Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (2024)

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  • As a style editor, I was firmly anti-Crocs. After trying a pair, I sing their praises to everyone.
  • They're incredibly comfortable and I love wearing them around the house and my neighborhood.
  • Read more about why your feet deserve a pair, below.

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (1)

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Hardly any trend from the past 20 years has elicited such ire or received such spirited defense as Crocs.

If anyone had asked me a year ago whether or not I would touch a pair of these shoes with a 10-foot pole, I would have probably said "that pole isn't long enough." But, as I suspect has happened to millions of others (after all, Crocs did have its best year of sales ever in 2020), my opinions changed once I gave them a chance.

My coworker Elisabeth and I both agreed to try Crocs during the pandemic, me from the perspective of "These are ugly but I'll wear them around the house" and she from the angle of "These are just the right amount of ugly, I bet I can make them cute." We both ended up firmly in the camp of "We don't care what they look like. They're just ridiculously comfortable."

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Comfort

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (5)

Sally Kaplan/INSIDER

I always knew Crocs were comfy — I had a neon green pair when I was 12 that I wore at summer camp — but it wasn't until I tried them as an adult that I really understood why people love them. They are a perfect house and errand shoe: easy to slip on, supportive while cooking and cleaning, and very cushy for quick walks around the neighborhood. They feel like walking on giant foam sponges.

We both found that Crocs were much more comfortable to wear with socks than without if you're going on long walks, but personally, I don't mind wearing them without socks around the house.

Style

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (6)

Listen, they're not quite as ridiculous-looking as I used to think they were. So many fashion people on Instagram were loving these strawberry Crocs and finding ways to make them look, dare I say it, very wearable. Elisabeth tried a platform pair that ended up looking as fun and cute as a chunky pair of dad sneakers.

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (7)

Elisabeth Chambry/INSIDER

The white pairI tried is actually not that far off from a pair of white sneakers, at least as far as wearability goes. I mean, I'm still only really wearing them with lounge clothes around the neighborhood, but the neutral colors are generally less offensive. Elisabeth's black pairs have the same vibe — they're simple and not that different than a pair of chunky sneakers. I'm not buying up the super bright patterned ones, but if that's your vibe, I'm proud of you and your spunk!

And anyway, I'm kind of sick of people saying that styles and trends are ugly and no one should wear them. If you're happy with how something looks or feels, then go for it! This is not an episode of "What Not to Wear."

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Sizing

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (9)

Sally Kaplan/Insider

If you're considering a pair, note that Crocs only come in whole sizes. If you're a half size or in between sizes, we recommend going up.

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The bottom line

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (10)

Elisabeth Chambry/INSIDER

Overall, I've gotta give it up to Crocs. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and they'll last a long time. I don't care that people (including myself) think they're ugly — I'm just glad I've found a great pair of shoes to wear around the house when my feet hurt.

Sally Kaplan

Executive Editor, Insider Reviews

Sally Kaplan is the Executive Editor for Insider Reviews, the product review wing of Insider's service journalism team. Sally started at Insider in 2018 as an editor and has since held the role of senior editor and deputy editor on Insider Reviews. She has interviewed startup CEOs and brand founders, reported on the rebirth of a fashion company that narrowly escaped bankruptcy, written guides to wardrobe staples like the best loafers, developed testing methodology for hundreds of stories, and edited countless reviews, buying guides, deal articles, and gift guides. She has over 10 years' experience covering product reviews and major deal holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Prior to joining Insider Inc., she was the lifestyle editor at Hearst's BestProducts.com, where she wrote product reviews and gift guides, and developed the site's coverage of big deal days. Previously, she helped to shape BuzzFeed's early shopping and reviews coverage, which included introducing its popular "What's trending on Amazon?" series. Say hi to Sally at skaplan@businessinsider.com, give her a shout on Instagram @saltykaplan, or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

Crocs sales are soaring during the pandemic — I used to think they were an abomination, but after trying a pair I understand why (2024)

FAQs

Why did Crocs become so popular during the pandemic? ›

It's undeniable that the Crocs brand was a massive pandemic winner. As people stayed indoors and demand for its comfortable clogs skyrocketed. From 2019 to 2021, Crocs' revenue doubled and its net profit increased five-fold.

Why did Crocs raise their prices? ›

This heightened demand, coupled with the brand's commitment to quality and comfort, adds to the price of Crocs. Note: Crocs aren't specifically made to be health shoes, but they do have features that can be good for your feet. Because of these extra foot benefits, the cost of making Crocs increases.

Why did Crocs suddenly become popular? ›

Like Peloton, Etsy and Zoom, Crocs saw its business boom during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The company's aesthetically questionable but easily slipped-on clogs were the perfect footwear for Americans puttering around their homes, gardens and kitchens during quarantine.

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. Within a decade, the company had seemed to rise, fall, rise and fall again.

Why do Crocs have a bad reputation? ›

Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank,” said Kor. Crocs, according to Kor, "are the 'poster child' for shoes with a flexible shank... In other words, on a daily basis, I see patients who come into my office complaining of arch or heel pain, and they are wearing Crocs," he said.

What are so great about Crocs? ›

Crocs make for excellent footwear because they are lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip into and out of. They are also breathable, promote circulation, and have enough room to avoid compression of the toes.

Why did Crocs become so expensive? ›

More Answers

Their durability and comfort mean they'll last, making them worth the cost. Crocs use a unique, high-quality material called Croslite™ that's super comfy, lightweight, and durable. You're paying for that cloud-like foot hug!

Why are Crocs so hyped? ›

According to us, the reasons are comfort, versatility, and durability. Some people have also told us that they look trendy, so they purchase them without any hesitation.

Why are Crocs making a comeback? ›

Gen Z and Celebrity Endorsem*nts

Gen Z's embrace of Crocs, the emergence of the 'Vsco girl' trend, and celebrity endorsem*nts from stars like Justin Bieber and Post Malone further propelled the Crocs resurgence.

Who is Crocs' biggest competitor? ›

Crocs Inc: Competitors
  • NIKE Inc Headquarters. 83,700. $51.2B.
  • adidas AG Headquarters. Germany. 51,561. $23.2B.
  • VF Corp Headquarters. 19,800. $11.6B.
  • Foot Locker Inc Headquarters. 15,200. $8.2B.

What demographic wears Crocs? ›

The age group 25-34 represents the highest share at 31.99%, followed by ages 35-44 at 20.37%, and ages 18-24 at 18.36%. The distribution continues with ages 45-54 (14.66%), 55-64 (9.44%), and 65 and above (5.19%).

Who is the target audience for Crocs? ›

Target Audience and Market Segmentation

With their vibrant colors and unique designs, Crocs have become a popular choice among teenagers and young adults. These customers are drawn to the brand's ability to offer comfortable and stylish footwear that reflects their personality and fashion preferences.

Are Crocs a fad or trend? ›

Crocs Are an Old Fashion Trend That Are Regaining Popularity.

Are Crocs going out of business? ›

CNBC reports the company has closed its plant in Mexico and will also close down it's final manufacturing facility in Italy. The company told Footwearnews.com that they are simply moving their production to a third party, and will continue to sell their iconic shoes.

Why has Crocs made a comeback? ›

Wearing Crocs became seen as not just a practical choice, but fun and allowed the wearer to reflect their unique style. A major factor that has helped Crocs make a comeback in recent years is the popularity of the athleisure trend.

Why are Crocs the new trend? ›

The company, which has long been marketed as easy slip-ons that were durable and unbeatable in comfort, began making a case for being the perfect footwear to use around their homes, in their gardens and kitchens around the time of quarantine. Crocs quickly gained fans who craved comfort amidst the lockdown and beyond.

Why are Crocs popular in hospitals? ›

Crocs have been hailed as the ultimate pandemic shoe — comfortable and affordable, easy to clean and appropriately casual for legions of employees working from home.

What was the original purpose of Crocs? ›

The Genesis of the Crocs Empire

emerged from the creative minds of three Colorado natives – Scott Seamans, Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, and George Boedecker, Jr. They initially designed the shoes for boating purposes, drawing inspiration from the Dutch clog style.

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