recent one being the exorbitant price markup on a shoe in which reptilian embossed leather was the only difference from the original leather design. I believe Manolo is no snob and does not blindly worship these luxurious accessories so much as not grace us with his sardonic musings.
December 6th, 2007 at 10:58 am
Very ugly, very dangerous. They are NOT okay for kids!
http://crocsaccidents.blogspot.com/
December 18th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Hanging By A Shoestring: Leave Crocs Alone
By Robert Gonzales (robert@soasinc.com)
In case you haven’t noticed the holiday season approaching because you a bumbling fool who hasn’t left the house in weeks to expierence the countless numbers of shopping sheep looking for the perfect gift…
Yes, Christmas is upon us and by God everyone must find the best deal or be excommunicated to poor shoppers hell! (Well maybe not hell per se, but at the very least you’ll be forced to wear a sign on your chest that says “Stupid Shopper” in public with no makeup and sweat pants on) During this time, we are guilty of being thrifty because honestly with gas approaching 4 dollars a gallon if your name doesn’t begin with O and end in Prah, you probably have a limited budget. So what is one to do? Buy expensive pretty gifts that are fashionable but not comfortable or gifts that people can actually use? Its the age old debate about vanity over usability or as I call it, the Brad vs. Forrest test.
Imagine if you had the choice between Brad Pitt and Forrest Whitaker.
Now both are world class actors, they’re rich, and famous. But one is *ahem* … Brad Pitt. And the other one has an eye so lazy that he can have a conversation with two people on opposite sides of the room and look at both of them at the same time. So for arguements sake let’s say that Brad is a jerk and Forrest isn’t. Do you go with the eye candy that is jerky but is *ahem* … Brad Pitt or with the nice guy that you can’t be sure if he’s looking at you? This is how I feel about Crocs.
For the uninitiated, Crocs are a popular slip-resistant plastic shoe with holes in them. The are hyper popular with the kids and people who could care less about what something looks like and want to be comfortable (otherwise known as Forrest people… not to be confused with tree huggers). Other looks based folks (who will be known from here on out as Brad people) look at Crocs as the worst thing to happen to fashion since MC Hammer pants….
Some have even gone as far as to waste their lives writing blogs about their hate for crocs and even going as far as to torture Crocs for information about where in the hell the terrorists might strike next.
Ok, well maybe she’s not torturing the shoes for terrorist info, but she’s at least going to get some info on Iran’s nuke program.
First things first… crocs are affordable. On the Shoes On A Shoestring website, most crocs go for about thirty American dollars (as opposed to 325 Pesos). So if you do buy some, you won’t have to break the bank. So what’s the big deal? Why do people hate these shoes so much? From what I gather, there is a large population of croc-haters that just find the shoes as repulsive as taking a bath in sour milk and hot garbage.
But really… are they that ugly? Seriously, they are like a high tech flip flop… and they are really comfortable. There is a new croc called the Mammoth which has a fur lining in it and wearing it is like walking on a fur rug at your grandmom’s house… without the pugnant ordor of moth balls in the air.
Now crocs aren’t what I would call a fashion shoe that you could wear with anything. So if you see someone wearing a suit and crocs…
…feel free to slap them as hard as your human based strength with let you… Now if you are the Hulk, then use your gamma radiation strength to Hulk smash them. Crocs are meant to be worn as a casual shoe that you might wear with a sundress or jeans…
or even on your boat if you have the money to lavishly spend…
But to say that crocs are an abomination of epic proportions is a bit much…
Maybe I spoke too soon….
May 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
If this is how she feels, why read this blog?