Love them or hate them, Crocs are still going strong after all these years. First released in 2002, Crocs were intended as a comfortable, slip-resistant shoe for boating and gardening. But somehow, they caught on with the general public, becoming a must-have fashion item in the mid-2000s. And now, almost two decades later, they're still going strong. So what is it about Crocs that has made them so popular? Let's take a closer look.
The Origins of Crocs
Crocs were invented in 2002 by three Colorado natives: George Boedecker Jr., Lyndon "Duke" Hanson, and Scott Seamans. The original Croc was made from high-density foam and had ventilation holes to allow water and air to circulate (which also gave the shoes their signature squishy sound). They were designed as a comfortable, slip-resistant shoe for boating and gardening but quickly caught on with the wider public.
The Rise of Crocs
Crocs became a must-have fashion item in the mid-2000s, thanks in part to their endorsement by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Jason Alexander (of Seinfeld fame). At the height of their popularity, Crocs were selling 20 million pairs per year. In 2007, Crocs even launched a children's line called "Croclets" to cash in on the craze.
The Fall of Crocs
By 2010, however, the fad was starting to die down. Sales began to decline, and Crocs filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011. But even though they fell out of fashion with the mainstream public, Crocs has continued to be popular with certain groups, such as healthcare workers and chefs (thanks to their comfort and slip-resistance). And in recent years, Crocs has made something of a comeback with the help of celebrity endorsements from Cardi B and Post Malone.
Love them or hate them, there's no denying that Crocs are here to stay. What started out as a modestly successful shoe for boating and gardening has morphed into a global phenomenon that doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Whether you're a diehard fan or can't stand the sight of them, you have to hand it to Crocs: they sure know how to stay relevant. Tap below to shop for Crocs on Amazon. ❤️👇
