The Rise Of Crocs: From Mockery To Fashion Staple

The Rise of Crocs, the footwear known for its distinctive design and Croslite material, has undergone a remarkable transformation from being ridiculed to becoming a fashion staple. Initially, Crocs faced criticism for their unconventional appearance and were considered an unfashionable choice. However, with their unique blend of comfort and practicality, along with various stylish design iterations, Crocs gradually won over consumers. Today, they are not only appreciated for their convenience but also celebrated as a fashion icon, embraced by designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. From major fashion events to everyday wear, Crocs have proven their place in everyone’s shoe closet.

The pandemic has significantly altered daily fashion trends. As the UK primarily stayed home, venturing out only for daily exercise and grocery shopping during lockdown, sales of sportswear surged, while handbags and formal clothing gathered dust in the closet. Practical items took precedence over stylish ones, and even Crocs, once widely ridiculed, experienced a revival.

The Evolution of Crocs: From Mockery to Trendsetting

Last December, the fashion website Who What Wear declared 2024 as “the year of Crocs.” So far, they have been right. According to The Sole Supplier, the demand for Crocs has increased by an average of 210%, thanks mainly to recent high-profile collaborations between the brand and stars like Post Malone, Justin Bieber, and Bad Bunny. Crocs have also become a hit on TikTok, with influencers like Olivia Neill garnering over 115,000 likes for her recent video featuring the shoes.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Fashion Trends

Earlier this week, Crocs reported a 64% increase in revenue in the first quarter, reaching a record $460 million (about £331 million). This news came shortly after Crocs were spotted on the prestigious red carpet at the Oscars, with musician Questlove donning a pair of bright yellow Crocs at the event.

Crocs’ Recent Surge: Collaborations and Celebrity Endorsements

It seems that Crocs are officially back. But in reality, this trend has been gradually climbing the fashion ladder since the lockdown began. From April to May last year—a time when many people started embracing the idea of replacing pub visits with gardening and baking banana bread—Crocs sales increased by one-third on the global fashion search platform Lyst.

Record-Breaking Sales: Crocs’ Financial Success

The shopping platform went so far as to call Crocs the “It shoe of the season,” making them a lockdown sensation. And if TikTok has anything to say about it, this craze might just move beyond the garden as lockdowns ease and into the new normal of socializing.

The Role of TikTok and Social Media in Crocs’ Popularity

But it looks like this craze is here to stay as we head into summer. The most popular styles, according to Lyst, are classic Crocs, floral prints, and leopard prints—all top choices for summer. But with Generation Z shaping trends, vibrant tie-dye versions are the most popular.

Iconic Styles for Summer 2024: What’s Trending?

Influencer Zaina Miuccia, who appeared in The Weeknd’s recent “In Your Eyes” video, posted close-up photos of her Crocs on Instagram. Meanwhile, the brand’s own account is flooded with images of twenty-somethings coordinating their outfits with the same styles.

Collaborations That Boosted Crocs’ Popularity

Some collections released just in time during the lockdown have undoubtedly cemented the trend for a summer of Crocs. The brand recently released a collaborative collection with Liberty, featuring the beloved floral patterns of the Duchess of Cambridge, followed by another collection with actress Ruby Rose, which quickly sold out.

High Fashion Meets Comfort: Designer Collaborations

Crocs’ ascent in the fashion world started a few years ago. In 2017, Christopher Kane created elevated versions with marble patterns and large crystal Jibbitz. He later made fur-lined versions as well.

“I’ve always been a fan of the iconic Crocs Clog. I like that they’re considered quite ‘ugly’ by some and not feminine or flattering,” Kane said about the shoes.

NHS Frontline Workers and the Comfort Revolution

Then, in the spring of 2018, Balenciaga followed suit with 10-inch platform versions of Crocs, selling for an astonishing £650—nearly 20 times the suggested retail price of the basic version. Despite the high price and ridiculous height, they were still a hit, seen on the feet of many fashion week attendees that season and the next.

The Charm Of Crocs: Comfort Over Style

Another group that has likely contributed to the popularity of the “ugly” shoes in the past year is NHS frontline workers. Praised in the media, with numerous images of them in uniform flooding news outlets throughout 2020, this was undoubtedly great publicity for Crocs, which appeared on most of their feet. It certainly speaks to their comfort during all those extra hours worked by healthcare professionals.

Of course, it’s their orthopedic properties and ease of slipping on that ensure they’re a hit with their core audience. But the foot-massaging insole and the fact that they have no fastenings are certainly something that matches the laziness we’ve all felt during lockdown.

The Future Of Crocs: Will the Trend Continue?

Helen, a 32-year-old fashion stylist from London, admits to recently becoming a Crocs convert and buying a pair for her child.

“My boyfriend has had a pair since we met six years ago, but I found their shape horrendous. However, when I caved and tried on a pair, I couldn’t help but love their comfort, and I realized I actually liked how their shapelessness didn’t fit with my outfits.”

It’s no surprise that in uncertain times, we’ve turned to shoes that provide the support and comfort we crave. While they will never win in the looks department, perhaps, as Kane pointed out, the fact that they aren’t designed to be flattering has a certain charm.

Even if it takes the confidence of Generation Z or fashion influencers to style them elegantly, it’s clear the “ugly” shoes have won over many critics to be worn beyond the lockdown.