Be sure to wear your Crocs on October 23— it’s National Croc Day!
When you walk through the hallways of Longfellow, it’s hard not to notice just how many students are wearing these famous clog shoes. Crocs have quickly become a fashion favorite among the student body, loved for their comfort and convenience in the busy school environment.
“Crocs are comfy and easy to wear, especially because most people are running out the door very early in the morning,” 7th grader Hana A. said.
However, not all students share this enthusiasm. While Crocs may be the go-to choice for many, 7th grader Suha R. has a different take. “Crocs are good for extracurricular activities. Crocs are unsafe and unprofessional when you’re going to school.”
According to Longfellow PE teachers, Crocs are not allowed to be worn during gym or sports activities due to safety concerns.
“Students are not allowed to wear Crocs in the gym because they are not safe and there is a risk of twisting your ankle, especially while playing sports,” Longfellow PE teacher Mr. Brodie explained. “The shoes are not designed for exercise.”
Crocs were founded by three friends who had no prior experience in the shoe industry. Initially designed as a boating shoe with an attached heel strap to prevent them from falling off, Crocs made their debut at the 2002 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The design attracted buyers far beyond just the boaters, with all 200 pairs selling out quickly. By 2017, 300 million pairs had been sold!
“This is the second wave of Crocs since 15 years ago, and they continue to be popular,” said Assistant Principal Ms. Smith.
Now, Crocs’ purpose is to “Create A More Comfortable World For All.” According to the official Crocs website, they are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and creating a welcoming space for everyone. In 2006, Crocs purchased Jibbitz, a manufacturer of accessories that fit into the holes of Crocs shoes. Jibbitz come in many sizes, colors, and designs.
“It’s nice that the Jibbitz are customizable,” Assistant Principal Mr. Vigil said, “so that people can relate more and build friendships. We had a Crocs Spirit Day a few years ago and since it’s getting more popular, we could do it again.”
In 2015, Prince George of Wales was photographed at a charity event wearing navy blue Crocs. This moment caused a 1,500% increase of sales within a week, according to an Amazon spokesperson. In 2019, singer and songwriter Ariana Grande posted a mirror selfie wearing Crocs on Instagram. Many celebrities have since worn these famous foam clogs onto red carpets!
From their debut 22 years ago to now, who knew Crocs would become such a huge hit?
