By Amanda Gabriel
Senior Writer
Among the various eccentric fashion trends that have made their debut in the 2000s, Crocs are one of the most odd and controversial. Disappearing from the fashion world around 2008, Crocs have since made a comeback after resurfacing on the London runway in 2016 when designer Christopher Kane finished off a romantic dress with the cumbersome footwear. The following new year, magazines deemed Crocs the next big thing in the ugly shoe trend which includes other footwear like Uggs and Birkenstocks, whose reputation has also changed from dont’s to do’s.
Although the rubber clogs are indeed ugly, their comfort is undeniable. As they gain popularity and social acceptance more and more people feel comfortable wearing them outside of their bedrooms. Other footwear such as heels and pointed-toe shoes can lead to health problems with feet and posture, so Crocs are indeed a better option when it comes to comfort. Or are they? In the years 2008-2012, the company faced a series of lawsuits as a result of several Croc-wearing children getting their feet stuck in escalators. Additionally, numerous podiatrists advise against wearing the shoe because they are not designed for all day wear and therefore lack specific support needs like failing to secure the wearer’s heel.
Despite these allegations, Crocs have undeniably increased in popularity, but are still the topic of heated discussion around the world. Perhaps their reappearance is simply a form of irony, since many other fashion trends, specifically from the ‘90s, have made a comeback in a similar way, such as mom jeans and knock off hand bags. Like any fashion trend, it is the decision of the buyer whether to fall back into this trend or let it relieve its glory as an ironic joke in the fashion industry.