There are times when it is appropriate to dress for comfort and times when fashion and style matter. Of course, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Sometimes something comfortable becomes all the rage. In my lifetime, I remember it happening with zori-sandals, flip-flops, and Birkenstocks. All of these continue to have their place, but most of us agree that they're not great fashion statements.
A few years ago, Crocs hit the market. It started out they were green, but we quickly saw the advent of all kinds of colors.There were even jewels and decorations to put in some of the holes on the Crocs. It didn't matter. They were and they are ugly. In fact, if there is anything uglier than a khaki green Croc, it's a neon pink Croc. ...but ask me how I really feel.
Still, everyone was so excited about these. "They're sooooooooooooo comfortable" I was told that if I put on a pair I would experience "foot euphoria" or "pedal orgasm." I was told that once I put these on, I would think they were the most beautiful things ever. I broke down a bought a sea blue pair. I do find them comfy. They're great for knocking around by the pool or for the beach. I like them in the shower room at the gym. Euphoria? Sexual release? Meh.
I was told to give them a few days. These are made of a vegan material that warms with your body heat and quickly molds to your feet. Okay, I was willing to try. I wore these one day at the shop where I work figuring the extended time on my feet would give them a chance to mold themselves to me. I went daily to the gym and wore them in the shower room. I wore them knocking around the house. At the end of the week, they were more comfy but definitely not the ecstatic reflexological wonder I'd been promised. One big problem, they were still ugly. After a week of normal wear, they were also looking dirty and scuffed. I could get them clean by running them under the tap and wiping them down, but the scuffs were another matter. Sea blue might be a better looking color than some of the others but it shows the wear.
Whether it's because of the open design or the material from which they're made, Crocs are resistant to the fungus and bacteria that cause smelly feet and shoes. The inside bottom of the shoe is studded. This is supposed to give the feel of a little massage with every step. (textured for my pleasure?) Again, ... meh.
The holes allow for plenty of ventilation. They do, however, make me nervous when I see folks with nurses who must handle needles and chefs who handle sharp knives and hot oil wearing these.
These Crocs have a movable strap that you can throw behind your ankle for added support. You can also put it up over the top side if you prefer an open back shoe. One of the things I actually like about Crocs is that they don't make the thwacking sound that flip-flops do as you walk
I long ago learned the cute shows are rarely comfortable. The corollary to that is that the comfortable shoes are rarely cute. While I don't swoon over Crocs, other do. That said, these are the ugliest shoes I've seen in my lifetime and I'm old enough to remember Birkenstocks, Wallabees and Waffle-Stompers. Unlike Birks, Crocs come in enough colors that you can find a pair to match any outfit you own. I'm not sure that's a good thing as it gives opportunity to wear them more often.
I will continue to wear my sea blue Crocs in the shower room at the gym. I'll wear them by the pool or at the beach. I will not wear these to church, synagogue or mosque as I've seen others do. While others may find wearing these a religious experience, I can't get past that they're ugly as sin.
Lightweight and comfortable, Crocs shoes are versatile shoes for both men and womenProduct Features: Features an orthopedic heel and built in arch sup...More at Essential Apparel.com
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