The resurgence of Crocs: How these rubber atrocities went from ‘kiddy wear’ to streetwear darlings

Let’s talk about Crocs. Yes, those sensory nightmares that once made us collectively cringe. Remember the days when stepping into a Crocs store was a rite of passage for any 10-year-old, eagerly picking out jibbitz adorned with every cartoon character known to man? Ah, the simpler times.

Fast forward to now, and Crocs are no longer just for kids running through water parks (in sports mode, of course). Oh no, these rubbery clogs have clawed their way into the wardrobes of the fashion elite, proving that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder – or perhaps, in the depths of a pandemic-induced need for comfort over style.

The new streetwear darlings

The ugly shoe trend is here, and it’s not just a fleeting moment. #uglyshoe boasts millions of views on TikTok, and brands have caught on. From Ugg to Birkenstock, Balenciaga to Dr Martens, and even Adidas, it seems everyone is capitalising on this trend. But today, we’re talking about the unlikeliest of all comeback stories: the resurgence of Crocs.

Yes, after years of merciless mockery, the world is eating its words and embracing these rubbery atrocities – not only for their style, but for their comfort above anything else. I’m convinced every Croc-wearer out there started out ironically, and then never looked back. What a time to be alive.

As a former Croc-hater—because let’s be real, being a Croc-hater isn’t just a pastime, it’s a lifestyle—I find myself in a peculiar position. Defending my disdain for these shoes used to be a full-time job. Yet here we are, watching Crocs transform from poolside jokes to streetwear darlings. It’s enough to make you question reality. They are no longer just the shoes that make the maddening “puch puch” noise after a day at the pool; they are now a fashion-forward statement piece that you can dress up or down.

‘Frankenstein’s monster of a shoe’

Crocs have rebranded themselves, and I must admit, they’ve done it with a certain panache. According to their official website, there are now over 120 styles for adults and children, with over 100 million pairs sold. They are not just surviving but thriving – and dare I say it – becoming somewhat chic. As a child, I loved running into the Crocs store, the jibbitz being the ultimate accessory. Today, I’m bewildered by their evolution. They’ve metamorphosed from kiddie playthings into fashion-forward shoes, unrecognisable from their original form.

Take the Siren Clog, for instance. This Frankenstein’s monster of a shoe combines a chunky heel with the original Croc detailing. It’s absurd and yet, somehow, it works. They’re actually comfortable despite their almost four-inch heel and can be dressed up or worn as a statement piece. Then there’s the Mega Crush Clog, which retains the classic Crocs design but adds a platform for an edgier look. Perfect for those who want to stomp through their day with a bit of extra height.

But perhaps the most on-trend style is the Dylan Clog. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill Crocs. No sir. They’ve ditched the “air holes” (a blessing for my mildly trypophobic self) and adopted a sleeker design. You wouldn’t immediately think “oh, Crocs!” if you saw someone sporting these on the street. And that’s the beauty of it. They still offer the same unparalleled comfort, just without the visual assault of the original design.

Defying all odds

If you’re still not convinced that Crocs have moved from “joke shoe” to “serious wear,” consider their high-profile collaborations. Designers and celebrities like Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, SZA, and Post Malone have all lent their names to Crocs. Yes, Balenciaga – known for their high-end fashion – partnered with Crocs.

For the uninitiated, Crocs are crafted using their proprietary Croslite technology, a closed-cell resin that makes these shoes soft, lightweight, and odour-resistant. This unique material is partly why they’ve endured. You can now scroll through their website and find yourself genuinely intrigued. There’s a pair for everyone, even if you, like me, are not into the original design.

The resurgence of Crocs is nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings as a children’s comfortable play shoe to a fashion-forward icon, Crocs have defied all odds. They’ve proved that comfort can coexist with style, even if that style is, to put it mildly, unconventional. So, whether you love them or love to hate them, one thing is clear: Crocs are here to stay. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll find myself slipping into a pair of Siren Clogs.