Croc Velocity $59.99 photo: safgard.com
For any company that relies on a fickle consumer base that is easily swayed by trends and the next big thing it can be difficult to stay relevant. Without a doubt, Crocs, the company that brought us the most improbably hip colorful plastic clog that makes you look like a cross between a duck and a human, is one such company. Even though at the time I was well aware of the fact that these anomalously popular scuff-abouts were sure to be a flash in the pan, all it took was for me to try a pair on and I was hooked.
Despite being undeniably quirky (some would say fugly), those original Crocs were so dang comfortable that it didn't matter what they looked like. Sometimes form, function and comfort win out over style.
By 2004, Crocs was on top of the world. Word had obviously spread that these super-lightweight shoes were crazy comfortable and demand for them was through the roof. Deliveries of their products couldn't make it to the retailers fast enough. The company scrambled to expand to meet demand. However, while concentrating on such distractions as market share, retailer networks and raw material sourcing, they lost sight of the fact that they were serving a fickle public and those folks soon grew weary of the few choices Crocs had to offer.
Fast-forward to 2009. Over the last five years, instead of withering away and being forgotten, it looks like Crocs has focused on product development, and though they've had a few loser products come and go, they seem to be on the right track to maintain viability. No longer are Crocs just a gardening shoe, or something you slip on in which to run to the market. The unique combination of light weight, surprising support, and yes, style, make Crocs the perfrect choice for the workplace, your favorite hiking trail, or a night out on the town.
Their new product lines venture far from the clog of yore. They have boat shoes now that actually look like boat shoes and light-duty hikers that would make the most hardcore Keen fanatic sit up and take notice. Best of all, especially in an economy such as ours, Crocs are still inexpensive. The "Velocity" shoe pictured above sells for a mere $59.99. Not bad for a shoe that you'll surely get several years out of (my Crocs from 2004/5 are still in decent shape!).
Comments
My only issue with Crocs is that I can't wear them. Unless things have changed recently, anyone with a high instep (in other words short yet tall feet) can just forget it.
Original crocs, and these crocs are both fug. There are plenty of comfy shoes out there that don't appear to be orthopedic.
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