Why Are Crocs So Popular? 2023 Style Report - Wearably Weird (2024)

Crocs are an instantly recognisable, iconic footwear brand that has seen dramatic fluctuations in their stock price since their launch in 2004. However, the unusual design of their footwear range may leave some scratching their heads, wondering why Crocs are so popular?

I am a long term customer and fan of the Crocs brand and I have been monitoring their successes and failures over the last 18 years. If you are curious as to why Crocs are so famous, and why they are currently in style, read on for a breakdown and some fun facts about the brand.

Why Are Crocs So Popular? 2023 Style Report - Wearably Weird (1)

Why Are Crocs So Popular?

Crocs are so popular thanks to their practicality, versatility, comfort, range of designs, customisable design (with jibbitz), long lasting material, hard wearing sole, and visibility in the fashion trend cycle (worn by supermodels, fashion icons, rappers and other musical artists).

I’m going to break down why Crocs are so popular, with an in-depth look into the brand’s image, collaborations and design features.

They Are Controversial/a Fashion Statement

A few years after their launch in 2004 bad news was on the horizon for Crocs.

Multiple fashion publishers and news channels made it popular to hate the brand, labelling them as ‘ugly’. Crocs stock plummeted in 2008 due to this. Crocs cut 2000 jobs and lost over 185 million in that year alone.

However all press is good press and this divided ‘love it or hate it’ mentality made Crocs the iconic footwear it is today. The hatred of the ‘ugly’ Crocs style made the shoes a controversial talking piece and a household name. And with anything in fashion, trends are cyclical, once something becomes ‘uncool’ you only need to wait for that ‘uncoolness’ to become a fashion statement.

Sure enough over the next ten years (2008 – 2018) Crocs sold over 700 million pairs. The popularity of Crocs boomed even further in 2021 when they made a huge comeback, seen on the feet of supermodels like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, and rappers like Post Malone.

A number of rappers had collaborations with Crocs that year, releasing awesome new designs that flew off the shelves. Post Malone ended up collaborating with the brand 5 times (from 2018 to 2021). A number of other other celebrities including Justin Bieber and Bad Bunny also had collaborations with the brand.

They even piqued the interest of British fashion icon Victoria Beckham and singer Ariana Grande. Large high fashion brands like Balenciaga also collaborated with the brand to make an outrageous pair of platform Crocs. Not only did Crocs storm the music and fashion world, they also managed to collaborate with fast-food giant KFC in 2020, further boosting their quirky image.

These collaborations were an excellent move for the Crocs brand, and they found themselves increasingly popular with pop-culture obsessed Gen Z influencers. They stormed the influencer scene and their stock sored by 140% in 2021. Gen Z are known for being a generation that enjoys reselling, and there are some limited edition Crocs going for hundreds even thousands of dollars on sites like stockx.com.

It’s safe to say they have made a name for themselves in the world of fashion.

Read next: Best Crocs For Women – Two Women Review (Photos)

The success of Crocs seemed unlikely, but they are now a billion dollar brand. Check out this YouTube video for more info on their success in the fashion world:

Their Design and Comfort

The Crocs design (love it or hate it) is undeniably excellent for a number of reasons.

  • Practicality – Crocs are designed to be a practical footwear choice. They feature air holes for great cooling and draining ability, which allows them to dry quickly if they become wet outdoors. Indoor Crocs feature a warm fuzzy lining, when combined with the slight height of the sole that allows for your feet to be kept off the cold of the ground, they make an ideal choice for indoor wear in winter. The strap design allows for a versatile fit, providing secure comfort in a sandal style, or flipped back to become a slip on shoe.
  • Versatility – Crocs are a versatile footwear choice, not only in terms of design but purpose for wear. Crocs are popular as a work shoe (with the brand even offering a workwear range). They are non-slip, making them a safe choice for baristas, waiters, other restaurant staff, medical staff, cleaners and more. Their design is wipeable, making them easy to clean should any fluids spill on them. They also make a great vacation or pool side shoe. Crocs are great for garden wear too, whether it’s for relaxing or gardening purposes. Currently they are a super fashionable choice for influencers, so you may want to just wear them as part of a statement outfit. Their versatility is remarkable.
  • Comfort – When it comes to comfort Crocs really are an unparalleled clog footwear choice. They are made with a tough but flexible closed resin material called Croslite, which is trademarked by the brand. It feels like a thick foam material, that offers your feet great support. I have worn my Crocs on long 9 hour work shifts before and found them to be a very comfortable choice for standing all day.
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  • Range of designs – Crocs offer a huge range of designs to suit all tastes, from funky platform styles to practical wear wear clogs. There is something for everyone, which makes them a popular choice for all ages.
  • Hard wearing sole – The sole on Crocs is long lasting and hard wearing. It features a leaf-style tread design that has excellent non-slip properties. The sole is a great reason for the popularity of Crocs as it’s super springy and comfortable, whilst being practical in terms of design. Personally I’ve never had the sole wear out on a pair of Crocs and I’ve had many over the years. The tread will depreciate with time, but I haven’t experienced any tears or holes, even with heavy use.
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They are Customisable

Another reason for the ongoing popularity of Crocs is how customisable they are with Jibbitz charms.

Jibbitz were originally created in 2005 by a stay-at-home mom (Sheri Shmelzer) who wanted to design some funky clay charms for her family’s pair of Crocs. She and her husband saw the potential, and the family soon set up a website for their venture and it was an instant success. Shmelzer later sold the business for 10 million dollars to Crocs, who grew her idea into the Jibbitz brand we know today.

Jibbtiz are now made with rubber and slip easily into the holes on top of your Crocs. There are thousands of designs available, in everything you can image, from peace signs to fruits. Take a look at them for yourself on crocs.com.

The success of Jibbitz is a huge factor in the overall success of the brand. Being able to customise your own pair of Crocs is an enticing and fun activity, making the footwear more interactive. This also helped boost the popularity of the children’s Crocs range.

Related Articles

Thank you for reading this post on the popularity of Crocs. I hope you now feel more informed on why this brand is so popular, and want to try them out for yourself!

How Long Do Crocs Last? (Are They Worth It?)

How To Spot Fake Crocs – 10 Differences (Photos)

How to Clean Crocs – Ultimate Guide and FAQs

Do Crocs Run Big or Small? – A Review (w/ photos)

Why Are Crocs So Popular? 2023 Style Report - Wearably Weird (4)

Lorna

Lorna is a footwear geek and the founder of Wearably Weird. She created a YouTube channel in 2021 for fellow footwear fanatics, dedicated to detail-rich footwear reviews and info. She has a fashion media qualification (awarded in 2011).

wearablyweird.com/lorna

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Why Are Crocs So Popular? 2023 Style Report - Wearably Weird (2024)

FAQs

Why are Crocs becoming so popular? ›

This desire for comfort is also a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. USA Today explained how the pandemic inspired people to start dressing more casually, opting for loungewear instead of formal clothing. Comfortable yet casual Crocs fit in with this more laid-back style, especially with people working from home.

Are Crocs back in style 2023? ›

Crocs SA is starting 2023 off with a bang, by launching two new futuristic-inspired collections for anyone who needs a funky spin on their footwear. The Echo Collection is for those who want comfort and chic in a single step, while the Mega Crush Collection offers an unrivalled level of chunkiness.

What is so special about Crocs? ›

All Crocs™ shoes are uniquely designed and manufactured using the company's proprietary closed-cell resin, Croslite™, a technology that gives each pair of shoes the soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking and odor-resistant qualities that Crocs wearers know and love.

Are Crocs gaining popularity? ›

Casual Comfort Is King

All told, it sold 115.6 million pairs of Crocs shoes worldwide – nearly four pairs per second – increasing from 103 million pairs in 2021. And another 30.5 million Heydude brand shoes moved last year too.

Why are Crocs so popular in the US? ›

Ultimately the secret to Crocs' success is in iterating on trend-driven styles and accessory options without alienating a core fan base attracted to the shoe's function and comfort. It's this approach that will keep the brand relevant into the future, even as fickle Gen Zers' trends evolve.

Are Crocs good for your feet? ›

"Crocs are OK to wear, within reason," says podiatrist Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM. A rule of thumb: you're good to wear Crocs for short-term, nonexercise use. "If you're just running a quick errand where you're not going to be on your feet for an extended amount of time, then I think that they're fine," Dr.

Are Crocs popular in 2023? ›

We anticipate another record year in 2023 with growth expected to be led by sandals and international for the Crocs Brand and increased U.S. market penetration for Hey Dude,” Andrew Rees, the company's CEO, said in a news release.

How many years will Crocs last? ›

Crocs typically last between 3 and 5 years with everyday wear. With proper care and less frequent wear Crocs can last for up to 10 years. If used exclusively for indoor wear they can last even longer than this.

Who wears Crocs the most? ›

And while the majority of the east coast is hot on the trend — with Delaware and North Carolina taking the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively — the northwestern U.S. is lagging behind in their love of Crocs, with South Dakota, Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming claiming the last five spots on the list.

Did Crocs used to be cheap? ›

Crocs were born of the economic boom. The colorful foam clogs appeared in 2002, just as the country was recovering from a recession. Brash and bright, they were a cheap investment (about $30) that felt good and promised to last forever.

Why are Crocs very expensive? ›

Crocs are made from Croslite, a very expensive material to produce but are the foundation of its success. Crocs' durability, comfort, unique design, and brand power are some of the reasons they are so expensive.

What is the most expensive pair of Crocs? ›

Always considered a divisive shoe, Crocs have officially come out on top and proven their place in the world of high-fashion - after Balenciaga's $850 version of the shoe sold out before they were released.

Why is Crocs hype again? ›

CELEBRITY ENDORsem*nTS. The reasons for the revival of Crocs as a brand are varied, but among them is celebrity endorsem*nts, fashion experts told CNA. In recent years, Crocs have been spotted on the feet of famous celebrities - Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Jisoo from Blackpink and Ariana Grande - to name a few.

Why did Crocs lose popularity? ›

First came announcements that the loose-fitting heel strap may cause foot issues. Then, consumers grew tired of the unchanged, no-frills design that originally seemed so sensible.

What percent of people like Crocs? ›

In general, 3% report intentions to own a pair of Crocs at some point, though when asked specifically about likelihood to purchase in the next three months, that percentage increases to 11%. Crocs seems to be one the many off-beat trends Gen Z picked up and went wild with.

What celebrity made Crocs popular? ›

Fans of the foam clogs include John Cena, Prince George, Mario Batali and Whoopi Goldberg. Here, celebrities who love wearing Crocs.

What state are Crocs most popular? ›

How many Crocs retail stores are there in the United States? There are 3,698 Crocs retail stores in the United States as of April 04, 2023. The state with the most number of Crocs locations in the US is Texas, with 369 retail stores, which is about 10% of all Crocs retail stores in the US.

Should you wear socks with Crocs? ›

Get the sockless style with sock comfort.

But Crocs—just like any shoe—will feel better, smell better, and ultimately last longer if you wear socks with them.

Is it OK to wear Crocs everyday? ›

Wearing Crocs for long periods is not advised by podiatrists. While they may provide great arch support, they are lacking in other areas of support. For example, they do not have enough cushioning at the midsole.

Are Crocs safe for elderly? ›

“I generally recommend that older adults avoid wearing Crocs unless their feet and ankles are very swollen,” Weiser says. This is because Crocs can cause some people to fall. As mentioned, Crocs aren't particularly good at helping you maintain balance, especially since they don't provide heel support.

What is Crocs target age? ›

crocs.com Audience Demographics

Audience composition can reveal a site's current market share across various audiences. crocs.com's audience is 39.76% male and 60.24% female. The largest age group of visitors are 25 - 34 year olds (Desktop).

Will clogs be in style 2023? ›

2023 is all about the rebirth of past trends, and clogs have been making a comeback in a big way.

When did Crocs gain popularity? ›

Crocs, which launched as a boat shoe in 2002, became a ubiquitous summer shoe by the time it went public in 2006. The popularity of Crocs was driven by praise from fans for the extreme comfort of the shoes even as they were widely derided over their looks.

How often should Crocs be washed? ›

How frequently Crocs need to be cleaned depends on how often they are worn and where they are worn. For shoes worn only occasionally, give them a good cleaning at least once per season and spot-clean any specific stains. For Crocs worn daily, more frequent cleaning will keep them looking their best and smelling fresh.

What is the best Crocs brand? ›

  • Overall Best Crocs For Men: Crocs Classic Clog. ...
  • Best Crocs for Men on Amazon: Crocs Offroad Sport Clogs. ...
  • Best Lined Crocs for Men: Classic Lined Crocs. ...
  • Best Crocs Clogs for Men: Crocs Bistro Clog. ...
  • Best Crocs Slippers for Men: Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandal. ...
  • Best Customized Crocs for Men: Crocs Hiker Clog.
Mar 30, 2023

Does Kim Kardashian wear Crocs? ›

Kim Kardashian wears heeled Crocs in boldest fashion statement yet.

Do Floridians wear Crocs? ›

If there's one thing synonymous with living in South Florida it's crocs — and we mean crocodiles. However, it looks like Floridians are taking their fondness for the giant reptile a little too far. In 2021, Floridians are buying Crocs, the popular rubber shoe, more than ever before.

Is there a fake Crocs? ›

You can spot fake Crocs if they are missing any of authentic Crocs' distinctive features, such as a tag with a barcode unique to the shoe model, genuine logos in specific places on the shoes, particular information on the outsoles, and the characteristic light, flexible, foam-like material.

Do Crocs mold to your feet? ›

Unless you wash them often, all your sweat just festers in there and when you're a devoted Crocs wearer, this can lead to serious conditions such as nail fungus and athlete's foot, in the long-term.

Why are Crocs called Crocs? ›

The company was given the name Crocs™ after the multi-environment, amphibious nature of Crocodiles. Building momentum with a shoe unlike any other, Crocs™ provided consumers with innovative, fun and comfortable footwear that could be worn for a variety of lifestyle occasions.

What were Crocs made for? ›

Crocs was founded by Scott Seamans, Lyndon "Duke" Hanson and George Boedecker Jr. to produce and distribute a foam boat shoe, whose design they acquired from Foam Creations, Inc. of Quebec City. Seamans loved the comfort, the slip resistance, and that they could float.

Where are Crocs sold the most? ›

The majority of Crocs are sold in the Americas, including both North and South America. A whopping 69.5% of Crocs' sales came from this region in 2021.

What is a cheaper alternative to Crocs? ›

But if the colours, style, or budget is not for you, here are some brands that do clogs just like crocs, across budgets.
  • Woodland. Green Close-Toe Sandal For Men. ...
  • Bewakoof. Clogs From Bewakoof. ...
  • Birkenstock. Super-birki Vegan Pink Textured Regular Width Women Clogs. ...
  • Skechers. Go Walk 5 - Astonished. ...
  • Khadims. ...
  • Melissa. ...
  • Bata.

What is the rarest croc in the world? ›

Cuban crocs, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say.

Who brought back the Crocs trend? ›

Then the iconic collaboration with Post Malone brought Crocs to the forefront of pop culture, especially Gen Z.

What went wrong with Crocs? ›

The clogs were for sale everywhere. The company was overextended, and the recession made it worse. Crocs was saddled with excess inventory and forced to liquidate it. Retailers cut back on buying some of its newer products as shoppers turned on the brand.

Why are Crocs struggling? ›

Crocs' sales struggled between 2016 and 2019 as interest in its infamous foam clog style waned and the brand was forced to shutdown 160 retail stores. However, after an investment in buzzy collaborations and a pandemic-driven sales boost, Crocs became cool again. The brand sold 69 million pairs of clogs in 2020 alone.

Will Crocs ever go out of business? ›

"While accurate, some people have interpreted that to mean that Crocs will no longer be making and selling shoes. Quite the contrary, Crocs will continue to innovate, design and produce the most comfortable shoes on the planet.

Why are all the kids wearing Crocs? ›

"They offer some arch support and cushion, the holes in the shoe allow air in and keep the feet from sweating, and the antimicrobial properties of Crocs could help prevent infections in kids' feet." Kids' crocs come in so many different styles and colors, kids everywhere are wearing the shoes that fit their feet and ...

Why are Crocs suddenly so expensive? ›

The main reason Crocs are so pricey is because of the material they're made of called Croslite (an expensive polymer). Croslite and other high-quality materials used to make Crocs are what makes them durable and long-lasting while providing lots of comfort. But that's not the only reason.

When did Crocs regain popularity? ›

Sales for the shoe skyrocketed during the pandemic, and in the first quarter of 2021, Crocs saw an increase of nearly 65% in sales, BBC reported.

Are they gonna stop making Crocs? ›

Crocs to close last of manufacturing plants, but says, 'We aren't going anywhere' The footwear company announced that it was closing the last of its manufacturing stores. In a note to CNBC, Crocs representatives wrote that the company would continue to make its signature footwear through third-party manufacturers.

Are Crocs going to stop being made? ›

Crocs is closing down the last of their manufacturing plants – but they say their controversial shoes won't be going anywhere. CNBC reports the company has closed its plant in Mexico and will also close down it's final manufacturing facility in Italy.

Who wore Crocs first? ›

1. Crocs first appeared on the shoe scene in 2002. Colorado natives Scott Seamans, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, and George Boedecker, Jr.

Who wears yellow Crocs? ›

For the 85-year-old artist David Hockney it was simple – his signature checked Savile Row suit, a knitted checkerboard tie … and a pair of yellow garden Crocs.

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