Tuesday, January 13, 2009

What a Croc of a shoe

A friend sent me an article about 2009 Style Resolutions, which lists out fashion trends that the editors love and hate for the new year.

And to no shock, number seven is about hating Crocs. The little foam devils that promise comfort but are racked over the coals for being tacky.

So I'm going to take a leap and say that this blog, Everyday Adventures, endorses Crocs and won't cave to the demands of fashionistas to have us hide them in shame or delegate them only to the garden. I don't have a green thumb thank you.

Despite my nice taste in clothing and accessories, I don't hate Crocs for a simple reason. They saved me during an awful sunburn on a trip to Florida.

While vacationing in Destin with my parents, this fair-skinned girl didn't spend enough time in the shade and her SPF 30 sunblock failed her, resulting in a painful sunburn (on the first day of vacation too!) Chest, shoulders, legs and feet were burned, the feet burned badly enough that I couldn't wear socks, shoes or sandals. 

To the rescue came my pink Crocs, which gave my swollen feet room to breathe and walk around for a few days until I could handle normal shoes. And honestly, it is nice to not have beach shoes weighed down by absorbed water and they're comfy on the feet during long, hot summer days on pavement.

So while Crocs may not the cutest thing around, I say that Crocs are welcome in my home. Oh, and I have a Mary Jane pair in purple. That's right, I have TWO pairs!

The article also says white tights are out, and I have to agree. I still see people wear them in Chicago, but they scream Pretty Woman circa 1990, if you know what I mean.

Now, let loose on your support or critique of Crocs, I can take it. Go ahead. Heck we even have a Crocs store in downtown Chicago!

Reader note: Thank you everyone for the awesome comments on my Golden Globe fashion awards. I will definitely do them again for the Oscars! And even SAG awards if you want. You tell me!

43 comments:

Ashley D said...

Although I agree that Crocs are quite ugly, I must confess I also own two pairs. I have a regular pair in navy and a pink pair of mary janes. They are so comfortable I don't care what anyone else says (not that I wear them every day)!

Also, I do keep doing the award show fashion critiques. I thought it was a great post!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

In the winter, I refuse to accept Uggs (as in Uggsly!). And, in the summer, I can't bring myself to do Crocs. Sorry. I'm far from being a hipster, but those are two places where I draw the line.

Maxie said...

HORRIBLE. I pride myself on having cute shoes, so I'd never put my feet in those things.

Unless it was for work, of course. Then it's okay :-)

Melissa said...

I am coming from out of my work-cave to comment...and say that while I bought the original pair in (what was I thinking?) baby blue back when Crocs first came out, I'm planning to recycle them (when I clean out my closet...ahem, moving on to another topic...) because I really don't wear them anymore. I DO, however, own the Bistro Crocs in black, which are a)the only shoes I've found to be comfortable enough for 9 hours on my feet cooking and b)a pair I don't mind spilling marinara sauce on, because I can - hello! - clean them off WITH. A. SPONGE, people!

Anonymous said...

I hate Crocs. It's not because they're ugly (which they are), but because parents think they are acceptable school shoes. Let's put the least supportive shoe possible on kids who are barely walking and then let them run around on the playground. Let's not forget to yell at the teacher when the kid inevitably wipes out. Grrrr. It really burns my cookies.

Maki said...

I heart Crocs. Well, I don't own a pair for myself, but both of my daughters have many pair of Crocs and they look cute on them:) Now they have cute Croc boots or fuzzy Crocs.. Very cute, very cute!!!

Mandy said...

I don't care if they are ugly, I too, own two pairs. I love them!! I don't care if they are ugly, they are so incredibly comfy I wear them without shame.

SAG and Oscar fashion award recaps please!!

Living Dees Life said...

can not say i've owned crocs or uggs or anything but plain ole basic boots and or tennis shoes.

Ray said...

I have one comment about crocs...there is no better shoe to clean the house in.

LBluca77 said...

I don't know what it is about crocs but I really really do not like them. The mary jane pair on not to horrible, but I just don't think I could put them on my feet.

I love the GG fashion awards you did. Yes please do it for the SAG and Oscar award shows too.

Heidi Renée said...

I've never tried on a pair of Crocs, so I can't judge on the comfort factor. I do cringe everytime I see them, though.

And I hear you on the sunburn. I once got second degree burns from getting too much sun--in APRIL. I had to wear bandages for a long time. Luckily I had shoes on.

Rachel said...

There are a few times that I have looked at Croc fashion and thought "those are cute" but since Diana owns a pair I alas can't own them. I do not want to become one of those parents that dresses similar to their kids.

Pandora said...

I love Crocs,and have 2 pairs,that I wear nearly every day.They are comfortable,and don't hurt my feet.Because I am no Sex and the City Carrie clone,so I always go for comfort over looks.I don't want to have disgusting,knobbly,arthritic feet when I'm old.

I totally support your love of Crocs!

Megan said...

I have yet to cross the Croc line, and I don't think I ever will. But I have to admit I love my Uggs. I know they are ugly, but when it's -35 below and they won't close school (Until it reaches -40...that extra 5 degrees really gets you..ha), no one cares what's on my feet when I have to walk a mile to class, least of all me!

erin - heart in ireland said...

There is a Croc store! Wow!!

I will admit I do own a pair, but I only wore them for crew. As we needed easy shoes to walk in and out of the water with (and flip flops were such a pain, as they would always float off).

But they drive me crazy!

Laura Gilmour said...

Crocs Rock! I love mine, but you can guarentee that when I wear them at least one person will comment on how awful they are.

But I don't care, they're comfortable, easy to get on and perfect for paddling in.

Long live Crocs

CP x

*Jac* said...

I've always wanted to get a pair of crocs, but they're so ugly, I just don't know if I can do it. Although I am loving the mary jane style ones... I might have to look into them.

Preston said...

Crocs are one of the most comfortable shoes. I work for a supplier of commercial foodservice equipment and accessories and we have just started selling Crocs. They are recommended for food servers because they are comfortable and anit-slip!

cmay said...

some of the newer styles are actually kind of cute. they make a cute wedge. and for someone with terrible feet that isn't supposed to wear heels ever, they've saved me at a wedding or two this year!

B said...

I really have no problems with Crocs at all.

Medicated and Motivated said...

I have to agree with you. I know many people hate them, and I'm not saying I think they're cute, but they sure are comfortable!

Cheryl said...

I don't like Crocs. I'm leaving it at that.

White tights are terrbile and unfortunately in addition to that, I have seen way too many scrunchies in Chicago lately.

Erin said...

I've never even tried on a pair of Crocs. I do have to say, though, that some of the newer styles aren't too horrifying looking (yes, I walk by the Crocs store on State St quite often). But the original full-of-holes styles should only be worn by adults to the beach or around the house. Or to do a quick run to the grocery store while sick.

Pretty Unfamous said...

You should take a look at the Alice style Mary Janes that Crocs make. They are SO cute and don't even LOOK like Crocs!

Anonymous said...

They might be ugly. Okay, lets just put it out there, they are ugly. But they are hella-comfy. Wear on, I say, wear on (in the privacy of your own home, or by a pool, or somewhere where you don't care if anyone respects you). :)

Katelin said...

i think i'm too much of a flip flop girl to give in to crocs. maybe one day, but not any time soon :)

Anonymous said...

I would never wear Crocs. They aren't my scene, BUT I don't mind them. I think it is waster energy for people to hate them. They are aparently comfortable. If someone made fun of my super comfy slippers I would get annoyed.

So, in general I think Crocs are alright. Also, I love colored tights.

Anonymous said...

Crocs are so not for me! I don't care if strangers wear them, but if I saw a good friend wearing Crocs I would definitely hold an intervention.

Rachel Burton said...

While I firmly believe the beach (or yard or lake or carwash or possibly the grocery store) is an utterly appropriate Croc venue, I confess to shaking my head at women who go clomping around the city in them as their "out shopping" shoes. Sometimes ugly is fun and sometimes (or in some places) ugly is just ugly!

Sarah Alway said...

Crocs are OK for the garden, but every time I see someone wandering around in downtown Seattle sporting matching Crocs, stretch pants and a scrunchie, I die just a little bit inside.

CC said...

have never tried Crocs honestly, but they do look super comfy...might have to check them out.

btw, thanks for the offer to help me out once I get up to Chi. i'm sure i'll have a ton of questions and will more than likely be sending you an email in the near future! :)

Megkathleen said...

I have to say I hate crocs. Hate 'em. Sorry, I wish I could agree with you here. I also actually hate uggs...Just thought I'd put that out there too.

Unknown said...

ouch, I can't stand crocs, uggs, and the worst is when they're combined to "cruggs". But I do love your blog anyways.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, though I respect you and your opinion, you are wrong. Ha! Ok, though really I can't stand those ugly things. Please change your mind and jump on the crock hating bandwagon.

Or, stick to your guns regardless of what people like me say.

sjane said...

To each his own. Just please tell me you do not wear your Crocs while carrying Speedy?!?!

LWLH said...

i have an award for you over at my page...: )

Unknown said...

I can't believe you admitted that. You are a strong woman.

L.C.T. said...

I love my crocs! They're not the standard ones with holes in, but they're cute and red!

Princess Pointful said...

Yeah... I prefer flip-flops.
I shudder looking at all the great outfits marred by crocs. Sorry, I just can't find the love for them!!

Jenny Grace said...

I hate to say this, because you know I like you, but I HATE Crocs. They're okay on small children, but only in a barely tolerable sort of way.

Unknown said...

Though I don't really wear mine in public, I totally admit to ripping off Mario Batali and using my crocss as standard kitchen attire (with matching apron). When I'm planning to cook or bake ALL day, they really save my feet and back.

Anonymous said...

I admit to owning crocs (I have white ones and black ones), but they are for bumming around or the beach ONLY. I don't wear them as going out shoes or when I go anywhere that's higher-end than a Target store. They're very comfy, but my satin ballet flats are almost as comfy and look much better with my dark wash jeans and big purse. No shame in wearing crocs for certain occasions though. :)

Rebekah said...

Hrmph. I approve of white tights if they are white sweater tights with a diamond-weave pattern. I might have a pair of those, though.