A Brief History of Crocs: How Fashion’s Most-Hated Shoe Stays Relevant

By: Mystique Myrthil

Over the last few years, we have seen the return of the Y2k style and a few other unexpected trends. For the last decade, however, one trend continues to be a pop culture debate.

Crocs were founded in 2002 by Scott Seamans, Lyndon Duke Hanson, and George Boedecker. The trio discovered the shoe while on a boating trip in the Caribbean and knew they couldn’t miss the opportunity to bring this unique design to the masses.

Just three years later in 2005, the brand’s sales were at their highest and expected to continue rising. Whether you love them or hate them, Crocs have become one of the most talked about shoes in history, with the company evolving and staying relevant throughout the years.

Crocs has made clever marketing decisions to collaborate with celebrities and brands such as Justin Bieber, Diplo, and even KFC.

In 2018, the brand debuted an exaggerated clog with Balenciaga at Paris Fashion Week. The 10-centimeter high platform clogs generated plenty of buzz and marked the start of something great for Crocs.

By 2020 the brand started to see a rise in sales. The pandemic spiked interest in loungewear and comfort, so it was no surprise that Crocs were trending. That year, Crocs earned 1.4 billion in earnings, a 12.9% increase from 2019.

With an increase in celebrity collaborations including Justin Bieber to SZA, the brand cemented itself as cool, not corny. Each collaboration brings a unique style of Croc and personalized Jibbitz to accompany each set.

Over the last two years, Crocs have stepped up on social media, particularly on TikTok, where users customize their Crocs with their favorite Jibbitz in viral #CrocTok videos. This hashtag itself has amassed over 300 million views to date.

Designers like Nicole McLaughlin have created custom Croc creations featuring whimsical accessories that emphasize the versatility of the shoe. The brand has continued its collaborations, with other fashion brands taking notice.

In 2021 Gucci created its version of the clog, and Bottega Veneta joined in too. Today, clogs are a popular choice for fashion lovers who prioritize comfort and ease. For this reason, we can expect the trend to carry on into the new year.

With the brand’s cult following and clever marketing, it’s safe to say Crocs are here to stay despite their many haters. Let us know what you think about this infamous shoe in the comments below.