Explaining the Comeback of Crocs

The Evolution of Crocs: From Ugly to Fashion-Forward

“Hear me out: We’re no strangers to the ugly shoe trend, but let’s pay respect where it’s due. When Crocs came on the scene in 2002, the people were gagged—and not in a good way. What were meant to be boat shoes were swiftly dubbed the ugliest shoes we’d collectively ever seen. I remember this time fondly and personally swore off ever getting a pair, but I’ve changed. I’m older and wiser, and even Crocs has done some growing of its own over the years. There are now over 120 styles of Crocs for adults and children alike with over 100 million pairs sold (Crocs.com). And what’s more, despite their humble beginnings, Crocs is not just surviving, they’re thriving and even, dare I say, becoming fashion-forward.”

Remember when Crocs burst onto the fashion scene in 2002? Let’s just say that people were not Croc-ing to buy them. These boat shoes turned out to be the ugliest footwear ever witnessed by human eyes. I vividly recall that moment when I declared, “I will never, ever wear Crocs.” But guess what? Life is full of surprises, and Crocs has been on a journey of transformation too. With over 120 styles available for both adults and kids and sales exceeding the 100 million mark, Crocs has defied the odds and has somehow managed to become, dare I say it, fashionable.

“Recently I took a scroll through its website, and my curiosity was piqued. Crocs have truly evolved into chic and unrecognizable iterations. But the brand claims that one thing stays the same: “All Crocs are uniquely designed and manufactured using the company’s proprietary closed-cell resin, Croslite, a technology that gives [the] shoes soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking and odor-resistant qualities” (Crocs.com). With claims about odor resistance and scuff-proof technology, I had to try them for myself. See below for my thoughts on each style and styling recommendations should you dare.”

Out of curiosity (and possibly a deep-rooted desire to challenge my own fashion sense), I decided to dive into the world of Crocs. As I clicked through their website, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a wide array of chic and unrecognizable Croc iterations. Apparently, all Crocs are made with their top-secret ingredient called “Croslite,” a magical resin that makes the shoes soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant. I mean, odor-resistant shoes? Sign me up! So, I bravely ordered a few pairs and embarked on my own Croc adventure. Read on for my honest thoughts on each style and some daring styling recommendations.

Siren Clog: The Heeled Croc

“During my routine nightly TikTok time, I saw this pair in an ad and stopped scrolling in my tracks. Something about the chunky heels and original Croc detailing captivated me, and I needed to know more. They have 3.6-inch heels and the Croc body we know and love. Once my pair arrived, I realized that despite their height, they’re incredibly comfortable and actually go with so many outfits. Believe it or not, I have dressed these up on several occasions with a miniskirt or full-length dress. But I think my favorite way to wear them is to bring a statement to an all-black outfit. The texture of these really adds something to my overall look, and lately, I’ve been grabbing some fishnet socks to wear with them. They are literally the most comfortable heels I own, and I can (and do) wear them all day long.”

One evening, while blissfully scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon an ad featuring the Siren Clog. In that moment, everything stopped. There was something irresistible about those chunky heels and familiar Croc style. I couldn’t resist the urge to own a pair. Once they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite their towering 3.6-inch heels, they were astonishingly comfortable and surprisingly versatile. I’ve worn them with miniskirts, maxi dresses, and even rocked them with an all-black ensemble to make a serious fashion statement. The texture of these heels adds that extra oomph to any outfit, and I’ve even started wearing fishnet socks with them. Believe it or not, these heels have become my go-to choice, and I proudly wear them all day long.

Styling Recommendation:

Pair these beauties with drapey wide-leg pants or a mid-calf-length skirt for a look that screams “I’m effortlessly stylish, and my feet are ridiculously comfy.”

Mega Crush Clog: The Edgy Croc

“These are definitely the shoes I wear the most (other non-Crocs included). They have the same general design as the original Crocs, but they have a platform and an overall edgier vibe. With platforms of about two inches and rubber soles, they are grippier than the rest of the designs I’ve tried. I feel really secure in this pair, especially because they have some weight to them as well. Because I wear these the most, I get the most compliments on them. I’ve worn them on long walks, to my ceramics class, and all over NYC. They haven’t failed me once, and I love that they come with classic Croc back straps (read: sport mode) so I can strap in for more security or flip them up for a traditional clog look. Without a doubt, these are statement shoes, and I lean into that hard when styling them. I like to wear my black pair with white socks, and recently, I even tied some ribbon between the holes to mimic a corset vibe.”

If we’re talking about shoes I wear the most (excluding the non-Croc ones), the Mega Crush Clog would take the crown. These edgier Crocs retain the general design of the originals but come with a platform sole for that extra dose of style. With a grippy rubber sole and a comfortable two-inch lift, these shoes provide both the perfect footing and a trendy look. The weight of these shoes adds a sense of security, making every step a confident one. I’ve worn them on long walks, to pottery classes, and all around bustling city streets of New York. And let me tell you, these babies have never failed me. What’s more, they come with the classic Croc back straps, so I can either buckle up for extra security or rock them in their traditional clog form. Without a doubt, these shoes are absolute statement-makers, and I fully embrace their power when styling them. My favorite way to wear my black pair is with crisp white socks (yes, socks and Crocs!) and, just for kicks, I’ve even threaded some ribbon between the holes to create a corset-like effect. Fashion truly knows no bounds!

Styling Recommendation:

Get creative and pair these bad boys with white Princess Diana–esque socks and a miniskirt for a look that says, “I’m edgy, I’m confident, and I have impeccable taste.”

Dylan Clog: The Mule Croc

“These Crocs are a perfect example of what I mean when I say Crocs have come a long way since their original design. If you saw me on the street in these, I highly doubt you would immediately think, “Crocs”. Although they are a departure from the original look, they offer the same amount of comfort. This is what happens when you streamline the original version to create a sleek design. Although there are no “air holes”, as I like to call them, these are surprisingly roomy and haven’t made my toes sweat nearly as much as traditional clogs. They are the perfect fall Crocs because, at a size seven (the size I am in Crocs), these run a bit bigger and are super roomy. Clogs immediately make me think of wearing a slouchy/oversize business casual–inspired look. So lately I’ve been pairing them with a blazer, a button-up, socks, and bike shorts. They fit perfectly into this relaxed aesthetic. I’ve also chosen these as my commuting shoes when I want to wear heels around the office or to events, and they are a soft place to land after a long day on my feet.”

Take a look at the Dylan Clog, and you’ll understand just how far Crocs have come from their original design. If you saw me strutting down the street wearing these, I highly doubt you’d immediately think, “Oh, she’s rocking Crocs!” These babies are a departure from the classic look but offer the same level of supreme comfort. This sleek design is proof of what can happen when you streamline the original version. Now, you may notice that these don’t have the signature “air holes,” or as I fondly call them, “toe-breeze providers.” But fear not! These mules are surprisingly roomy, and they don’t make my toes sweat as much as traditional clogs. They are the perfect Crocs for the fall season. As a size seven (my Croc size), they run a bit bigger, allowing my feet to enjoy ultimate spaciousness. Whenever I slip into these clogs, I’m immediately inspired to create a slouchy, oversized, business casual-inspired outfit. Lately, my go-to look has been pairing them with a blazer, a button-up shirt, socks, and bike shorts for that effortlessly cool vibe. These clogs perfectly capture that relaxed aesthetic. I’ve also crowned them my commuting shoes for those rare occasions when I dare to wear heels around the office or attend events. They provide a soft and cozy landing spot for my tired feet after a long day of hustling.

Styling Recommendation:

Rock a pair of knee-high socks and a miniskirt or go for a more relaxed vibe with oversize slouchy socks and knee-length culottes. These clogs will take any outfit to new heights of comfort and style.

Brooklyn Slide: The ’90s Croc

“Believe it: These are Crocs. You might be thinking, “There are so many iterations of ’90s platform slides,” and “What makes these so special?” The answer is simple: They are incredibly comfortable. I always opt for this pair if I’ve worn heels the day before and my feet are feeling it. They are the easiest sandals I have because they go with everything, and I can just slip them on without checking to see if they match my whole fit. Lately, I’ve been styling them with flowy longer dresses because they are high enough to keep my dress from dragging, and they just complement a light and flowy vibe really well. The wedges seem a little high online, but in real life, 1.7 inches is very manageable to walk in and can definitely serve as heels if you’re not necessarily a heels person. This pair claims to feel like they’re already broken in from day one, and I can definitely attest to this.”

Prepare to have your mind blown, for these are the Crocs you’ve been dreaming of! And you’re probably thinking, “Haven’t we seen enough ’90s-inspired platform slides already?” Well, my friend, hold onto your socks (or don’t, this is Crocs we’re talking about), because these slides are in a league of their own. Let me break it down for you: they are insanely comfortable. Seriously, if I’ve been strutting in heels the day before and my feet are in desperate need of some TLC, these slides are my saving grace. They are hands down, the easiest sandals to wear. You can throw them on without even thinking about whether they match your outfit. Trust me, they go with EVERYTHING. Lately, I’ve been pairing them with flowy, longer dresses. The slight elevation keeps my dress from dragging, and it just creates this effortless, light, and flowy vibe. Yes, the wedges may seem a little intimidating in pictures, but in real life, the 1.7-inch height is incredibly manageable, even if you don’t consider yourself a “heels person.” One more thing, this specific pair claims to feel like they’re already broken in from day one, and I can wholeheartedly vouch for that statement.

Styling Recommendation:

Slip into that ethereal summer dress of yours, and let these comfortable slides add the illusion of heels without the actual heel struggle.

If all of this hasn’t convinced you to take a leap of faith into the world of Crocs, then behold: Crocs has collaborated with top designers like Balenciaga and Echo New York, not to mention celebrity collabs with the likes of Justin Bieber, SZA, and Post Malone. So, if you can’t fully embrace the original Croc look but still crave that euphoric feeling of comfy shoes, fear not! You’re in good company, and there’s definitely a pair of Crocs out there that will tickle your fancy.

Explaining the Comeback of Crocs