About a year ago while on a road trip in Missouri I happened upon some rather curious shoes. Crocs Shoes! I knew I had found something special the moment I spotted them what must have been 30 feet away. They are made of a closed cell resin that feels like the stuff between the sole and insole of running shoes. It softens a little when it gets warm and loosely molds to your feet. I was hooked the moment I tried them on. It feels kind of like walking around on marshmallows. They come in a dozen colors, which seems to be one of the reasons people like them. (Mine are an eye catching orange.)
So after a year of, “Hey, where did you get those shoes?” I figured it might be something I should share.
At first glance they look a lot like the more rigid Birkenstock “Super Birki” clogs. Some models also loosely resemble Marc Newson’s “Nike Zvezdochka” recently seen at Moss in NYC. Ultimately, the shoe is relatively unique and may even be developing a small cult following.
The marketing for Crocs has been a little off target for such a progressive shoe design and they have not broken on the market as fast as expected. After numerous phone calls and a few emails to the company I gave up trying to get answers to questions of origin and planned future for the shoe. I did coincidentally have dinner only a table over from a pleasantly surprised Crocs investor not too long ago. Of course the conversation began with, “Hey, where did you get those shoes?” He said the company is planning on producing some new models soon and discussed intentions to directly compete with Sorel, a mainstay in cold weather boots. He also suggested that they needed a flagship store in Manhattan.
Whether or not anything came of the idea I couldn’t confirm. One thing is certain; if you are into odd and oddly comfortable shoes they are worth the reasonable price that might not last once they are discovered more widely.
I would caution anyone who is a medical professional to consider that these shoes are made of a soft resin. They do seem very wear resistant but I seriously doubt they would stop a needle or similar sharp object if stepped on.
Written and contributed by JT Barnhart
Croc Shoes On Amazon
Josh Rubin’s Article On The Marc Newson Shoe
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This article is great I have been looking for some shoes like these. My wife saw some and wanted then for walks on the beach. I also see that they have kids models that will help for my little ones. Thanks for the article and the link.
156
March 16th, 2005 at 1:33 pm
Looks like new materials again encourages designers to reform to follow function.
These shoes will look great with my Nerf underwear and Helmet.
March 16th, 2005 at 1:40 pm
The Manolo, he must beg to differ, as he has added these abominations to his Gallery of the Horrors. http://shoeblogs.com/horrors.html
Do not worry, though, the Manolo he still considers you super fantastsic!
Muchos Besos!
Manolo
March 16th, 2005 at 4:33 pm
The Manalo. He speaks!!!
March 16th, 2005 at 5:09 pm
I work in the film and television industry, and I wear these shoes on the set every day I can. I can stand on my feet for 16 hours straight, and I can silently walk through any room. In fact, I am standing behind you right now.
These are super efficient ninja shoes, unless it is raining. And, while they are not sex specific, they will get you the girl at the end of the day. Also, every person who works on the set of my next movie gets a pair!
“By the old one’s beard!” Long live the Gnomes!!
March 16th, 2005 at 11:32 pm
These look great! Comfortable shoes plus a way to meet people. Not a bad combination. Seriously I love to go barefoot and this looks real close.
Chris
March 21st, 2005 at 7:25 pm
These could be the most comfortable shoes I have ever–ever owned! Buy them in every color.Worth buying stock in…only its a “private” company!
March 30th, 2005 at 3:57 pm
I want to buy Kids Cayman crocs but I can not get the website to open again. How much and how long to get them? Need to know soon there are a gift. Thanks
June 7th, 2005 at 9:17 am
ihave bougt my crocs shoes 3 month ago and i didnot stop use them every where i fill that they will not sorvive to long
July 3rd, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Someone needs to remind Manolo that Superfantasticness comes with a price. A bit of out-of-body while Crocs make happy feet will enable us to become Superfantastic in half the time.
July 4th, 2005 at 6:32 pm
crocs are cheap shoes for lazy people welcome to america!!!
October 20th, 2005 at 4:11 pm
Hey you can find those shoes in some stores in Rolla, Missouri. Tourism is a growing industry.
October 21st, 2005 at 10:40 am
I love my Crocs.
March 23rd, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Being in the tanning industry, we sell tanning beds (both new and used), tanning lamps, tanning bulbs and to tanning bed service and repair. I have found the Crocs an ideal shoe to wear, since I am overweight and on my feet all day.
March 29th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
J - you really were early at spotting this one, no?
http://www.influxinsights.com/?id=720
April 11th, 2006 at 11:58 am
I literally ran to go get a pair. I got brown. My friend allie has white and orange, and her sister has pink. we plan on collecting them all like pokemon! gotta catch them all
May 2nd, 2006 at 2:50 am
My son bought me these for a anniversery. My feet felt great today after working 11 hours. I am so thankful for the crocs! Croc on!
June 7th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
you can find the new crocs design at http://www.Roscom.co.il עיצוב קרוקס
September 16th, 2006 at 8:12 am
After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact Crocs footwear, no recognition on their behalf of me fixing a problem with one of their designs, or of my idea for a design competition website on the net - which caused me financial and months of lost time - I decided not to present them with my new patents that’ll improve their products and increase their sells .Therefore, I offer my knowledge and products - patents that were examined successfully and chosen by experts - to potential and enthusiastic investors who are involved in active product manufacturing.
Investors are welcome to contact me threw the website (info@Roscom.co.il) or Tel. +972-54-7644392.
Thanks for your support and hope for continued fruitful cooperation.
IMPORTANT (!):
Crocs footwear is a new and refreshing concept which contributed to the design culture of the 21 century. This bulletin is not attempting to diminish their achievements or taint their reputation.
February 2nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Glow in the dark crocs
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/1373593914_6bb1880e40.jpg?v=0
September 14th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Crocs are comfortable but the Shaka Shoes that I found in Hawaii are much better. They are even more comfortable, fit better and have a better non slip base then the Croc. Also Crocs are ugly and the Shaka Shoe look really cool and youthful looking
October 1st, 2007 at 10:00 pm
My sister gave me a pair of croc slippers and wore them a few times. I left them outside my door in Hawaii and yesterday I tried them on but it looks like it shrank. The front toe parts curled up. Is this a defect? I tried to put something on the toes to keep it flat but it still have a slight curl. Please help me. Could someone with a smaller size feet then mine wear it and make it curl up?
March 1st, 2008 at 1:55 am
I wrote my concern on March 1st 2008 and have not heard from you. Please answer my question. Thank you
March 10th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Wow, cool man, big thanks! http://iqiiswvajkznrq.com
May 7th, 2008 at 9:23 pm