Crocs make come-back

In 2002 founders Scott Seamans, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, and George Boedecker Jr., introduced the world to one of the most popular brands of “boat shoes” in history, Crocs. 16 years later expanding their brand to more than the original foam clogs, Crocs are here to make their comeback like so many other popular fashion trends.

“I’m so happy that Crocs are making a comeback,” said DePaul senior Logan O’Brien. “I’ve been wearing mine for years, just waiting for them to be in style again. They’re just so comfortable and I’m ecstatic that I can wear them in public again.”

Crocs were originally created as boat shoes and were unveiled at the 2002 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. At the time of the unveiling, the company had produced 200 pairs of the shoes and sold every last pair. Since then, the company has sold over 300 million pairs of shoes.

When Crocs were all the rage, it wasn’t uncommon to see some of the world’s most famous celebrities sporting a pair. For example, actors like Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Rihanna, John Cena, Steven Tyler, and many others have been seen proudly wearing Crocs.

“Our customers are very well rounded,” said Crocs store clerk Veronica. “They love their classic clogs but they also enjoy the comfort of some of our new styles such as our loafers and our slip-resistant shoes.”

Since their release in 2002, the Crocs company has expanded its brand to sandals, flip flops, shoes, flats, heels, loafers, sneakers, and boots. With the expansion in styles of shoes, this has since given Crocs supporters and new customers more options for comfort while being on their feet.

Sitting for too long has been proven to lead to increased risk in death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, people are being told they need to be on their feet more and more to decrease the risk.

To curve the risk, people are spending more time on their feet and therefore need a shoe that will give them the support they need to spend hours on their feet. Crocs are those supportive shoes that people are looking for.

“My Crocs are my go-to shoes after a long day on my feet,” said O’Brien. “I wear them to work, after work, any time my feet need a break.”

Notable pro-athletes, such as Tom Brady, Sidney Crosby and Chicago’s very own Patrick Kane have praised Crocs for being comfortable and fun. Many student athletes have also relied on Crocs to provide a comfortable shoe to put on after their designated activities.

“When I used to swim, my mother bought me a pair of Crocs and I loved them,” said DePaul junior Dan Paskon. “I enjoyed decorating them with the little jibbitz the most because that made them mine.”

Jibbitz, or charms, are accessories that you can put in the holes of your Crocs to personalize them. There are many different categories of jibbitz, such as Disney, sports, letters, numbers, other characters and many more. Jibbitz make Crocs fun for all ages.

“The charms are really fun,” said Veronica. “It’s even at the college level. Everyone loves the charms and it’s what makes wearing Crocs fun and unique.”