What ever happened to Croc-style shoes

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Granted, the shoes could probably win an award for the ugliest ever invented. Yet, from a mom’s perspective, they are the perfect footwear. Under $10 a pair for the knock-offs, they are nearly indestructible. They are as comfortable and easy to put on as sandals but sturdy enough to serve as

What ever happened to Croc-style shoes? It seems they have become so unfashionable that I can’t even buy them at the Dollar Store anymore.

tennis shoes. They’re made of plastic so they can also serve as water shoes. They don’t have to be tied or fastened. They don’t even require socks, so little ones can put on their own shoes. They come in fun, kidfriendly colors and some are even decorated with cartoon characters - what’s not to love?

My first clue that Crocstyle shoes might be going out of style should have been their price last fall. I was able to outfit my whole family for 50 cents a pair. But then, when I realized my older kids could use some new ones this spring, I couldn’t find any!

I talked to several moms who feel the same way I do, so I went on an online quest from the comfort of my desk to find out what in the worldhappened to Croc shoes.

This is what I discovered: What I call Croc shoes are actually knock-off’s - “Croc-off’s,” one Web site called them. Real Croc brand Croc shoes can still be bought - online anyway - for about 30 bucks a pair.

I didn’t find any current information as to why they went away. The latest article I found was published in July of 2009. It discussed how unfashionable Crocs are and how the company was struggling because of the economy.

I guess that’s just how unfashionable and behind in the world I am. I resisted the idea of Croc-style shoes while they were cool and fashionable because they were just too ugly. Then I bought them for my kidsto wear at the lake. I finally bought a pair for myself because they were so practical and comfortable. Now I love them and wish I could wear them to work, but they’re out of style and unavailable.

Even though I feel a little self conscience about making my kids look so uncool, as long as I have Croc-style shoes to fit them, my kids will wear them - until they outgrow them or the shoes finally wear out.

Since the shoes are indestructible, poor Adriana should have a supply until she is at least 6.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 05/26/2010