Crocs Shoes Making Great Strides (WE WUZ JUST TALKIN' ABOUT CROCS ON THE FLIP-FLOP THREAD)

SFGate/The Associated Press ^ | 6/30/06 | JoANNE VIVIANO

[paulat]

Crocs Shoes Making Great Strides

[SNIP]

The bulky clog with a strap along the heel and holes across the top and around the toes is winning consumers over with its versatility and comfort. Food service and factory workers, hair stylists and hospital personnel buy them for comfort. Boaters and swimmers buy them for function. And some just think they're fun.

[SNIP]

Crocs, which got its name because the shoes are water-friendly and tough, now lends its cartoon crocodile logo to more than a dozen styles. There are flip flops, slides, a calf-high boot, a hiking shoe and a Mary Jane that's set to hit stores this fall. They come in 20 colors — from chocolate and sea blue to lime and fuchsia — prices range from about $30 to $60.

Tim Kaiser, store manager at the Tradehome Shoe Store in Bismarck, N.D., said he sells to many nurses who say Crocs are more comfortable than $100 walking shoes and easy to sanitize.

[SNIP]

Crocs Inc., based in Niwot, Colo., reported $24,000 in revenues and sold 1,500 pairs of clogs in 2002, its first year. Last year, the company sold 6 million pairs of shoes and total revenues, including shoes, accessories and clothing, hit $108.6 million

[SNIP]

In May, Crocs said it expected sales for 2006 to reach $200 million to $205 million.

Crocs went public on the Nasdaq Stock Market in February at $21 per share; the stock rose 1.8 percent June 28 to close at $23.69.

"There's no doubt that they are very, very hot right now," said Michael Wood, vice president of the marketing firm Teenage Research Unlimited. "The key to it is they're comfortable, they're practical and they're fun ... and they're also affordable so you can buy into the trend without making a big investment."

[SNIP]

[Blue Jays]

Hi AnnaZ-

That's an awfully strong word over a simple pair of shoes.

~ Blue Jays ~

[Gator101]

I despised them too....until I tried a pair on.

Same with me. My feet feel some much better than they used to. I live in Colorado where these things are all over the place. I don't really go for the bright colors so I got the black ones. Half the time people don't realize I'm wearing them.

[AnnaZ]

They could be as comfortable as my Uggs, and I still will refuse to succumb. They're absolutely fugly.

= )

[paulat]

I have boots like those of Condi's. I'll bet she puts on crocs as soon as she shucks the boots kind of like I do.

...there's a time to every purpose...under heaven.....

[hispanarepublicana]

Well, they ARE fugly. But the cost/benefits ratio is favorable. I don't wear mine in public, but for gardening and standing in the kitchen cooking. I like them for gardening because you can just slip in and out of them.

[hispanarepublicana]

look at the keywords

[AnnaZ]

That's an awfully strong word over a simple pair of shoes.

Maybe, maybe not.

The first time I saw some kids walking to school in them I gasped at their ugliness. I knew a trend was brewing. Right then and there, I said NEVER.

Within the month I saw them everywhere... moms, dads, teens, children -- and I screamed.

I find them obnoxiously ugly.

[AnnaZ]

I don't wear mine in public, but for gardening and standing in the kitchen cooking.

Okay. That's permissible. You have my blessing. Carry on.

(LOL)

[paulat]

They could be as comfortable as my Uggs, and I still will refuse to succumb.

....ummmm....pot....kettle....

[AnnaZ]

LOL!

Yet, I disagree. These are not ugly.



= )

[nuconvert]

My everyday shoes for at least the past 12 yrs have been clogs.
There are many more comfortable clogs than Crocs. Many of the european brands; Josef Seibel, Romika, Dansko, Clark's, or try Hush Puppies, White Mountain, or the very affordable Cobbie Cuddlers.

[Last Dakotan]

Still waiting for the steel toed version. Until then my Redwings will suit just fine.

[hispanarepublicana]

those boots are as ugly as a mud fence; as ugly as homemade soap.

[builder]

"I have boots like those of Condi's."

Be still my beating heart.

[AnnaZ]

LOL!

Okay, fine, it's like your croc thing... hated then 'til I put them on.

Sadly, though, I hardly wear them anymore. Austin's weather is super-snuggly all on its own. But in L.A., I wore them 362 nights and mornings a year.

[robomurph]

I've had a pair of black ones for about a year. I love them. As someone said, they are like walking on clouds.

The only place I don't wear them is in a business setting. They really are fugly.

[BamaDi]

I absolutely love them...have three pair....went today to get the "flip flop" style and they were sold out!!!!

[BamaDi]

anything by Clarke....I love Clarke's....but Crocs are the most comfortable....

[pbear8]

Saw them first in Las Vegas last year and I tried a pair on. Thought they were ugly, but too comfortable not to wear. I have two pair and wear them everywhere!

[BamaDi]

my only problem with them is that Size Small is too big and Size X-Small are a little too small....so I buy the Smalls and they make my feet look huge....but I do love those things. My aunt has every color they've put out....that's all she wears!