There are two reasons a shoe could become popular for. First, it’s because it’s very cool-looking and you want that head-turning effect. Second, it’s very exclusive and hype, so owning these babies would make you one of the elite collectors. But well, Crocs are not that pretty, and they’re definitely not that exclusive. This leaves us all wondering: Why are Crocs so popular now? There’s nothing cool about them, yet they became one of the coolest items you could own! So, let’s crack this question open and answer it, shall we?
A Little Crocs History
So the company as we know it was founded in 2002 with boats in mind. In other words, Crocs were intended to be boat shoes that are stable, comfortable, and slip-proof. However, other industries adopted them for the same reasons! Nurses, doctors, and children were generally the only people who got a pass if they wore Crocs. So the consensus was that they were a hideous piece of work and you shouldn’t get caught dead wearing them. Brutal, right? Well, that’s gonna change, but here are some fun facts before you move on!
Did you know that the classic Crocs clog has exactly 13 holes in it for breathability and Jibbitz charms? And did you know that Crocs got their name because they actually have similarities to a crocodile’s side profile? Oh, and finally, the company has some serious sense of humor that you can catch on their official Twitter account!
So… Why Are Crocs So Popular Now?
The answer to this question is several layers deep! In the late 2000s, Crocs wasn’t financially doing well, but it managed to stay afloat through restructuring and changes. After that, it appealed to specific industries, specifically the ones that need comfortable gear. Now, fast forward to 2020, and everything changed.
Coronavirus and WFH
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the world resulting in lots of deaths and precautionary procedures. One of the most important precautions was the remote work system. Everyone stayed home and well, forgot what outside clothes and shoes were. Loungewear and comfort became kings, and people started to opt for comfort over looks. And guess what brand fits this description? You got it… Crocs! The brand’s stock value skyrocketed, and everyone was buying a pair. Mind you, Crocs pledged 10,000 pairs per day for healthcare workers in a cool initiative to show support.
Comfort and the Slip-On Craze
We already mentioned how people started opting for comfort since Covid hit. This change in preferences helped different brands drop their own takes on comfy slip-on footwear. For example, Kanye and Adidas dropped the Yeezy Foam RNNR and took the sneaker industry by storm! Although people initially made fun of the “fancy Crocs”, everyone eventually caved in! And after the Yeezy Adidas fallout, Adidas dropped the AdiFOM Q.
Moreover, Slides were back in vogue, so not only were the OG Crocs Clogs relevant but their other products too! And people who couldn’t afford Slides or Foam RNNRs in resale went for the best alternative: Crocs. So, as the brand’s tweet goes: Just remember- Crocs are always an option.
Collaborations Are Key
Partnerships and collaborations have always been attractive to people. Sneaker collabs are a big tell if you ask us. In fact, that’s exactly what brought New Balance back to the front of the sneaker game. And it seems like it’s also the secret behind the Cronaissance (see what we did there?)
Some of the most notable collaborators in the last couple of years are Bad Bunny, Balenciaga, Justin Bieber, Karol G, SZA, and many more. Of course, the highlight of the Crocs collabs is Salehe Bembury’s line that debuted in 2021 and still going strong! In fact, the partnership seems to be expanding with the Crocs Pollex Slides.
Now You Know Why Are Crocs So Popular!
Love them or hate them, Crocs became a big part of the footwear industry. Sure, they’re not the Air Jordan 1 Bred, but they’re hands down some of the most comfortable shoes out there. And well, if you love them, then you can figure out your style with them! But in case you want some more options, our blog has the latest sneaker news and upcoming releases. Who knows? You might just fall in love with something else almost as comfy! Godspeed
