Overrated: Holes showing in Crocs brand
Filed under: Extracurriculars
This has been my Crocs summer.
Ever since I bought two pairs of the ugly yet comfortable shoes on sale at a local department store, they have been affixed to my feet. I have worn them almost everywhere. A few weeks later, my wife got a pair. We also got a pair for my soon-to-be two-year-old son. At times, we look like an advertisement for Crocs. Our initial enthusiasm for the shoes is starting to wane, though.
First of all, the original model Crocs don't provide great arch support. Their Swiss-cheese like design makes them impractical during the rain. They are not great for driving long distances either. Crocs has introduced new models to address these shortcomings, including the the odd looking Crocs venture leather dress shoes for men. There are also Crocs Ambler winter boots. Crocs even has something called jibbitz, "jewelry" to adorn Crocs.
Oh brother.
Don't miss the rest of our series on Overrated people, places and things!
Judging from Crocs' share price, many other people have grown tired of the trendy shoes as well. Shares of Crocs, which once were favorites of Wall Street, have plunged almost 90 percent this year. Moreover, loads of stores have cheap Crocs knock-offs, a trend which will only get worse.
As Crocs continues to struggle, it will likely continue to add new products. Eventually, the company will have to lower prices. When that happens, perhaps consumers will find the ugly shoes appealing yet again.
I blame the decline of Crocs -- as I do most things -- on President Bush. Last summer, the most unpopular president in modern times was photographed wearing a pair of the trendy shoes. Thank goodness this did not happen when he was meeting with the likes of Russian strongman Vladimir Putin or North Korean dictator Kim Jung-il. I am sure his enemies in Congress would have interpreted this as a sign of weakness as well.
Let's hope Bush sticks with wingtips and the odd loafer or sneaker as a footwear choice. Going trendy again could have disastrous consequences for all concerned.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
9-11-2008 @ 6:39AM
Melanie Doran said...
Crocs fail us in 2 points.
For me, I seem to be allergic to the material it's made of. I like the lightness and comfort of the footwear but get this rash on my feet. It's a very itchy rash and when I stop wearing those crocs for a while, the rash heals up! I discontinued wearing them.
My husband wore his crocs to work at the hospital. It is not skid-proof. He stepped on some water on the floor, fell and sprained his foot and lost work for three weeks!
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:22PM
Harold said...
Too bad you have an allergic reation to the Crocs, I had an attack of Gout and they are the only shoe I could weat without severe pain. They are expensive but doctors say not to buy the cheap knockoffs. Sure wish I could get the Crocs for five bucks, buy I've had a pair of the originals for over a year and they are like new
9-11-2008 @ 2:32PM
Luke said...
You've got what's commonly called "athlete's feet", i.e. foot fungus!
9-11-2008 @ 8:03AM
PYT said...
I love crocs. I have a heel spur and need cushion on that heel when walking around. As soon as I wake up I slide my feet into my crocs and my heel doesn't bother me. However, I have experienced the the let down on these shoes too. If the get wet inside your feet slide around in them and you have to dry them off. And as the post before mine - I came in from the rain and promptly slipped and fell to the floor because they are far from slip proof. As a note - if you are a true croc lover - try on the knock offs - they are not the same.
Reply
9-14-2008 @ 4:13PM
Xanthia said...
I like them as well. They are the only foot covering I find that does not hurt my foot and I need my heal fixed soon.
I have never has a shoe that was perfect as an adult. Thank God I had an Great uncle who made shoes when I was a kid.
9-26-2008 @ 4:00AM
judy said...
I have a dtr. in a wheelchair that wears braces on her legs. We have found they are the only shoe that comes in different colors to match your outfits and we must have 18 pair. They are the only shoe wide enough for braces. Thank god everyday for them. It makes a 14 yr. old girl fit in and look stylish. Ever try buying a tennis shoe to fit those braces it has to be 4 sizes bigger than her feet. So I see the positive side of Crocs that most people don't see. I say that god for the maker of these shoes they were heaven sent.
9-11-2008 @ 8:04AM
Serena said...
I LOVE two styles of Crocs - the Malindi and the Prima. Both are ballerina flats; the Malindi has a sling back. Not only are they super-comfortable, they are adorable and stylish. Not all Crocs are ugly!!
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 8:47AM
JOE PAVLO said...
CROCS ARE GOOD WHEN WORKING IN WET STUFF.
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:05AM
Donna said...
When Crocs first came out a few years ago, the store I work at started carrying them. I very loudly proclaimed that they were the ugliest shoes I had ever seen and who in the world would wear them. I have been plagued with foot pain almost my entire life. I WAS always the one that when shopping I start complaining that I have to sit for awhile because my feet hurt. So one day I gave crocs a chance and I absolutely loved them. I wear crocs every day. I have several different styles and several different colors. I finally got my 19 year old son to try a pair, now he wears them everyday too! The knockoffs are not the same! Also..........did you know they are anti microbial? I USED to have smelly feet too, not anymore! I can't say enough great things about crocs. Yes, they are ugly, but who cares???
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 11:07AM
LakeErieHouse said...
i concur with you!! and add that as a medical professional their (crocks) assets far outway the any concern of style---want to improve your vascular system....ergo your leg muscles, your heart,+your cells=wear crocks-----also it does help with your back....because of the foam you cannot walk inappropriately and throw your back out---When patients come to me with stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular, +etc histories...one of the first things I do is write a CROCKS rx...I'd sell them in my waiting room if I could!!
9-11-2008 @ 2:49PM
Ishti said...
You're absolutely right, and nothing compares to Crocs. No other knock-off has matched Crocs technology and buying the fake ones is a waste of money. You could walk a million miles in those Crocs. Those who complain about spurs and stuff like that would've probably had those problems with any shoe.
9-11-2008 @ 9:03AM
Myra said...
I love Crocs and those that also sold on cheaper brands for more or less do the same job. I have them in all colors. I use them primarily for my work in a hospital, but I have taken them with me on trips in the US and overseas. I hope they are not discontinued ever.
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:15AM
Jackie LaTorres said...
I swear by Crocs! I don't see hw anyone can say they don't have good arch support: I have extremely high arches & spend a lot of time walking all day on cement. My Crocs have saved my feet!
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:12AM
Trish said...
Crocs are great for pool shoes, the beach for kids and adults. And Nurses love them too not for how they look but they're light and if you're on your feet for long hours at a time the lightweight of them is great.
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:20AM
deje said...
I have severe rhuematoid arthritis.......and it affects my feet. Crocs seem to be the ONLY shoes that do not hurt my feet and don't confine them so that they swell. Also I don't have to worry about lacing them with my already hurting fingers.....so they are a HUGE help to people like myself.
Also they have other styles now that aren't so ugly and they are revamping the look so why do people keep complaining about them.
Let them be.......because they help many people.
In fact.....I wore them for many days to help clean up after Hurricane Gustav and I was GLAD to have them to work in. Everyone else wore big rubber knee boots.....which I couldn't but I COULD wear my Crocs!!!
LET'S keep buying them people.....
Reply
9-13-2008 @ 2:47AM
Mac said...
Ditto for me! I have psoriatic arthritis-heel spurs and had plantar fascitis! It was like walking on glass and really made my life miserable. Someone told me to try Crocs and I found them 3 years ago on Ebay. Now I have about a dozen pairs--including "Aspens" that don't have the holes along the bottom. These "ugly shoes" as so many call them have been lifesavers for me! When you have foot pain ~you no longer think about how they look and just enjoy the comfort!!! I will never be without them!
9-11-2008 @ 9:32AM
Shawna said...
I use my crocs to run on the treadmill. I forgot to bring my running shoes with me on a trip and all I had were my crocs and so I tried it. I have been running every since in my crocs. They are excellent....they keep my feet cool and I dont have to wear socks. They take up the shock to my feet when running.
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 9:34AM
royalld said...
I have worn Crocs since November of 2004. They are a universal footwear that perfectly meet the needs of my lifestyle. I live near the water in a nearly tropical environment. I don't have to worry about getting my feet wet, sandy, or muddy. Crocs are easy to maintain and will be part of my wardrobe far into the future. http://www.pbase.com/royalld/boat_shoes
Reply
9-11-2008 @ 11:31AM
Ann said...
Emilie Boyles bought me a pair of crocs and my feet never had it so good. My first week with crocs was spent driving over 2000 miles. It was a good thing. I found them a little difficult to get used to as I worked about my place up and down hill with lots of over growth so put them up for a month. But as I loaded the trailer for my move eastward I got out the crocs and still buy them when I can find them. I am glad they are made and I have only black or brown pairs. Though I have seen so many people use other colors. I wear them tell the snow starts to fall and then still in the house.
9-11-2008 @ 9:48AM
eddie patton said...
Your an idiot. Take them off if they are not comfortable while u drive. I love them.
Reply