Crocs of Shit

I think the downfall of this country is arguably not violence on television, or what exactly high fructose corn syrup is doing to our brains, but really, what the hell people see in these shoes:

You think foreigners believe we're snobby or mannerless and that's why they turn their nose down at us? Um, no. It's because they can't believe we're walking around with those clodhoppers on our feet.

Sorry. Even the Ballet Flats scare me.

I imagine at one point in time, someone, somewhere said the same thing about flip flops. "You put WHAT between your toes? And you're calling them WHAT? Because they make that sound?"

Well, let me be the one to say the same thing about Crocs.

I know. They're incredibly comfortable! They don't slide off! They're "garden chic!"

And if you get stranded on a desert island, a passing airplane will be able to see those ridiculously large, floppy orange shoes on your feet!

I'll take two pairs. You can never be too prepared.

"But you won't fall off your boat" they tout on the website.

Thanks. I was really worried about that. I think I'll just risk slipping on my totally non-existent BOAT. Oh, that's why all of America is wearing them. They all have boats and I don't. Bastards!

And not only will you not slip on your boat, they'll keep you married! (Seriously, go read the website. Their marketing tactics are fascinating). Yes. Because no one else will want to have sex with you if you walk around with those large clunkers on your feet.

And while I find the fact that they resist bacteria somewhat interesting, when did that become a criteria for a good pair of shoes? And is it really that the material resists germs or that you just scare the shit out of bugs when you clop around in their direction?

I've tried to figure out the appeal. Maybe it's because I have gigantic (and as you remember from all lovely commenters -- very sexy) feet and calling attention to them -- sort of like wearing a big sign on my ass that says "Hi. I'm HUGE. In case you didn't notice" would not be my smartest fashion move.

Don't go getting all pissed at me. I'm wearing a breastmilk stained nursing bra and I haven't shaved my pits in two days. It's not like I'm the epitome of fashion here at Casa de Inlaws. Perhaps a pair of crocs might just be the pick me up my sorry post-partum wardrobe needs.

But I'm not the only one who hates Crocs, or thinks they are incredibly dangerous. Okay, I didn't really think they were dangerous but apparently they are. Who knew?. In fact, there are whole organizations that exist to rid the world of the evil that is Crocs.

Here's my new moral compass: What would I do with them if they accidentally fell in the back of my stroller?

I'd return them immediately.

And you thought me devoid of a conscience.

--

So, how do you feel about crocs? If you love them, tell me why. If more people LOVE them vs. HATE them, then I will go and steal myself a pair and wear them at Blogher. Okay. I'll actually buy them. But I will do it. So, vote carefully people.

And congrats Vicky. You won a shirt for your wee one. Email me for the details!

Comments

[mommyt]

I do not care for them at all. I started making fun of them a few years ago and I swore I would never wear them. However, just a mere 14 hours ago I purchased a pair of knock offs for my 2 year old. They were made to look like Spongebob, and I forgave myself because they brought such joy to my son. Then my husband said he would like a pair (without Spongebob) and I wonder what I have started.

[Jenni]

Heinous pieces of crap, can't believe anyone wears them in public. That excludes folks in the med biz who need comfy shoes and have to wear pajamas with ducks on them anyway.

Thanks for their new name -- love it!

[Jenni]

Heinous pieces of crap, can't believe anyone wears them in public. That excludes folks in the med biz who need comfy shoes and have to wear pajamas with ducks on them anyway.

Thanks for their new name -- love it!

[Right Brained Gal]

I personally think pointed shoes are ugly and are not flattering on most women. Let's face it, women are fashion whores and wear whatever everyone else is wearing. At least Crocs are comfortable. I work at a hospital where all the doctors and nurses wear Crocs and are not embarrassed by it. I think they are here to stay.

[Kristi]

I have a pair, so that means I like them. You could always get a VERY PALE yellow like mine!

[FENICLE]

I actually hated them at first when my mom bought me a pair. Then I wore them around outside some...and now I'm in LOVE!!!

They maybe ugly as hell, but they are comfortable. And the bonus is that they can be washed in the dishwasher people!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT?

[hartini]

Adults who wear Crocs look like Ronald McDonald sans the clown's wig.

Seriously!

They're HUGE and ugly and look at those colors screaming out for attention. Ugh!

And then some idiot pirated it and made them more affordable... yup, where I'm at, even ugly shoes like that are cloned. So I get double eyesore.

They're cute on kids though, that I won't deny.

[jozet]

Very ugly.

Extremely comfortable.

Sort of the opposite of lace underwear.

[Kara]

I think that they are totally ugly and would never wear a pair myself. My three year old daughter, Miss Shoe Thing, loves them and has been eyeing them for a while. I bought her the Sketchers knock offs - still ugly.

[sam]

Love them for my kids and have to say after reading all the escalator scare-a-noia that if people would teach their kids not to fuck around on the escalators...and actually pay attention to what they are doing...the escalator should be feared and respected! Why just crocs? what about flip flops? I think those heinous things should be outlawed! Crocs., like anything we use- should be used responsibly.

[Kristen]

okay. if your kid is wearing them and you are not, that's not a love.

that's like.

just sayin.

[crunchy]

Are they not just the "Jelly's" of this generation?

Maybe 2007 Jelly's ..er Croc's don't make your feet stink

I don't have any..but haven't found the real one's yet..just the knock off's and am wondering about the price.

I don't even wear flip flops..I like a nice slip on clog.. a good practical shoe

[Leigh]

Love them. I know they're the ugliest things ever made, but they are so comfortable. and easy. I even got a pair of the ballet slippers so I could wear them to church without being shunned. My husband and I used to laugh at people with them - until we tried them on. Me first, then he took over my pair so I got him his own.

[PunditMom]

Beware the Crocs! Can't we all just decide our own foot fashions without succumbing to outrageously colored plastic? When I want cheap shoes, I just head over to the Isaac Mizrahi collection at Target! ;)

[The Fashionable Housewife]

I am SUPER anti-crocs!!!

Don't EVER put a pair on your feet!

Read here:

http://thehousewife.blogsplot.net/?p=832

http://thehousewife.blogsplot.net/?p=1349

[wife soup]

How funny, I didn't particularly like the shoes until last year when I got them for my then 3 year-old. Now I love them! He can put them on and take them off quickly by himself AND they clean up easily. I am a big sucker for anything that makes my life easier. I haven't made the plunge myself yet as my FLIP-FLOPS are my summer shoe of choice.

[ali]

i'm VERY anti-croc. i even posted about it at urbanmoms...
http://urbanmoms.typepad.com/fabulous/2007/05/hot_topic_frida_2.html

[Cakehead]

I am so glad that I am not the only person who sees zero appeal in those monstrosities. Everytime I see a child dressed in those I feel sorry for them. Half the time they have a nice getup on, and then you see the shoes. Oh. my. gosh. THE SHOES.

The ballet slippers, eh... uncomfortable, but they don't offend me like the Croc's do.

Oh, and flip-flops always were and always will be the original *thong* to me; not something that makes me feel like I have a wedgie all day.

[Kat]

Love 'em. It's like walking on marshmallow peeps...so comfy. They are also the best beach shoes I've ever worn. They're so danged wide you don't sink in the sand and the holes let water/sand go right out.

(I also highly recommend the Keen slides. They are the most comfortable slip on shoes EVER.)

[moosh in indy.]

Boo. For doctors (at work) okay.
For gardeners (in the garden) okay.
For anyone else-dumb.

[Laural]

Hate. Hate. Hate these shoes on adults unless you really are a boater (and don't care how ridiculous they look), are pregnant and need something comfortable. I hate that I commute to work and that people wear nice business suits and then fluorescent crocs. This is a fashion don't.
My 3 year looks adorable in his. But, really, he also looks adorable in tons of stuff that I would never consider fashionable for me.

[jen]

I love them, despite the fact that they are the Fugliest shoes on the planet. I gave up wearing shoes with ties five years ago, when the ties would slow me down, allowing my ADHD toddler a dangerous head start. I wish I'd had the Crocs when I was pregnant with both boys. I have the big honkin' clogs, which make my ski-feet look even bigger, but hey, I'm in Colorado, everyone wears them, and I don't look out of place.

[aimy Young]

I love them! Especially for my kids. We live in a very hot climate and their feet stink. When they wear the Crocs they don't stink a bit. It's great. Plus, since I'm a bit cheap on the kids shoes I love them even more. They last a REALLY long time and I even throw them in the diswasher to clean them. No... not with my dishes. If your feet are big just try the Mary Janes. I think they are much cuter!

[Lara]

LOVE them - for a bunch of the reasons already stated. When I was pregnant last summer, they were the only things that fit my feet. This summer, I'm still off work so I still wear them every day. I don't think I've ever gotten more wear out of a footware purchase. So comfy. And the not-stinky thing is a real plus too. They aren't particularly attractive, but I got a non-glaring colour, and I've never really cared that much about being all that fashion-conscious anyways :)

[Tuesday]

I hate crocs with the intesity of 1000 suns!

[Chichmama]

I love the crocs for my kids, because they can get them on and off by themselves and they stay on, unlike flip flops which they keep walking out of.

I think they are horrifically ugly though, and they can only wear them while we are running a quick errand or going to gymnastics or swimming when shoes must be removed and put on quickly...

[mom of 3 boys]

Everytime my older son wears a croc he gets some type of pointy thing that goes THROUGH the croc to his foot. He has had some wounds from it. Why can't they make the bottoms thorn/pointy thing proof?

[Tabitha]

Love, LOVE, love my Crocs. They are so comfy AND they don't make my feet stink the horrendous stink that my flip flops do. I totally heart my wine red Mary Jane Crocs. And my daughter loves her crocs.

I'll have to wear them at Blogher just to piss people off ;) Because I'm evil like that....

[heather]

I love my crocs. They are comfortable and way practical but would I wear them outside of my own garden? NEVER!

[Lara]

HATE them. they look like rubber versions of little wooden clogs from holland. with holes in the toes, too. i seriously do not get the appeal.

[metro mama]

I'm sorry, if you're wearing those at BlogHer I won't be able to be seen talking to you.

[Erika From "the OC"]

love my crocs, i have 3 pair!
they are the only shoes that fit my 25 week pg feet(my feet are more pg than my belly, pinky swear)

[Ashley]

I LOVE Crocs! They are very comfortable. My husband and I each have a couple of pairs. We have hardwood floors and they are great to wear around the house. They are also great to work in the yard or out to run errands. The Crocs for kids are absolutely ADORABLE! I'm buying some for my nephew for his birthday.

[RLGelber]

I LOVE them. I have three pair. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet. EVER. I really don't care if they're ugly, my dawgs thank me when I have them on.

[d]

I LOVE them for my daughter...hot pink & i think they are cute but again i have size 11 shoes and don't need them too look any bigger. That being said...i tried some on...NOT a fan of the clogs becuz it felt like my toes kept hitting the top BUT the Flip flops!!!!!!! TO DIE FOR!!!!! Seriously, i haven't found a pair of flip flops that haven't ripped up between my toes or on the side of my feet in YEARS. THESE are FABULOUS!!! And super cushiony!! and they are light pink and light gray so they don't DRAW attention to them as much. just go TRY them...you may be surprised!

[Jennifer]

I hate them for all people. They are all sorts of wrong. Ugly, dangerous, weird, ridiculous...I could continue with my unflattering adjectives, but I'll stop now.

[Jamie]

Crocs for toddlers = cute. Crocs for adults = wrong.

I do own a pair of crocs, well, knock of crocs actaully, but let me explain. I was in vacation in Panama City, walking around town in a new pair of sandals that were cutting my feet to shreds. I stopped in a little store to find some cheap shoes to wear back to the hotel. Hello $2 fake crocs. Loose fitting and comfy compared to my beautiful yet painful wedge sandals. I still wear them occasionaly when gardening or a midnight run to the grocery store.

[Kate]

I think they look dumb on non-gardening adults. The "mary jane" and "ballet flat" styles are particularly stupid, I think. Although I suppose it might be handy every once in a while to be able to hose down your shoes and call it a day.

My 16 m.o. daughter was given a pair of tiny, mint green crocs a few weeks ago... and I must say, I LOVE THEM on her. She walks easily in them... if they fall off, I can slam them back on her feet in a split second... and, they are super low-maintenance in terms of cleaning (esp. after a muddy play session).

[dana]

Okay. Here's the deal. I'm only telling you this for the sake of BlogHer and fashion.

I own a pair and I ONLY wear them in my garden while gardening. They are the only shoes that resist dirt and grass stains.

You will never see these on my feet anywhere else.

I've never taken a photo while wearing them and I never will.

In fact, when I'm not gardening, the crocs are hidden in the garage under the bottom shelf behind a huge bag of lawn fertilizer.

I despise Crocs worn for any other purpose than gardening.

[BOSSY]

Bossy doesn't like them. Or any shoes that might be worn by Peppermint Patty.

[Kristen]

OH SHIT people.

I'm getting afraid.

REALLY afraid.

The question is -- how many of you are going to blogher and will check up on me?

[Amy]

I hated them. Then I put some on. Now I love them. I have mary jane style crocs. They were $5. I LOVE THEM!

[So-Called Supermom]

My daughter LOVES her Crocs. They are hot pink and clunky and ugly but she loves them. So in turn I love them because I dont have to beg her to put them on.

Now I do own a pair. And I do like them.....for certain occasions. I am an event planner and when I am on site at an event, my feet will hurt. Crocs are the only show I have found that let me survive 16 hour days without feeling as if my feet are going to fall off.

SO, what color Crocs are you wearing the BlogHer? :)

[mommiebear2]

I love me some crocs for my kiddos. I do not wear them only because I just have never bought a pair for myself, but both of my kiddos have them and I love that they easily slide on but not off - can get wet or if dirty you just spray them with a hose and their good to go.

[Jessica]

I kind of feel the same way about Crocs as I did about teen girls wearing Uggs in the middle of summer. Why? Why would you do that?
Maybe I'm just not hip enough.
That link about the dangers? It should come with a warning label. Ew. And, euh, my daughter won't be wearing Crocs any time soon.

[Amy]

Love my Croc Cleo's! My girls have 6 pairs of the Cayman & Mary Jane style between the 3 of them. You definitely have to try them on! Not sure any adult should really be wearing the Cayman style, but to each his/her own!

[Katy]

They are flipflops you can wear with socks, perfect for hot summer days that turn into cooler summer nights. When you take them off your feet are decorated with dirt from where the holes were...pretty! I have wide feet, they make my fat feet feel petite!

[mothergoosemouse]

Not only do I hate Crocs, but I won't let my kids play with any other kids who wear Crocs.

;)

[Phoenix]

I want to hate them, I do, but I kinda love them. I don't own any, becuase I'd get thrown off the island. It's only okay for kids to wear them here.

There's going to be a whole generation of kids though, who ony wear crocs. They've never been given any other shoe. It's like birkenstalks (sp?) in Colorado.

[brighton]

Loathe doesn't even come close to what I feel towards Crocs. Fugly.

[Heat]

Crocs, well I guess I don't care. Though I'm thankful for them because they do prove to me that I am above some social conforms. I do not and will not own a pair because I think they are so ugly, vogue-ness be damned.

But I do like you Kristin and will do everything in my power to make sure you don't have to wear them to BlogHer so I will say I HATE THEM just for you.

[Lene]

Ok, I do love my crocs. They are ugly as sin, but I still love them. lol That is an attitude I took on since becoming a mom.

[divrchk]

They are so comfortable. I wear my Croc flip flops often. My kids love theirs. My daughter looks so cute in her red mary jane ones. Don't knock 'em 'til you try 'em.

[kim]

Please, please, please don't support the horrible people who came up with these things! Spend your money elsewhere - ANYWHERE - and skip the giant clown shoes. They don't flatter anyone and I can't even stand the idea of my toddler in them; thank goodness she's too young to notice the fad. (And yes, I have tried them on - yuck!!!)

[Mel]

I don't understand the fascination with these shoes. Not only are they incredibly unattractive, but they are not comfortable at all! They are hot and gave me blisters! I see women all the time wearing really cute outfits and they spoil the effect by putting on these clodhoppers! Why would you choose to wear something so ugly when you take the time to coordinate a pretty summer outfit? There are so many really cute and comfortable sandals out there that there is no need to make yourself look so foolish. They are not anymore comfortable than other brands (i found them horribly uncomfortable) Anyone looking for stylish comfortable footwear should check out Born, Clarks, frank Sarto, and Cole Hahn with the Nike Air technology!

[Ginger]

HATE and despise them. They are extremely ugly, and I also have big (size 11) feet, and I am not calling more attention to them. Gosh, that web site about crocs and escalators was scary. That alone makes me not want them to be sold...AT ALL. Hilarious post!

[Evilynmo]

LOVE!!! I wear the clogs with no holes in winter with pants. When worn with pants they just look like regular clogs. They are uber comfy! I've never tried any other kinds but the ballet flat is tempting.

[Arkie Mama]

Just as I would NOT wear a floppy gardening hat ever -- not in a garden, not in public (of course, I have never ever gardened, but whatever -- if I did...) -- I would not wear flourescent gardening shoes either -- not in my garden, not in public.

What, are they supposed to scare the freaking crows away?

I HATE these shoes. And they're everywhere. It's like we're being stalked by some hideous fashion trend. Kind of like being bombarded with constant Paris Hilton coverage every time we turn on the tv.

And as I much as I can't stand her, I do have to say that I've never seen Ms. I-use-yap-yap-dogs-as-an-accessory sporting a pair of neon gardening shoes.

[Jen]

I hate crocs for adults. I think they look silly. However, I love them for kids. We are moving right now from Seattle to D.C. via Phoenix(go figure) and with all this in and out to the rest stops I think I would die without them. The kids can put them on and off all by their lonsome. No help from me. True heaven in a traveling hell.

[Kristen]

And those jibitz things made some mom who invented them a bazillionaire.

Seriously. She was on Oprah.

[Kendra]

I wore them when I was pregnant because my feet were so swollen they didn't fit in anything else. Even then, I thought they were hideous. No one with big feet (like me) should consider wearing them, they don't make your clod hoppers look any smaller.

[Steven Rigney]

I hate them. I've never seen anyone walking around in them that looked good. My wife bought a pair, but she won't wear them when I'm around because I rant about them so much. I even saw a guy in a kahki pants and a polo shirt wearing Orange crocs. C'mon people!!!

[Kristen]

MRS. CHICKEN?????????????????????????

*Pulling myself off the ground*

[halfmama]

Dude, they are FUG. Seriously FUG.

That being said, I compromised my own taste to get my kids some. They wanted them and only them and no other shoes would do, even when I tried to push sneakers, sandals, anything else on them. The only comfort I get is this: they are our kids' generation's Jellies, and someday in the future, we will be able to pull out pictures of them wearing them so we can totally embarrass them. And really, isn't that what it's all about?

[Vicky]

I LOATHE the Crocs. They are the ugliest, dowdiest things I've ever seen. I will not buy them for T.D. or anyone! They make my feet sweat just looking at them. They look dangerous too. Seriously I have size 10 feet, I can't be wearing no boats!

[Angela]

My vote is for hate. I don't have any and I love comfortable shoes but large pieces of plastic is more than I can do. I do think they are worse on men. They are great for kids as they can get them on themselves but my daughter's feet are so skinny that she could fit both feet in one shoe. I can see the Croc being useful for certain professions but that's not fashion that simply function.

[Kablina]

Woo-hoo! New here--great blog!

Crocs--HATE 'EM! I have never been able to determine just what the price for them is at any given store, 'cos they're never marked. Hate that, too.

Whenever I have tried them on, they were always extremely uncomfortable--what arch support?

I have 3 boys, so anything that's a big fad, but everyone thinks they're only for girls? Phooey! I would ordinarily run out (to the thrift store) and try to find them in the boys' sizes, but I just can't do that with the crocs. Blech! If they're not comfortable for me, why would I make my kids wear them?

But then, I wear Z-Coils all the time, so it's hard to beat that.

[Jennifer]

They are hideous. And yet. Comfortable. I am a closet croc wearer. I never leave the house in them. And as for the foreigners, I live in Italy, and crocs are huge here. They retail at the equivalent of $60 a pair and people use them as house shoes. My son's nursery school teachers wear them at work, and so does our hairdresser and half the nurses at the local hospital. But in Italy, people in those professions have traditional worn Dr. Scholls clogs so I imagine the crocs are an improvement.

[LawyerMama]

I can't stand them. I think they're the ugliest shoes ever and they make everyone's feet look huge and unattractive. I never thought I'd ever be so judgmental about a pair of shoes! If I want comfortable shoes, I'll wear my adorable pair of pink and brown sneakers or my oh-so cute flip flops.

[Dawn]

AGAIN, woman, I reiterate my love for all that is Kristen. ROTFLMAO

I think these ridiculous things look like CLOWN SHOES, people. Seriously.

Buy some good old fashioned Dr. Schols, would ya??

That being said, my daughter looks totally cute in her 3 pair LOL

But no, Kristen, adults CANNOT WEAR THESE ugly friggin clown shoes.

[Amy Jo]

HATE! I actually wrote a little about them here.

http://peopleunderthestairmasters.blogspot.com/2007/06/file-under-what-fuck-are-they-thinking.html

[Summer]

They are ugly, for certain. But when I'm gardening I love them. I jsut know to take them back off and put them up with the gardening glove when I'm done.

[diatribal]

I am totally in love with my crocs. I own two pair...both are black. My daughter (who is wearing toddler size 4-5) has 4 pair including the dreaded "Hunter Orange".

I have been wearing them for about 4 years now, and I am so in love with my holey clogs that I can't stand it. I am a total "croc snob" and won't even buy the fake ones because they are not as comfy.

My husband works in them (he's in the medical profession) and they are totally washable.

They have not completely replaced my flip flop wardrobe (since I only have the black ones), but I do wear them the majority of the time. I know they are not cute, but if you like comfort, you absolutely MUST try them. I would be hard pressed to find something as light and comfortable to put on my feet.

[maman]

Gross, blech, yuck... oh and I hate those Heelie things too. They should be banned from the planet.

[nutmeg]

Always there for the underdog - love them! Live in them! Love the Croc flip-flop even more. Just looking for a bright orange plastic sun dress to match and I'm done shopping for the summer.

[Suburban Oblivion]

For me, hate them. Wouldn't be caught dead.

For others, love them. Why? Because in comparison they make me and my sexy summer sandals look that much better! :D

[VenturaMom]

Stop the hate! Just try the Mary Janes. C'mon, all the kids are doin' it.
http://shop.crocs.com/pc-34-4-mary-janes.aspx?reqid=34&reqProdTypeId=41p&subsectionname=footwear&section=products

[anna]

Love 'em. Not smart to wear in public, but I understand why people do. I love 'em.

[mayberry]

Hate them. Last summer on my blog I called them smurf shoes.

I do think they look cute on little kids. Very little.

[binkytown]

LOVE my crocs. Have you tried them yet? Seriously, once you put them on you will understand the croc-love.

[Gillian]

I hate the clogs, but have never had a more comfortable pair of flip flops than the Crocs' brand, called "Athens." Seriously, I can't recommend them enough.

[Kelly]

I'm currently waiting for a girlfriend to surprise me with a pair (the surprise is what style/colour). Yes they're kinda clunky looking but the comfort level is a big deal to me since I spend a lot of time on my feet (two boys under 3) and my knees and hips and feet huuurt at the end of the day. The "Mary Janes" look cute, I think.

[Linda]

I love them - I have "Frocs" (fake crocs, lol). I'm too damned cheap to spend 30 bucks on a pair of rubber clogs...but they ARE so comfortable.

I've taken to wearing them around the kitchen - I get backaches when I'm cooking and baking and cleaning in there. They also protect my feet from a very poorly placed vent under the kitchen sink. My 6 y/o daughter loves hers too, and my 3 y/o son keeps begging for a pair, though his dad said he'd divorce me if I bought his son a pair of CLOGS...so the boy wanders around in my way-too-large purple crocs instead.

You should try a pair. They're ugly as sin, they're an amazingly simple concept, and you'll never be the same. Now...I'm not so sold on the ballet flats, the mary janes...heck, even the flip flops are questionable. But the crocs....ah.

[NaechsteHaltestelle]

I hate those shoes. HATE THEM SO MUCH. May they all burn in Hell. The shoes, not the people who wear them.

[Paige]

I think the real blame must be directed at Mario Batali on Food TV. He's been wearing those orange nightmares for years! Somehow he turned into a icon of style???

[Mrs. Chicken]

I'm sorry, friend. You are SO TOTALLY WRONG HERE!

I have two pair, The Poo has a pair that she lives in (and even decorated with those silly button-thingies that go in the holes) and - get this - I CONVINCED MR. CHICKEN TO GET A PAIR. He got the althetic slide style.

I have the flip-flop style and the sandals.

I have a bad back, and the arch/heel support in these is far superior to the ordinary flip-flop.

Plus, they are super for the beach. The fight bacteria, as you said, so when they get wet they don't get stinky.

I'm spending a month (spoiled rotten brat here) at the ocean this summer and couldn't live without them.

Take THAT! :)

[Eryn]

I'm on the fence. I think that i hate them in public, but I do have a pair of knockoff that I use in the garden, because, you know, shoes you can rinse, ROCK, under some circumstances. And, with that in mind, I would probably buy them for my child, if I wasn't too cheap to spend 30$ on a pair of tiny, ugly plastic shoes.
But I would Never, Ever wear them out of the house, and that's only partially because S threatened to leave me if I ever did so.

[K]

woohoo--

1 to 18 so far.

See, I knew I wasn't nuts!

[Amanda]

I hate crocs. They are ugly. None for me. None for the kids and definitely none for the husband. I'm a flip-flop girl.

[Susan Getgood]

I'd say "Burn 'em" but the fumes would probably kill us all.

Rubber shoes are very practical for gardening but they should stay in the garden.

[Karly]

They are a big fat NO for adults, but I love them on little girls. They are also a NO on any male of any age.

[celebrate woo-woo]

I don't know why people wear them everywhere. They are the ugliest, least flattering shoes you can possibly wear. They should be reserved for specific purposes, such as gardening.

But, toddlers can wear them any time and still be cute.

[Lisa]

Hate 'em. Too big and clunky. You're summary is too difficult to compete with, but really, they are hot and disgusting.

[Kimba]

I detest these abhoritions to fashion! Seriously, they are beyond dreadful! And now they have little clippy things to add to them, as if that makes them cute! Perhaps to all the Evil Clowns that should wear them, but no self-respecting human being!

[Karen]

I HATE THEM Kristen and if you buy some and wear them at BlogHer, I will point and laugh. I mean it.

[Mrs. Chicky]

A pair of Crocs will never find their way onto my big feet. However, they are mighty cute on a two year old.

So my vote: Adult Crocs = bad
Toddler Crocs = Stupidly cute

[akinoluna]

I hated flip-flops too and refused to wear them for over 22 years. Then I went to boot camp and had no choice. I guess I got used to the icky sensation of having something stuck between my toes because ever since then, that's all I wear around the house or barracks.

[Shelly]

I admit I love mine, even if they are the world's ugliest shoe ever. Last summer when I was hugely pregnant with Fred Flinstone feet, my Croc flip flops were all I could wear for the last 2 months. Even worse - people who wear Crocs with socks.

[akinoluna]

In Europe they sell Crocs too but I've never actually seen someone wearing a pair in public...and they make up for the sin of selling Crocs by also selling more cool shoes in one store than you would find in an entire U.S. state.

[Jezer]

Delurking to say, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!