Have you got a pair of Crocs yet?

FT NEWS

The Croc is nothing if not a practical lockdown footwear solution. It’s as comfortable as a slipper, yet the sturdy sole means it works outside, too, for trips to the supermarket, or to pop the bins out. A wipe-down rubber clog could not be easier to keep clean, and the potential for decorative additions, means you can inject a personal touch. 

In the current climate, the Croc renaissance—Justin Bieber’s recent collab with the brand sold out in 90 minutes, and the New York Times declared the functional shoe had “won 2020” last month—makes perfect sense. As we inch closer to a second strict lockdown, Lyst confirms demand for Crocs remains high, with search up 89 per cent week on week. What’s more, when Bieber teased his collab before the launch, the brand’s share price skyrocketed.

Interest in Crocs has spiked by 38 per cent compared to last year, and its quirky best sellers – tie-dye, camo and gemstone clogs among them—suggest that customers are eager for footwear to lift the spirits. The recent resurgence comes some years after the functional shoe was first given a high-fashion spin. It was Christopher Kane who spotlighted the Croc’s potential, and included it in his spring/summer 2017 collection. The British designer paired metallic dresses with swirling tie-dye iterations, souped up with a sprinkling of gobstopper-sized crystals over the toe. 

Balenciaga further mined the shoe’s meme potential in its spring/summer 2018 collection, which featured a platform reboot of the professional chef’s favourite shoe. Balenciaga embellished its Crocs with logos, flags, and even an avocado, and released a jet-black pair complete with spike appliqués that onlookers quickly deemed perfect for a trip to a Berlin nightclub. 

As befits any cult shoe, the Croc also has a devoted celebrity fanbase. Bieber aside, Pharrell is vocal in his appreciation for his neon yellow pair, and the shoes have even had the seal of approval from Rihanna, who was seen wearing a Dior version long before their latter-day resurgence. Way back in 2015 Helen Mirren was wearing her Union Jack Crocs (which she confessed to washing in the dishwasher) to appear on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show. Ariana Grande, meanwhile, perfected the art of “Crocs and socks” last year.  

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