Rock around the Croc: three steps to becoming a rubber slipper wearer
3.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
First they were seen on the international catwalks, now Crocs are being celebrated by pop stars and influencers. The perforated clogs are making their way into the fashion world.
My grandfather has been a fan of Crocs for years. As a passionate gardener and DIY enthusiast, he wears the rubber slippers non-stop. "It feels like you're walking barefoot but still wearing shoes," he explains. Crocs are not only comfortable, they are also indestructible, washable and, thanks to the holes, the foot has enough air to breathe. The arguments sound convincing, but the material and design have so far put me off. I usually put my feet in pumps, ankle boots or sandals. Whether they can breathe in them is of secondary importance, the footwear should primarily be fashionable.
Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber do it
Then it happened: when I recently saw a picture of Ariana Grande in my Instagram feed, I went into shock: a cheeky mirror selfie of Ariana wearing white Crocs with socks! Shortly afterwards, I also spot Justin Bieber and Post Malone wearing Crocs on Insta. In the wake of the Ugly Sneaker Movement, it was only a matter of time before the perforated shoes came into fashion. Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane sent his models onto the catwalk in Crocs back in 2017. Kanye West's latest sneaker prototype is strongly reminiscent of the rubber slippers. The fan community is already talking about the Yeezy Croc. I decide to conduct a self-experiment and find out whether it's somehow possible to make friends with the unpopular rubber shoes.
Step 1: Choose your Crocs
I start by scrolling through the range, there's plenty to choose from. There are colourful and patterned Crocs. The brand even has trainers and boots. I choose a pair of rubber clogs in black
. The next day, the shoes are ready for collection. I receive my first Crocs with mixed feelings. I am alone for a moment in the lift that takes me to the office. I smell the material. Contrary to my expectations, the shoes don't exude the odour of a nasty factory in China. They smell neutral. I read on the sole that they come from Taiwan. When I slip them on, I notice that there are little nubs on the inside - the Croc massages the sole of your foot. I wear them around the office all afternoon and have to admit that they are comfortable. My colleagues Natalie and Pia don't think they look terrible on me at all.
Step 2: Style your Crocs
Last year, I was named one of the best-dressed women in Switzerland by the "NZZ Stil" editorial team. After a few years in the fashion industry, I would say that I have found my style line. I am generally open to new trends. However, this styling challenge is pushing me to my limits. How should I combine the nasty rubber shoes? I gather inspiration on Pinterest and decide on a jumper, oversized hoodie and black stockings. The Crocs are hardly noticeable with this look. Now all I have to do is venture out into the crowd.
Step 3: Stand by your Crocs
My best friend's birthday is coming up. The perfect opportunity to try out my new look. To be on the safe side, I also take "normal" shoes with me. At dinner, my feet are hidden under the table and the Crocs go unnoticed. I am exposed during the first smoke break. The reactions are varied. Some colleagues know that it's a trend. Others think the slippers are just awful. I get comments like: "I really don't like them, but you can wear anything." And: "I think Crocs are super ugly and your legs look really short in them." Basically, no one would have expected that from me and no one really thinks they look nice either. Luckily, there are so many people in the bar at this late hour that no one is staring at my feet. So I am spared any further comments. A little later, I abandon the attempt and slip into my high heels with relief.
The Crocs are really comfortable, but there's no way I'll be using them as a fashion accessory again. They'll probably be used as flip-flops next summer. Until then, they'll stay in the wardrobe. Before I stow them away, I might try out this trick with the shaving foam.
Crocs
What do you think of the rubber slippers?
- I love Crocs and wear them as often as possible.22%
- I don't think Crocs are pretty but because they are comfortable I wear them for leisure.33%
- I think Crocs are ugly and would never wear them.45%
The competition has ended.
Luisa Silvestri
Digital Media Designer
Luisa.Silvestri@digitecgalaxus.chIf I'm not eating a cordon bleu, I'm probably browsing the Internet and finding funny Youtube videos as well as inspiration. I am passionate about fashion, movies and cooking. As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I don't do sports neither do I eat vegan or gluten-free. As Sophia Loren once said: «Everything you see I owe to spaghetti» – or in my case, cordon bleu.
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