My blue Crocs (LiteRide) have become the footwear of choice, marking a surprising evolution in my relationship with shoes.
I have been wearing Crocs for about 8-10 years. It began innocently enough as a replacement for house slippers – just something casual to slip on while going out. But over the years, and especially after the pandemic, I find myself wearing them everywhere – even to the office (when I don’t have formal meetings).
I absolutely love them. The comfort is nothing short of amazing – like walking on supportive clouds. At times, for a better fit and especially when I do some serious walking, I’ll wear socks for a tighter grip. Yes, I’ve become one of those people who commit the alleged fashion faux pas of wearing socks with Crocs, and I’m completely at peace with it!
What fascinates me is how Crocs have made this journey from being widely mocked as ugly, chunky plastic shoes to becoming a legitimate fashion statement. My first reaction was “Really?” when my son Abhishek, an early convert, suggested I try them. When I first put them on and walked around, I found the experience liberating – they felt light on the feet and did not cramp my toes. I haven’t stopped wearing them since. Between my Crocs and my Asics sports shoes, I have effectively retired my formal black leather shoes (Bata’s Hush Puppies).
The success of Crocs isn’t surprising when you consider their features: they’re made from Croslite, a proprietary closed-cell resin that makes them incredibly comfortable and lightweight. They’re breathable thanks to ventilation ports, water-resistant, versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use, and remarkably easy to clean. Plus, you can just slip them on and go!
The Crocs story itself is fascinating. Born in 2002 in Boulder, Colorado, three friends developed these foam clogs using Croslite material, initially as a boating shoe. Their first model, the “Beach,” sold out its 200 pairs instantly at a Florida boat show. Despite facing mockery and near-bankruptcy in 2009, Crocs made an incredible comeback, particularly during the pandemic’s comfort-wear boom. Today, it’s a $4 billion revenue company.
Sometimes the best things in life come in unconventional packages. For me, it’s these rubber clogs that have redefined my daily comfort and challenged my preconceptions about acceptable footwear. Who knew that what started as a simple slipper replacement would become such a staple in my wardrobe?
