Crocs have been called hideous, mocked by fashion critics and “declared” dead or out of style more than once. And yet, they have refused to die and have been around for more than two decades. Along with the shoe brand SKECHERS, Crocs used to be the punchline to every “what are those?” jokes in grade school. And now Crocs have become a legitimate fashion statement, one that balances comfort and confidence. But the real question is, are Crocs a fashion faux pas or simply ahead of the curve?

Let’s be honest, Crocs were never meant to be “cool” or “trendy.” They launched in 2002 as a boating shoe and were marketed for their practicality and comfortable design. However, for fashion? Not really. Their rubbery texture, vent holes and clog-like shape have been described as everything from “hideous” to “vermin.” Yet somehow, these foam clogs are not only surviving after two decades, they’re being worn frequently and are very popular.

Crocs have proven themselves to be more than just a fad. According to Drapers, the company saw “a 93% increase in sales year-on-year, hitting $641 million in the second quarter of 2021.” Sales have increased across all regions, with digital sales alone accounting for more than one-third of overall earnings. Direct-to-consumer sales increased nearly 80%. Crocs CEO Andrew Rees stated, “We continue to see strong consumer demand for the Crocs brand globally.” So, while fashion critics complain about their look, Crocs are clearly winning where it counts.

And Crocs’ fashion has taken notice. Crocs were originally only designed for gardening tasks and your neighborhood grocery store runs. But now they are walking runways, worn by celebrities and partnering with well-known designers. Byrdie reports that Crocs has partnered with designers such as Balenciaga and celebrities such as Justin Bieber, SZA and Post Malone. These partnerships have thrust Crocs into fashion, and everyday comfort is now something that individuals can incorporate into their wardrobes. Music artists have also promoted the Croc trend. In 2023, St. Louis rappers Jordan Ward and Ryan Trey dropped the track “WHITE CROCS,” which created even more buzz for Crocs.

But is it really about fashion, or are we simply in love with comfort? Crocs don’t force you to choose anything. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, easy to just slip on your feet and water-resistant. Anyone who’s ever stood in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Burlington or navigated airport security knows the value of a shoe that doesn’t want to punish you for just simply existing.​ Katelyn Ramdass, FCRH ’28, stated, “Crocs are comfortable, and also fashionable if you style them correctly. Nothing’s wrong with wearing a baggy hoodie and sweatpants. It’s all up to interpretation. Crocs are comfortable and cute.” 

Still, some fashion experts might scoff and call Crocs ugly. They may argue that Crocs have no real sense of shape or structure. And to rebut that, we say, so what? Style doesn’t have to be symmetrical or sleek to be valid or even deemed as fashionable. In fact, a lot of the most iconic fashion statements have come from challenging the norms. Crocs dare to be bold by being unapologetically themselves. And maybe that’s what makes them fashionable in the first place.​

After all, fashion is really subjective. What one person sees as a travesty, another person sees it as stylish and cute. It’s also worth noting that Gen Z and younger Millennials have played a significant role in normalizing “ugly fashion.” From normalizing dad sneakers to wide-leg jeans and baggy cargo pants, all of which were deemed to be “ugly.” The new aesthetic is less about style and more about personality. Crocs fit seamlessly into that because they’re blank shoes that you can personalize with charms, colors and collaborations that reflect your own taste. And isn’t that what fashion is supposed to be about?​

Sure, they might never be as sleek and fancy as stilettos or as classic as Converse, but Crocs have earned their place in modern-day fashion. They’re distinct and above all, comfortable. And while some may continue to write them off as a passing trend, their billion-dollar sales and ever-expanding fan base say otherwise.​

So, are Crocs a fashion faux pas? Only if you’re afraid of having a little fun with your footwear. In the end, Crocs are whatever you make of them: practical clogs, ironic fashion statements or just your go-to shoes for everyday life.

Tahiyat Raisa, FCRH’28, is an English Major on the pre-law track from Queens, New York.