Within the last five years, the Colorado-based Crocs, whose shoes range from $30 to $60 a pair, has become the fastest-growing footwear company in the world. Tweens, teens and those of us tired of walking around in shoes that pinch our feet have boosted the company's sales from $108 million to $364 million in the last year.
In the last month, the financial world took notice of Crocs when the stock split a little more than a year after the company went public (with a $208 million initial public offering).
It's no wonder that suddenly Crocs are everywhere you look.
"I started wearing Crocs two months ago and I love them," said Sandi Brecher, who gives her age as "somewhere in her 60s." Brecher was shopping in Ardmore's Suburban Square last week in khaki-colored Crocs.
"I have another pair in sage," she said. "They are so comfortable. At first, I didn't like them. They were ugly. Then my grandchildren told me to try them and I did."
That's generally how Croc-wearers become fans. They see them. Turn their nose up at them. Try on a pair. Fall in love. Tell a friend.
In addition to everyday walkers, the soft shoe has a loyal celebrity following, including actors Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Teri Hatcher and former Philadelphia Flyer Peter Forsberg.
Last month, President Bush was photographed wearing black Crocs with the strap turned up, paired with fashionably unforgivable black socks.
One could say the rainbow-colored clogs are the best example of middle America choosing comfort over style. To heck with what self-appointed stylistas find attractive: It's their feet and they want Crocs.
The phenomenon started when three middle-aged friends from Boulder, Colo., set out on a quest to find the perfect boating shoe. Scott Seamans stumbled upon Foam Creations, a Canadian company, which had developed a shoe that he believed would meet the needs of the nautical community.
