Yes, they're the shoes everyone loves to hate. The fashion world despise them, and there are countless blogs and Facebook pages dedicated to their demise. But somehow, the trend for Crocs is still going strong.
Not that long ago, in 2009, many around the world were glad to hear that the Colorado-based shoe company was facing closure. Now, however, Crocs have somehow made a comeback, as their revenue has just passed $1 billion. For a shoe that was introduced in 2002, and favoured by people such as chefs and hospital workers for it's durability and practicality, it's transition into fashion statement is nothing short of odd.
Fans of the functional, yet undoubtedly ugly footwear, including celebrities such as Rihanna, Leighton Meester, Alicia Silverstone, Jack Nicholson and Tom Brady, will swear by the comfort of the foam sole that moulds itself to your foot and has even been called medically beneficial.
Yet many of us, including a current 1.6 million who have 'liked' a certain negatively-inclined Crocs page, are not able to justify comfort over something so hideous. In May 2010, Time Magazine even listed Crocs as one of the world's 50 worst inventions.