Despite the love-hate feelings that they elicit, Crocs have become one of the most popular shoe brands. They are comfortable, easy to wear, and look aesthetically appealing. The footwear is ideal for people of all ages and is the go-to option for many celebrities. For those of you who own or plan to buy a pair of Crocs, here are some mind-blowing facts about this shoe brand.
1. Crocs Entered the Shoe Market in 2002
Even though Crocs seem to have popped up recently, they have been in the market since 2001. Three inventors formed the company: George Boedecker Jr, Lyndon Hanson, and Scott Seamans. George and Lyndon initially thought Crocs were ugly, and people wouldn’t like them. It was Scott who pushed for them to be released into the market, claiming that they were very useful.
2. Crocs were Initially Boat Shoes
Today, Crocs can be worn on almost all occasions. However, when launched in 2002, they were designed to be used as boat shoes. The founders of Crocs first sold their shoes during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida in 2002. They were an excellent choice for boaters because they are waterproof, lightweight, and have a firm grip.
3. Clogs inspired Crocs
The Dutch have a certain type of shoe made from wood, known as clogs. Farmers mostly wore them because they offered more protection to feet. Clogs inspired Crocs and resemble them significantly. However, Crocs are more flexible, unlike clogs, making them perfect for a wide range of uses.
4. The Concept of “Crocs” Was Borrowed from a Canadian Company
While the three Crocs founders were on a trip in the Caribbean, they discovered the concept of Crocs from a Canadian company called Foam Creations. So, they borrowed this idea and added a few improvements, such as the strap at the back of the shoe. They then started selling the shoes in America.
5. Crocs are Named after Crocodiles
When coming up with the shoe design, the three founders of Crocs noticed that it looked like the snout of a crocodile from the sides. That’s where the name Crocs came from.
6. A Pair of Crocs Has 26 Holes
Most people assume that Crocs have a random number of holes. However, the manufacturer specifically punctures 26 holes in every pair. The reason behind the 13 holes in each croc shoe is to ensure proper ventilation and prevent sweating. Also, the holes come in handy in draining excess water for those wearing them on boats.
7. Crocs Mould to the Shape of Your Feet
Crocs are made using a material known as Croslite. The company patented this material; therefore, no one else can use it. It is waterproof, comfortable, and the best part is that it conforms to the shape of your feet. This is why wearing somebody else’s pair of Crocs always feels strange, even if you have the same shoe size.
8. Crocs Became Popular During the Pandemic
Many people believe that Crocs were introduced into the market during the pandemic because that’s when this shoe brand became popular both online and offline. Isn’t it strange that a shoe brand became so popular at a time when outdoor movement was limited?
In 2020, Crocs earned a revenue of around 1.4 billion dollars. That was a 12.6% increase from what they had sold in 2019. Another reason the company went viral during the pandemic is because they donated free shoes to healthcare workers. From 2020, more than a million pairs of Crocs have been donated to healthcare workers.
9. More Than 700 Million Pairs of Crocs Have Been Sold So Far
Compared to other brands, Crocs has sold more than 700 million pairs since the company was born. This is according to the World Population Review. Crocs are available in about 90 countries.
10. There are Crocs with Heels
Crocs once collaborated with Balenciaga to release Crocs with high heels. It’s a typical croc but with a heel at the back. Upon release, a pair went for $625. This shoe made its debut at the 2017 Paris Fashion Week.
11. A Survey Found Out That Crocs Are the Shoes People Dislike the Most
There are two kinds of people: those who love Crocs and those who dislike them; there is no in-between. The gaming site Tombola UK surveyed more than 14,000 people, and the results were Crocs are one of the most hated shoe trends. A good number of people find Crocs to be unprofessional, hideous, and impractical.
12. Croc’s Initial Target Market were the Adults
While kids and teenagers are the biggest fans of Crocs today, these shoes were initially targeted at adults. With the change in market dynamics, Crocs started adapting bright colors and trendy designs.
13. October 23 Is National Crocs Day
People love Crocs so much that October 23 was marked National Crocs Day. During this day, Crocs enthusiasts celebrate this shoe the best way they know how. The most intriguing part is that it coincides with the day people celebrate crocodiles.
14. Several Celebrities Have Been Spotted Wearing Crocs
Crocs were made for more than just everyday people; this shoe brand is also a celebrity favorite. Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie, and Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing Crocs on different occasions. Brooke Shields even wore Crocs to the red carpet.
15. Crocs Also Makes Golf Shoes
To cater to customers who also enjoy golfing, Crocs introduced golfing shoes in 2008. This happened after they acquired Bite Footwear, a golf shoe manufacturer. It’s stylish, offers an unrivaled grip, and lightweight. Like typical Crocs, the golf shoe is also water resistant.
