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The History of Crocs: From Ugly to Fashionable

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The History of Crocs: From Ugly to Fashionable

May 10, 2025

Crocs are the footwear everyone loves to hate — at least until they try a pair on and realize how insanely comfortable the shoes are. What started as a shoe mocked for its awkward appearance has somehow found itself on fashion runways, celebs’ feet and everyday wardrobes. Whether you love the look of a Crocs sandal in the summer, or your kids change their Jibbitz more often than they change their hairstyles, here’s what you should know about how the world’s “ugliest” shoe became a fashion staple.

Man in crocs

The Beginnings: Crocs Company History

In 2002, three friends, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, George Boedecker Jr. and Scott Seamans, came across a unique foam clog produced by a Canadian company called Foam Creations. The shoes were made from a proprietary closed-cell resin called Croslite. This at-the-time revolutionary material that provided comfort, durability and was incredibly lightweight. So lightweight, in fact, that if your shoe went overboard on a boating excursion it wouldn’t sink to the bottom of the lake or river. Recognizing its potential as a boating shoe, the trio acquired exclusive rights to the design and the Croslite material. 

The name “Crocs” was chosen to reflect the amphibious, multienvironment capabilities of crocodiles, mirroring the shoes’ versatility on both land and water. The first Crocs model, called the “Beach,” debuted at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida in 2002. All 200 pairs produced sold out immediately. In response, Crocs quickly expanded its product offerings. But boaters weren’t the only ones who liked the shoes. Everyone from health care workers and chefs to people who needed a durable, comfy footwear option quickly co-opted the “ugly” Crocs clogs. 

Crocs weren’t made for fashion; they were made for function. That utilitarian beginning would later help define its ironic appeal.

Crocs History Timeline

When Beach shoes were introduced, Crocs was just getting started. Here’s a timeline of the company’s ascent: 

2006: Crocs Goes Public, Acquires Jibbitz

Crocs goes public and sees rapid growth. They acquire Jibbitz, the company that makes the fun charms that can be popped into the holes of Crocs.

2008: Sink or Swim 

The company hits turbulence due to overexpansion and declining sales, sparking rumors that the Crocs fad is over.

2010: Service Industry Wins 

Despite the backlash, Crocs quietly remains a favorite for health care workers, chefs and anyone on their feet all day.

2017-2018: “Ugly” Goes Mainstream

Fashion houses and influencers begin adopting Crocs ironically. Balenciaga launches a high-heeled platform Croc, and celebrities like Post Malone and Justin Bieber collaborate on custom designs.

2020: COVID-19 & Crocs 

The pandemic boosts Crocs' popularity as people seek comfort during lockdowns. The brand leans into its weirdness, embracing bold colors, platform styles and nostalgic collabs.

Green crocs

Crocs Silhouettes

Though the classic clog is the most recognizable silhouette, Crocs now offers a diverse range of styles:

  • The Crocs Echo Wave brings a futuristic, streamlined model to the table. 
  • Crocs Miami Toe Loop sandals give women a retro, ’80s beach-style look. 
  • Crocs Isabella sandals offer jellies-like footwear with all the comfort of Croslite material. 
  • The Crocs Dylan Platform is a thick clog, perfect for chefs, health care workers and anyone on their feet all day, every day. 
  • Crocs Classic Clogs are the OG of the Crocs brand. They come in all different sizes, colors and patterns.

Features Across Crocs Models

And despite the meme, Crocs were not made for the movie “Idiocracy.” But here are a few practical features, no matter what type of Crocs you’re rocking: 

  • Croslite material: The proprietary foam resin molds to your feet, offering cushioning and support. It's also odor-resistant and super easy to clean.
  • Ventilation ports: Those 13 holes? They serve a purpose. The holes improve breathability, help water and debris drain, and they offer customization options with Jibbitz charms.
  • Lightweight and Non-slip: Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, especially wet environments.
  • True-to-size fit: Crocs typically fit true to size, so you can usually order your normal shoe size, but since they only come in whole sizes, it's recommended to size up if you wear a half size for the most comfortable fit. Check our sizing tips here.

Woman next to Crocs

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Crocs

Here are a few things you may not have known about your favorite footwear brand: 

  • The name “Crocs” comes from the crocodile, an animal that lives both in water and on land, just like the shoes.
  • Crocs has sold over 850 million pairs worldwide.
  • Some limited-edition collabs resell for hundreds of dollars online.
  • The company once made high-heeled Crocs, fur-lined winter models and even glow-in-the-dark versions.
  • In 2021, Crocs was named one of the top-selling footwear brands in the U.S.
  • Their design was inspired by traditional wooden Dutch clogs, without the heaviness of wood. 
  • Celebrities like Madonna and Justin Bieber have been spotted wearing Crocs. The brand has also released unusual collaborations, such as the Kentucky Fried Chicken Crocs, which featured a fried chicken print and chicken-scented charms.
  • During the pandemic, Crocs donated nearly 1 million pairs to health care workers.

From its humble boating origins to runway moments and internet memes, the Crocs saga is proof that fashion doesn’t always have to be serious to be stylish. Ugly? Maybe. Comfortable? Absolutely. No matter how you rock your Crocs — whether in your garden, your kitchen or down the city streets, be sure to find pairs you love for the whole fam at Hibbett!

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