crocs

=== 2002–2007 ===

Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson and George Boedecker Jr. created Crocs in 2002 to make and distribute the sandals, as they saw its potential and ease of use for consumers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/20/business/20suits.html?|title=As Crocs Departs, Quebec Turns Bitter|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 20, 2008}}{{cite web | url=https://www.parents.com/kids/style/fashion/crocs/ | title=Meet the Creator of Crocs | access-date=January 16, 2023 | archive-date=January 16, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116033652/https://www.parents.com/kids/style/fashion/crocs/ | url-status=dead }}

The Trio acquired Andrew Reddyhoff's design from Foam Creations, Inc. of Quebec City, which became the foundation of the Crocs sandals known in the present day.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Diane |date=November 3, 2006 |title=Crocs shoes are ugly? Who cares! |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/11/02/magazines/business2/crocs_whatworks.biz2/index.htm |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=CNN Money}}{{Cite web |last=D |first=Hatem + |title=Various type of molded EVA foam products |url=https://foamcreations.com/ |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Foam Creations |language=en}} Seamans, Hanson, and Boedecker were drawn to the shoe's comfort and practicality.

In 2002, Crocs unveiled their first model, the Beach, at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida, and all 200 pairs produced sold out.{{Cite news |last=Wellington |first=Elizabeth |date=July 5, 2007 |title=Fashion Attack |url=http://articles.philly.com/2007-07-05/news/24994606_1_crocs-soft-shoe-socks |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309054457/http://articles.philly.com/2007-07-05/news/24994606_1_crocs-soft-shoe-socks |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2007 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer}}

As the demand for Crocs grew, the company underwent further development and rebranding. In 2005, TDA Boulder redesigned the original Crocs logo and launched the "Ugly Can Be Beautiful" campaign, the first national advertising campaign for the Crocs brand. This successful campaign, created by Creative Director Thomas Dooley, Designer Matt Ebbing, and Creative Director Jonathan Schoenberg, helped pave the way for Crocs' successful IPO.

On February 8, 2006, Crocs completed its IPO and opened on the Nasdaq at a price of $21.00 per share, raising $208 million.

On April 14, 2008, during the midst of the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the stock dropped 30% in after-hours trading after the company issued a press release in which they significantly decreased earnings estimates for the first quarter. In the same statement, they also said they would lay off its 600 Quebec City factory employees as retailers had been reducing orders, though about 100 sales and marketing positions would remain. "The retail environment in the U.S. has become increasingly challenging as consumer spending and traffic levels have slowed," chief executive officer Ron Snyder said. During the financial crisis, CROX dropped to as low as $0.79 before rebounding ($15.50 by November 2010).{{cite web |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/158993-67-stocks-returning-50-this-past-month?source=trans_lb_articles |title=67 stocks returning 50%+ this past month |author=TraderMark|work=Seeking Alpha | date=August 30, 2009 |access-date=September 25, 2009}}

On July 21, 2010, Crocs Inc. announced a restructuring plan to streamline its operations and workforce by eliminating 180 jobs, closing 75 to 100 stores (out of 624 worldwide), and scrapping underperforming product lines. Crocs has previously eliminated 183 positions, including 70 current and planned positions in its corporate headquarters in Niwot, Colorado. Crocs also announced they would open a "global commercial center" with 50 to 75 employees in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2014, for merchandising, marketing, and retail functions.Wallace, Alicia (July 21, 2014). [http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-business/ci_26190575/niwot-based-crocs-plans-layoffs-store-closures-major "Niwot-based Crocs laying off more than 180, closing stores in major restructuring"]. Daily Camera.

On October 18, 2011, Crocs stock suffered a single-day drop of about 39.4% on lowered earnings and revenues forecast.Weinstein, Robert (October 18, 2011). [http://seekingalpha.com/article/300392-crocs-earnings-company-trips-on-laces-falls-face-first "Crocs Earnings: Company Trips On Laces, Falls Face First"]. SeekingAlpha.com.

In June 2013, Crocs reported a 42.5% decrease in net profits from the year before. As a result, the stock fell 20.2% in one day.{{cite web |title=Crocodile Tears? Crocs Blames Earnings Drop on the Weather |publisher=Entrepreneur.com |first=Catherine |last=Clifford |date=July 26, 2013 |url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227587}}

In December 2013, the hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors disclosed that it held a 5% stake in Crocs, just over a day after The Blackstone Group said it would invest $200 million in a convertible preferred stock offering that would allow the company to replace its CEO and buy back $350 million in stock. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SAC Capital management said it had accumulated a 5% passive stake in Crocs.{{cite web|author=Antoine Gara |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/12192817/1/sac-capital-takes-5-stake-in-crocs-after-blackstones-bet.html |title=SAC Capital Takes 5% Stake in Crocs After Blackstone's Bet |date=December 31, 2013 |publisher=TheStreet.com |access-date=January 1, 2014}}

Crocs had sold 300 million pairs of shoes by year 2017.{{cite news |last1=Bhattarai |first1=Abha |date=19 September 2017 |title=Crocs' billion-dollar strategy: Stay ugly |work=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/business/2017/09/19/crocs-billion-dollar-strategy-stay-ugly.html |access-date=19 September 2017}} In August 2018, Crocs announced it was closing its last company-operated manufacturing plants in Mexico and Italy.{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180807005190/en/Crocs-Reports-Quarter-2018-Results-Diluted-Earnings |title=Crocs, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2018 Results; Diluted Earnings Per Share Increase 75% to $0.35 |date=August 7, 2018}} In June 2020, Crocs moved the headquarters from Niwot, Colorado, to Broomfield.{{cite news |title=Crocs Celebrates Opening Of New Global Headquarters |agency=PRNewswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crocs-celebrates-opening-of-new-global-headquarters-301083142.html |access-date=30 July 2021 |ref=hq}}

In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched "A Free Pair for Healthcare" offering healthcare workers a free pair of their shoes. Crocs also sent 100,000 pairs of shoes to hospitals to be distributed to staff.{{cite web |title=Crocs to donate up to 10,000 free shoes a day to health care workers |url=https://www.today.com/style/crocs-gives-free-shoes-medical-workers-during-coronavirus-pandemic-t176926 |access-date=2020-03-30 |website=TODAY |date=March 26, 2020 |language=en}}

In the years 2020 to 2022, Crocs experienced a surge in sales due to several factors. One reason for the brand's resurgence was a shift in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people looking for footwear that they could wear while working from home. Additionally, Crocs benefited from collaborations with high-profile fashion designers and a marketing campaign that helped to revitalize the brand's image. As a result of these factors, Crocs' sales had a two-digit rise annually during this period.{{Cite web |title=Crocs on the Rise - The Comeback of the Rubber Clog Brand |url=https://www.eurusd.co/analysis/crocs-on-the-rise-the-comeback-of-the-rubber-clog-brand.html |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.eurusd.co |language=en}}

File:American flag crocs.jpg

In October 2006, Crocs Inc. purchased Jibbitz, a manufacturer of accessories that snap into the holes in Croc's shoes, for $10 million, or $20 million if Jibbitz met earnings goals.[http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2006/12/04/daily12.html?jst=s_cn_hl "Crocs closes on Jibbitz purchase"]. Denver Business Journal. December 5, 2006. Retrieved May 31, 2010.

In January 2007, Crocs acquired assets of Ocean Minded{{cite web| url=http://www.oceanminded.com/| title=Ocean Minded website |access-date=November 5, 2008 |publisher=Ocean Minded|date=August 4, 2008}} for $1.75 million in cash, plus potentially $3.75 million based on performance. Ocean Minded makes leather and ethylene-vinyl acetate-based footwear. In July 2007 Crocs agreed to buy shoe- and sandal-maker Bite Footwear, based in Redmond, Washington, for $1.75 million, or up to double that based on earnings results.{{cite web| url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2007/07/30/daily1.html?ana=from_rss|title=Crocs will buy Wash. shoemaker| date=July 30, 2007| publisher=Denver Business Journal| access-date=August 4, 2008}}

In April 2008, Crocs acquired Tidal Trade, Inc. ("Tidal Trade"), the company's third-party distributor in South Africa, for $4.6 million. The company recorded $1.4 million in customer relationships on the date of acquisition. Crocs repurchased inventory previously sold to Tidal Trade and accordingly recognized a reduction of revenue of approximately $2.1 million. Also in April the company acquired Tagger International B.V. ("Tagger"), a private limited liability company incorporated under Dutch law that manufactures messenger bags. Tagger was partially owned by the Managing Director of Crocs Europe B.V. The company acquired all Tagger assets for $2 million;– $90,000 for inventory and $1.9 million for the Tagger trademark. Later in June, Crocs liquidated Fury, Inc. two years after acquiring it,[http://www.lexdon.com/article/crocs%28tm%29_inc._announces_acquisition_of/74442.html "CROCS(TM) Inc. Announces Acquisition of Fury"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713203208/http://www.lexdon.com/article/crocs(tm)_inc._announces_acquisition_of/74442.html |date=July 13, 2011 }}. lexdon.com; Lexdon Business Library. January 11, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2010. after efforts to sell it off were unsuccessful. As a result, Crocs wrote off $250,000 related to the remaining customer relationships, intangible assets, and trademarks over three months.

In February 2022, Crocs acquired the Italian shoe company HEYDUDE for $2.3 billion, as well as issuance of stock to one owner of HEYDUDE.{{cite web|title=Crocs, Inc. 2022 First Quarter 10Q|url=https://sec.report/Document/0001334036-22-000054/|website=sec.gov|publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|date=May 25, 2022|access-date=May 25, 2022|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525084815/https://sec.report/Document/0001334036-22-000054/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Ryan |first1=Thomas |title=The 2021 Year In Review: M&A Accelerates Across Active Lifestyle Market |url=https://sgbonline.com/2021-year-in-review-ma-accelerates-across-active-lifestyle-market/ |website=SGB Media}}

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the company's operations in Russia, including retail, e-commerce sales and imports into the country, have been suspended with a promise of support through donations to UNICEF.{{Cite press release |last=((Inc)) |first=Crocs |title=Crocs, Inc. Pauses Business Operations and Importation of Goods in Russia |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crocs-inc-pauses-business-operations-and-importation-of-goods-in-russia-301499487.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}

In June 2004, Crocs purchased Foam Creations and their manufacturing operations to secure exclusive rights to the proprietary foam resin called Croslite. Croslite is a closed-cell resin,{{cite web|last=Maniscalco |first=Michelle| title=E-shots Web-exclusive: Patent check: What's in a Croc? |publisher=Injection Molding Magazine |url=http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/e-shots-web-exclusive-patent-check-what%E2%80%99s-croc |date=March 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007}}{{cite patent|country=US|number=6993858|pubdate=2006-02-07|title=Breathable footwear pieces|assign1=Crocs Inc.|inventor1-last=Seamans|inventor1-first=Scott}} described by third parties as an injection-moulded EVA foam.{{cite web|url=https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/articles/material-matters-eva-foam/|title=Material Matters: Eva Foam|date=November 2, 2016|publisher=Sneaker Freaker}} The foam forms itself to a wearer's feet and offers purported medical benefits, according to several podiatrists.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/31/AR2006073100890.html |title=Not Such A Croc |newspaper=Washington Post |pages=HE01 |date=August 1, 2006 |access-date=August 13, 2007 | first=Jennifer | last=Huget}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20060629020346/http://biz.yahoo.com/e/060331/crox10-k.html "Form 10-K for Crocs Inc."] "Crocs 2006 Annual Report". Yahoo!Finance. March 31, 2006. Archive. Accessed April 29, 2007. Crocs holds a patent applied for under the title "breathable workshoes and methods for manufacturing such", and three design patents covering various ornamental aspects.{{cite patent|country=US|number=D517788|pubdate=2006-03-28|title=Footwear|assign1=Crocs Inc.|inventor1-last=Seamans|inventor1-first=Scott}}{{cite patent|country=US|number=D517789|pubdate=2006-03-28|title=Footwear|assign1=Crocs Inc.|inventor1-last=Seamans|inventor1-first=Scott}}{{cite patent|country=US|number=D517790|pubdate=2006-03-28|title=Footwear|assign1=Crocs Inc.|inventor1-last=Seamans|inventor1-first=Scott}}

As of 2007, the company had applied to register "Crocs" and the Crocs logo as trademarks in over 40 jurisdictions around the world, including the U.S.; many such applications were pending approval. Crocs also extended the scope of their trademark registrations and applications for both the Crocs mark and logo to cover non-footwear products, such as sunglasses, goggles, knee pads, watches, luggage, and some of their Internet sales activities.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1334036/000104746908002093/a2183219z10-k.htm |title=2007 Crocs annual SEC Report |access-date=November 26, 2008 |publisher=Crocs/SEC |date=January 31, 2008}}

File:Crocs with charms.png's alien Jibbitz shoe accessories]]

Crocs are made in a variety of styles and colors. The Classic styles are available in more than 30 colors.{{Cite web |last=Schoeber |first=Julia Guerra, Tyler |date=2022-04-12 |title=The Best Crocs Are Cooler Than Ever: Check Out Our Favs From Their Massive Selection |url=https://spy.com/articles/gear/style/best-crocs-1202784047/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=SPY |language=en-US}} A "Fuzz Collection" with woolly liners extends the brand's range to winter wear.{{cite press release |title=Crocs, Inc. Introduces New Fall Collection at FFANY |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20080603005481/en/Crocs-Introduces-Fall-Collection-FFANY |publisher=Business Wire |access-date=November 19, 2015}}

Crocs also sells other fashion accessories. Jibbitz are decorations that can be clipped to the ventilation holes in the shoes.{{Cite web |last=Research |first=Earnest |date=2021-08-12 |title=Jibbitz: A Lucky Charm for Crocs? {{!}} DFD News |url=https://dfdnews.com/2021/08/12/jibbitz-a-lucky-charm-for-crocs/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Derived From Data}}

In 2008, the company entered the golf shoe marketplace by acquiring the golf shoe manufacturer Bite Footwear and introducing a Croc-styled pair of golf shoes, the Ace.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1334036/000104746908012362/a2189237z10-q.htm |title=SEC 2008 3rd Quarter Report |publisher=Crocs |date=September 30, 2008 |access-date=December 25, 2008}}

After the acquisition of HeyDude for $2.5bn in 2022, the shoemaker expanded into shoes other than their patent clogs, and they even started manufacturing apparel.

Crocs was the title sponsor of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour from 2006 through the 2009 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166260/crocs-snaps-up-beach-volleyball-sponsorship |title=Crocs snaps up beach volleyball sponsorship |publisher=SportBusiness.com |date=February 27, 2008 |access-date=September 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228014016/http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/166260/crocs-snaps-up-beach-volleyball-sponsorship |archive-date=February 28, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |title=Beach volleyball tour says Crocs ending sponsorship |publisher=Reuters |date=August 10, 2009 |access-date=September 25, 2009 | first=Alexandria | last=Sage |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSN1048511020090810 }}

File:McDonald’s Crocs.jpg in late 2023]]

Crocs were in the public eye in 2021 with celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber modeling the shoes on social media.{{Cite web |last=Gereige|first=Joyce|date=2021|title=AN OPEN LETTER TO 2021 BIGGEST – AND MOST DIVISIVE – SHOE TREND: CROCS|url=https://graziamagazine.com/me/articles/crocs-trend/|url-status=live|website=Grazia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625090115/https://graziamagazine.com/me/articles/crocs-trend/ |archive-date=June 25, 2021 }}{{Cite web |last=Klop |first=Wilmie|date=2021|title=How Crocs Became The Shoe Of Choice For Celebs: From Justin Bieber To Kim Kardashian|work=The Blast |url=https://theblast.com/6491968/how-crocs-became-the-shoe-of-choice-for-celebs-from-justin-biebe/|url-status=live |publisher=Blast.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813033536/https://theblast.com/6491968/how-crocs-became-the-shoe-of-choice-for-celebs-from-justin-biebe/ |archive-date=August 13, 2021 }} Crocs were popular on social media like TikTok, as well.{{Cite web|last=Hammond|first=Natalie|date=2021|title=Why Are Crocs Going Viral On TikTok? Turns Out, They Might Be Summer's Most Popular Shoe|url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/crocs-tiktok-popular/|url-status=live|website=Grazia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428151532/https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/news/crocs-tiktok-popular/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 }}

Crocs collaborations are announced regularly, with individuals and brands designing their limited-edition versions. In 2021, they partnered with The Smiley Company to launch a special edition Croc.{{cite web |title=Crocs Give Its Classic Clog a Vibrant Smiley Makeover |url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/5/crocs-clog-smiley-yellow-sandal-hbx-release-info |publisher=Hype Beast |date=May 17, 2021}} In 2023, they collaborated with German luxury label MCM for a series of limited releases.{{cite web|url=https://fashionweekdaily.com/lindsay-lohan-fronts-mcm-x-crocs-campaign-tracy-andersons-new-collab-karlie-kloss-reveals-baby-name-and-more/|title=Lindsay Lohan Fronts MCM x Crocs Campaign |website=Fashion Week Daily |date=July 21, 2023 |access-date=July 22, 2023 }}

Crocs announced in 2006 that it filed complaints with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) and the United States district court against 11 companies that manufacture, import, or distribute products, called "croc-offs",[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ST&s_site=dfw&p_multi=ST&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11B7F7B2778C2B48&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10 "A chip off the old Croc, Sure, they're ugly. But the popular, funky clogs have plenty of imitators at their feet."] Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX). September 7, 2007. p E3.{{subscription required}} that Crocs believes infringe its patents.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2984/0001104659-06-054218.pdf |title=CROCS, INC, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Aug 14, 2006 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =May 15, 2018}} Seizures of counterfeit Crocs occurred in 2007 in the Philippines[https://archive.today/20120906101807/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=547347 "NBI seizes P16-million fake Crocs footwear"]. The Philippine Star. February 7, 2010. and Denmark,[http://www.cphpost.dk/news/crime/45912-burning-rubber.html "Burning rubber"]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. The Copenhagen Post online. June 10, 2009. and were under litigation in South Africa.Schroeder, Fatime (February 28, 2007). [http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/fake-crocs-battle-going-to-court-1.316963 "'Fake Crocs' battle going to court"]. South Africa: Independent Online. Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited. In 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that Crocs' design patent had been infringed.{{cite web | last=Elinson | first=Zusha | title=Circuit Court Sides With Crocs in Patent Fight | url=http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202444537717&rss=newswire&slreturn=1 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411064046/http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202444537717&rss=newswire&slreturn=1 | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 11, 2013 | work=The Recorder | publisher=ALM | access-date=June 27, 2012 | date=February 25, 2010}}

In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requested a voluntary recall of Crocs-like "clogs" due to a potential choking hazard involving detaching plastic rivets.{{Cite web |last=U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |author-link=U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |date=July 17, 2007 |title=Payless ShoeSource Expands Recall of Children's Clog Shoes Due to Choking Hazard |url=http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07236.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006150528/http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07236.html |archive-date=October 6, 2011}}

Versions of the Croc style shoes have appeared in children's fashion catalogs, usually under their name brands or as no names. Other knock-offs are in discount stores, amusement park stores, beach stores, department stores, and superstores.

File:Crocs escalator safety warning sign.jpg

Some Crocs shoes were tested and recommended by the U.S. Ergonomics company in 2005Costello, Kevin (March 7, 2005). [https://www.open24.lv/files/uploaded/ergonomics-analyses-of-crocs-footwear.pdf "Ergonomics Analyses of Crocs Footwear. Prepared for Crocs Inc."]us-ergo.com; U.S. Ergonomics. Archived at Open24.lt. Retrieved June 6, 2010. and were accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association[http://www.apma.org/workfootwear "Footwear with APMA Seal of Acceptance"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721091400/http://www.apma.org/workfootwear |date=July 21, 2011 }} apma.org; American Podiatric Medical Association. October 7, 2009. Note: CrocsRX is a Corporate Partner in American Podiatric Medical Association at the [http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/CorporateOpportunities/CorporateMembersProgram/APMA-Corporate-Members.aspx $100000-$249999 contributions level] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721091534/http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/CorporateOpportunities/CorporateMembersProgram/APMA-Corporate-Members.aspx |date=July 21, 2011 }} per APMA.org. 2009. in 2009. In 2008, the U.S. government Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved a model of Crocs with molded insoles as diabetic footwear, to help reduce foot injuries.AP (July 18, 2008). [http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_9915938 "Crocs get a lift from diabetics as medical agency OKs footwear"]. The Denver Post, based on Crocs press release. Retrieved May 31, 2010.

Footwear such as Crocs and flip-flops came under scrutiny in 2006 in the U.S. and in 2008 in Japan when children suffered injuries after the shoes became caught in escalator mechanisms.Snow, Kate (October 5, 2006). [http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/bizarre&id=4630653 "Crocs can pose a danger on escalators"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231606/http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Fbizarre&id=4630653 |date=December 2, 2013 }}. ABC News.. Retrieved April 19, 2007.AP (April 21, 2008). [https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=4694425&page=1 "Kids Hurt While Wearing Crocs on Escalators"]. ABC Business News. Retrieved November 5, 2009. This was due to the soft shoe material combined with the smaller size of children's feet.[http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=5441435 "Experts recommend caution while wearing clogs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223142419/http://www.wmctv.com/global/story.asp?s=5441435 |date=February 23, 2012 }} WMC-TV Memphis Tennessee. September 21, 2006. Retrieved April 19, 2007. In 2008, Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry, after receiving 65 complaints of injuries, requested that Crocs change its design.

Internationally, some healthcare facilities introduced policies in 2007 regulating Crocs. Rapid City Regional Hospital in South Dakota changed its dress code to prohibit the sandal variants and those with holes, citing safety concerns, but allowed closed-top "Professional" and the healthcare-focused "Rx" Crocs to be worn.Garrigan, Mary (February 1, 2007). [http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/top-stories/article_22ac3d31-4840-5140-b60f-3698fb2e3d6a.html "Holey Crocs get the boot at Regional Hospital"] Rapid City Journal. Retrieved April 18, 2007. Over 100 hospitals in Canada were advised to implement similar policies.Talaga, Tanya (July 24, 2007). [https://www.thestar.com/news/article/239048 "No Crocs for docs and nurses?"] Toronto Star. Retrieved June 4, 2010.AP and Olafson, Joe (July 31, 2007). [https://www.ctvnews.ca/crocs-clampdown-sparks-health-care-debate-1.250785 "Crocs clampdown sparks health-care debate"]. CTV News. Blekinge and Karolinska University hospitals in Sweden banned the wearing of "Forsberg slippers" (Foppatofflor)Foppatofflor (literally, "Foppa slippers") is a Swedish nickname for Crocs, after Peter "Foppa" Forsberg, Sweden's Crocs importer. by staff, due to high voltage static electricity buildup which was observed[http://www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/17/krav-att-tofflor-stoppas-e/ "Requirements to stop slippers after dangerous incidents"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091113121811/http://www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/17/krav-att-tofflor-stoppas-e/ |date=November 13, 2009 }}. Dagens Medicin (SE). April 18, 2007. [https://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/17/krav-att-tofflor-stoppas-e/&hl=en&langpair=auto|en&tbb=1&ie=ISO-8859-1 (English translation)]. Retrieved June 6, 2010. to interfere with electronic equipment.[http://www.thelocal.se/7034/20070418/ "Swedish hospital to ban 'Foppatoffels'"] The Local (Sweden), April 18, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.AP (April 19, 2007). [https://www.theguardian.com/international/story/0,,2061288,00.html "Plastic clogs disrupt machinery in Swedish hospital"] Guardian Unlimited (AP). Retrieved April 19, 2007.[http://www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/27/karolinska-forbjuder-foppa/ "Karolinska prohibits foppa slippers"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719112921/http://www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/27/karolinska-forbjuder-foppa/ |date=July 19, 2011 }}. Dagens Medicin (SE), April 27, 2007. [https://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.dagensmedicin.se/nyheter/2007/04/27/karolinska-forbjuder-foppa/&hl=en&langpair=auto|en&tbb=1&ie=ISO-8859-1 (English translation)]. Retrieved June 6, 2010. City hospitals in Vienna, Austria, announced banning Crocs, often worn by nursing staff, to comply with antistatic requirements.SAPA-AFP (August 12, 2008). [http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-12-vienna-hospitals-ban-crocs "Vienna hospitals ban Crocs"] Mail & Guardian Online. Retrieved August 13, 2008.

Crocs announced the Fuse and two others in 2009, formulated to dissipate static electricity by European standard EN ISO 20347:2004 (E), for use in the medical sector.{{cite web |title=New anti-static crocs shoe produced for use in hospitals |date= March 31, 2009 | author= Staines, Richard |publisher=NursingTimes.net |url=http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/new-anti-static-crocs-shoe-produced-for-use-in-hospitals/2007702.article |access-date=June 26, 2010}}

Sales of Crocs increased dramatically starting in 2009,{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/brand_graveyard/feature/2009/07/27/crocs/index.html |title=Admit it -- you used to wear Crocs - The Brand Graveyard |author=Madden, Mike |work=Salon.com |date=July 27, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523223920/http://www.salon.com/news/brand_graveyard/feature/2009/07/27/crocs/index.html |archive-date=May 23, 2010 }} with The New York Times stating that first-quarterly sales roughly tripled from 2006 to 2007.Walker, Rob (July 15, 2007). [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/magazine/15wwln-consumed-t.html?ex=1342065600&en=777eba4c1b67c6d7&ei=5124&partner=digg&exprod=digg "Croc On"]. The New York Times Magazine. Retrieved May 31, 2010. A 2006 article in The Washington Post described the phenomenon: "Nor is the fashion world enamored of Crocs. Though their maker touts their 'ultra-hip Italian styling,' lots of folks find them hideous." In 2007, then-U.S. President George W. Bush publicly wore black Crocs with socks.Gilbert, Sarah (June 14, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20070616133202/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/14/george-bush-cozy-with-crocs-ceo-an-ugly-tide-that-raises-two-bo/ "George Bush cozy with Crocs CEO: An ugly tide that raises two boats?"] bloggingstocks.com; AOL Money & Finance. Retrieved July 7, 2010. Comedian Bill Maher stated during a 2007 episode of his show Real Time that people should "stop wearing plastic shoes".{{cite episode|title=August 24, 2007| series=Real Time with Bill Maher|airdate=August 24, 2007| season=5| number=105| network=HBO| minutes=51.5| url=http://www.hbo.com/billmaher }} "It was only a year ago when only pre-schoolers and mental patients wore these. But now grownups, all over America, have gone Croc crazy. The latest step in our unending quest to dress as casually as humanly possible. You know, I used to wear flip-flops, but they were a little dressy. I want clothing I can hose down! Admit it: we're a nation of slobs who won't be happy until we can go to the mall in a diaper." A 2007 episode of The Daily Show featured comedian Rob Corddry as a reporter satirically following up on that year's lewd conduct arrest of Senator Larry Craig, with Corddry stating that a person wearing Crocs is signaling that "anything goes".{{cite episode| title=September 10, 2007| series=The Daily Show with Jon Stewart| series-link=The Daily Show| airdate=September 10, 2007| number=12112| network=Comedy Central| minutes=10| url=http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-september-10-2007/trapped-in-the-men-s-room | quote=...Oh, and Jon, anyone in those brightly colored plastic Crocs? That means anything goes. We're talking hardcore ass-[censored] stuff — scat play. And Jon, that's not just in bathrooms. Anytime you see anyone wearing Crocs, be aware. ... If they're wearing Crocs, they are soliciting incredibly depraved gay sex. You can take that to the bank. Women who wear Crocs also have to give unlimited BJ's}}

The 2006 film Idiocracy heavily features footwear as the costume department had a limited budget and Crocs were an inexpensive option. During the 2004 production of the film the team thought that the inexpensive plastic shoes both looked like they could be the shoe of the future but also too stupid to catch on, making them perfect for the film. {{Cite web |last=Kasprak |first=Alex |date=2023-09-15 |title=Everyone in 'Idiocracy' Wears Crocs Because They Were 'Horrible' and Cheap? |url=https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/idiocracy-crocs/ |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Snopes |language=en}}

In 2008, fashion consultant Tim Gunn told Time, "[The Croc] looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously?"{{cite news |title=10 Questions for Tim Gunn |author=Luscombe, Belinda|newspaper=Time|date=July 10, 2008 |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1821665-1,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821134236/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1821665-1,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=June 25, 2010}} A 2008 anti-Crocs essay in Newsweek by ice hockey player Steve Tuttle{{cite web|title=Culture: Make. It. Stop. The case for ending our long national nightmare.|date=July 31, 2008 |work= Newsweek/The Daily Beast |first=Steve |last=Tuttle|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/07/31/make-it-stop.html|access-date=September 3, 2012}} generated much response from readers who both agreed and disagreed with it.{{cite news|title= Culture: A Croc of ... Wit - Readers lash a rant against the popular rubber clog|work= Newsweek/The Daily Beast|date= August 19, 2008|last= Tuttle |first= Steve|url= http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/08/19/a-croc-of-wit.html |access-date=September 3, 2012}} In 2009, then-First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted wearing Crocs with her daughter.{{cite web |url=http://www.stylelist.com/2008/10/08/michelle-obama-style-evolution/ |title=Style Evolution:Michelle Obama (image 60 of 123)| format=Flash| work=StyleList.com| author=Brandon, Alex (AP)| publisher=AOL.com| date=August 2009 |access-date=June 26, 2010| quote=During a trip to Martha's Vineyard in August 2009, Michelle Obama went casual in sky blue Crocs. According to the company, she's wearing the Malindi style — and they match perfectly with daughter Sasha's outfit.}} Crocs were ranked the sixth worst thing to happen to men in 2007 by Maxim.{{cite web |url=http://www.maxim.com/funny/the-10-best-and-worst-things-happen-men-2007 |title=The 10 Best and Worst Things to Happen to Men in 2007 |publisher=Dennis Digital Inc. |work=Maxim |access-date=November 28, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204005021/http://www.maxim.com/funny/the-10-best-and-worst-things-happen-men-2007 |archive-date=December 4, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} In 2010, Time magazine listed Crocs as one of the world's "50 Worst Inventions".{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1991915_1991909_1991743,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530052004/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1991915_1991909_1991743,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 30, 2010 |title=The 50 Worst Inventions| author=Oloffson, Kristi|newspaper=Time| date=May 27, 2010}} The blog "IHateCrocs.com" was founded by two Canadian college students; one of its founders, Kate Leth, referred to the shoes as "hideous". The website "CrocFans.com" documented the uses of the shoes. The Facebook group "I Don't Care How Comfortable Crocs Are, You Look Like a Dumbass" has been mentioned in the media.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQnp-duPmbMC&q=dumbass&pg=PR7 |access-date=September 3, 2012 |title=Paid, Owned, Earned: Maximising Marketing Returns in a Socially Connected World |first=Nick|last=Burcher |publisher=Kogan Page |year=2012| page=63|isbn= 978-0749465629}}{{cite web|title=I love that damn meerkat, Croc sandals and Ronald Suresh Roberts|work=Tech Leader|publisher=Mail & Guardian Online|location=South Africa|first=Arthur|last=Goldstuck|date=November 22, 2007|url=http://www.techleader.co.za/amablogoblogo/2007/11/22/i-love-that-damn-meerkat-croc-sandals-and-ronald-suresh-roberts/|access-date=September 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110905151124/http://www.techleader.co.za/amablogoblogo/2007/11/22/i-love-that-damn-meerkat-croc-sandals-and-ronald-suresh-roberts/|archive-date=September 5, 2011|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10196482-71.html |title=Why isn't the tech world supporting the Woz?| first=Chris |last=Matyszczyk |date=March 14, 2009|publisher=CNET.com}}

In the mid-2010s, public perception of Crocs began to shift. In 2015, Prince George was photographed at a charity event wearing navy blue Crocs. After one week, this created a 1,500% increase of sales according to a spokesperson for Amazon.com.{{cite web|last1=Chew|first1=Jonathan|title=Crocs are in again, by (Prince) George!|url=http://fortune.com/2015/06/24/prince-george-crocs/|website=fortune.com|publisher=Fortune|date=June 24, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Lowin|first1=Rebekah|title=Crocs sales skyrocket from the 'Prince George effect'|url=http://www.today.com/style/crocs-sales-skyrocket-prince-george-effect-t28266|website=Today|date=June 23, 2015}} Fashion designer Christopher Kane had his models wear Crocs during his show at the 2016 London Fashion Week,{{cite web |last1=McCall |first1=Tyler |title=Christopher Kane Partnered with Crocs for His Spring 2017 Show |url=https://fashionista.com/2016/09/christopher-kane-crocs |website=Fashionista |date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=September 17, 2022}} and Balenciaga released a 10 cm Croc platform shoe in 2017.{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Kelsey |title=Balenciaga's Platform Crocs Beg the Question, "What Are Those?" |url=https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Balenciaga-Platform-Crocs-Paris-Fashion-Week-2017-44096340 |website=Popsugar |date=October 4, 2017 |access-date=September 17, 2022}} Crocs saw a massive surge in popularity in 2020, caused by the rise of casual fashion during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and its worldwide lockdowns.{{cite news |last1=Bhattarai |first1=Abha |title=Love them or hate them, Crocs are back |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/06/03/crocs-pandemic-surge/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 17, 2022}} By 2022, they were the best-selling item of clothing on Amazon.{{cite news |last1=Stessman |first1=Emma |title=Crocs are Amazon's No. 1 bestselling shoe — and they're on sale for up to 50% off |url=https://www.today.com/shop/types-crocs-trending-styles-t248354 |access-date=September 17, 2022 |date=March 4, 2022}} Industry experts believed that much of the trend was also driven by Gen Z's desire for "comfort and unconventional style".{{cite news |last1=Elan |first1=Priya |title=Crocs of gold: celebrity fans fuel frenzy to buy used 'ugly clogs' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/may/15/crocs-of-gold-celebrity-fans-fuel-frenzy-to-buy-used-ugly-clogs |access-date=September 17, 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=May 15, 2021}} Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj, Questlove, and Kanye West all sported Crocs during the early 2020s, inspiring fans to embrace the shoes' "newfound coolness".{{cite web |last1=Allaire |first1=Christian |title=Yet Another Convert to Crocs: Ariana Grande |url=https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/ariana-grande-crocs-controversial-shoe-trend |website=Vogue |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2022}} There have also been limited edition themed Crocs created in collaboration with Bieber, KFC, Hidden Valley Ranch, and Pixar.{{cite news |last1=Bridle |first1=Alex |title=Now Gen Z has brought Crocs back into style, too |newspaper=Esquire Middle East – the Region's Best Men's Magazine |date=November 6, 2021 |url=https://www.esquireme.com/style/fashion/52500-now-gen-z-has-brought-crocs-back-into-style-too |access-date=September 17, 2022}}

• List of shoe styles

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