Crocs for Comfort
As you walk around the school campus, you can see ICSA students who choose relaxing and personality-customized shoes. One shoe has dominated the school’s community lately: the beloved Crocs, widely chosen for their comfort and variety of choices.
It’s no coincidence that these shoes are so popular at ICSA; Crocs have gained global popularity as an icon for fashionable footwear. Online trends influence many individuals, including students, into buying Crocs. The hashtag #Crocs has over 2.7 million posts on Instagram, reflecting its prominence amongst online media.
Crocs sells 150 million pairs of shoes each year, giving students the opportunity to take part in the trend and buy the desired shoe.
“I haven’t gotten the chance to buy them, but I definitely want to get a pair.” -ICSA student
Crocs have taken the school by storm, with 74% of students owning at least a pair, while only 25% do not.
Ms. Winfrey, who was voted as the teacher with the best fashion sense last school year, noticed the students wearing Crocs and Jibbitz. Jibbitz serve as accessories to decorate Crocs which exhibits student creativity. “I believe that they’re popular because they’re comfortable for one…and you can make them as stylish as you like.” she adds.
Many students claim they find Crocs comfortable, especially in school, where they want to feel cozy every day. One student shares the reason for choosing this shoe.
“For comfort, there are times when running shoes and sneakers are uncomfortable to wear the whole day.” -ICSA student
The Crocs’ Life
Originally designed as boating shoes, Crocs began production back in 2002. The new company titled Crocs Inc., was founded by boating enthusiasts Scott Seamans, George Boeddecker Jr., and Lyndon Hanson, with the goal of creating the perfect shoe for wet and slippery environments while being comfortable.
The three friends discovered Croslite, a material that’s lightweight and comfortable in wet areas. The material is also antimicrobial and eliminates odor. This material inspired the name “Crocs,” reflecting the flexible material.
The shoe’s design provided ultimate comfort for sailing trips, appealing not only to the boaters but also to the general public. The unique design took a hold of everyone, reaching the top spot in 23 countries. Its popularity led to collaborations with luxury brands such as Balenciaga.
Starting as boating shoes and expanding to sandals, clogs, and boots, Crocs became more and more of a global phenomenon.
Crocs also creates shoes for healthcare providers, such as nurses and doctors. The shoes were designed to be comfortable and slip resistant. The brand claims the shoes to be easy to clean, odor resistant, and water-resistant. This means that nurses and other healthcare providers can focus on their shift instead of their shoes.
The Cons of Crocs
Despite it’s popularity, Crocs still have negative views. While many say it’s comfortable, they also say it’s impractical. Those who don’t own Crocs say they don’t necessarily like them just because they are a popular trend among teens.
Some complain about their feet getting wet and that they are useless against the rain. Crocs are known for their holes which allow water to enter the shoe, causing your feet to potentially get wet. This is quite ironic, since they are boating shoes. Ms Winfrey shares her experience with Crocs, saying:
“When I was a freshman in college, we had communal bathrooms, and for hygiene reasons, we wore crocs in the shower. Since then, I’ve really disliked wearing crocs because it felt gross to have wet feet in shoes.”
Many people believe Crocs are unsafe as you can easily fall down. Winfrey agrees, calling them a hazard.
A high schooler says: “Useless footwear. Inadequate for survival.”
Even with concerns on safety, Crocs became a fashion statement, especially with younger generations. Influencers, who people idealize, promote them as fashionable and continue to advertise them on social media.
The brand is also promoted by celebrities through collaborations. Justin Bieber and his clothing brand ‘Drew’ partnered with Crocs to create designs that match his brand’s style. Bad Bunny released his own Jibbitz, as well as glow-in-the-dark Crocs, which sold out in 16 minutes.
In the end, what’s more comfy than sliding into a pair of Crocs after a long day at school?
I used to find crocs ugly and unsafe. Then I tried some with daisies on it, it was so comfortable that I succumbed to the trend. I wear it mainly when it’s rainy or when I’m running errands in supermarkets! Love your article and I see so many kids in crocs at school that it can’t just be a trend!
Very interesting and beautifully written article. I love your drawing of the crocs.