Since Crocs’ introduction in 2002, they have been a controversial topic, with a central question in these debates being: Are Crocs ugly? What is it about these colorful, comfortable shoes? And more importantly, does their supposed “ugliness” even matter anymore in a fashion landscape that increasingly celebrates the unconventional?
Why Do People Hate Crocs?
Crocs were introduced as a comfortable and practical footwear option, however, they have faced significant criticism over the years. The criticism is about how they look, how casual they are, and what people think about those who wear Crocs.
Reason 1: Social Perception About Casualness
Many people think Crocs are overly casual; because of this, some places don’t allow them. For instance, attendees at the CMC Rocks music festival in Australia tell people not to wear Crocs as they are inappropriate for the event’s dress code. Similarly, numerous schools across at least 20 U.S. states have banned Crocs, citing safety concerns and the distraction caused by the footwear.
Formal and luxury events might ban Crocs in their dress code (Souce: Vanity Fair)
Reason 2: Critiques From The Fashion Industry
Prominent fashion figures have openly criticized Crocs for their design and association with casual wear. Fashion consultant Tim Gunn has been notably critical, stating, “I can’t imagine a more aesthetically offensive item of footwear than Crocs.” Similarly, renowned designer Christian Louboutin expressed his disdain, remarking, “I hate Crocs… Crocs with jumpers is a big level of misery for me.”
In a world where shoes often signal social status and style awareness, critics also target Crocs for their casualness. Many people see Crocs as the ultimate rebellious—a way of giving up on fashion by choosing comfort over appearance.
Why Have Crocs Earned Their Place? The Unexpected Champion
According to Statista, a revenue of $4.1 billion in 2024 represents a staggering 400% growth since 2017. Why are Crocs so popular despite being widely ridiculed? Part of the answer lies in celebrity collaborations with Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, and Post Malone, which sold out in under one hour.
Despite these criticisms, something remarkable happened: Crocs won.
The pandemic also had an enormous impact because Crocs are the perfect house shoes. People only value comfort during lockdowns at home, so the fact that they were even worthy of such dramatic criticism meant that Crocs had made their mark and were something people had strong feelings about.
Social media also played a crucial role, Wallaro said in one of their blogs about TikTok, Crocs’ collaboration with Post Malone, using the hashtag #ThousandDollarCrocs, amassed 2.8 billion views. Adding to this, the brand allows people to change their Crocs from simple shoes into something that reflects their style with “Jibbitz” charms,
It’s astonishing how Crocs, once simply functional footwear for boaters, are now a recognized term for a footwear style and even appear at high-profile events like red carpet and fashion shows.
Are Crocs Ugly? The Psychology Behind “Ugly Fashion”
The Appeal Of This Weird Fashion
“Ugly fashion” refers to styles that deliberately contradict traditional ideas of beauty, including designs that might be considered unattractive or unusual. In Refinery 29, fashion psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair explains that these choices “get our attention because they are different from what’s normally popular, signaling that someone is breaking away from mainstream style.”
This trend isn’t just about Crocs, it also includes big, chunky sneakers, oversized clothes, and intentionally mismatched patterns. With Crocs offering various designs to fit different styles, it’s worth asking: How many types of Crocs are there? What is considered “ugly” in other people’s eyes might be a unique challenge to traditional beauty rules.
The reason Crocs are popular fits into a bigger idea in fashion: we often like things that are intentionally different or unusual (Source: The Spruce)
Wearing “weird” Crocs allows people to show that they don’t follow the crowd and that they are confident. Wearing things like Crocs without being self-conscious can signal that someone doesn’t need traditional status symbols to feel secure in who they are.
Also, fashion trends tend to repeat themselves. Younger generations often bring back styles considered unattractive in the past, giving them a modern update and changing how we see their cultural meaning.
The journey of Crocs shows how comfort, individuality, and what society thinks are beautiful influence each other. Of course, “ugly fashion” goes against traditional norms, but it gives people a way to express themselves and change other people’s perspectives.
Defining “Ugly”: How Fashion’s Boundaries Are Constantly Shifting
Fashion history reveals countless examples of initially reviled items that later became iconic. Blue jeans were once considered inappropriate workwear, sneakers were strictly for sports before becoming everyday essentials, and platform shoes cycled from disco excess to fashion staple.
Historical Examples of Initially “Ugly” Items That Became Fashion Staples
- 17th-Century Venetian Chopines: These platform shoes, reaching heights of up to 20 inches, were initially criticized for their impracticality and exaggerated proportions. Over time, they became a symbol of status and fashion in Venetian society.
- 1980s Shoulder Pads: Once considered a symbol of power dressing, shoulder pads were initially mocked for their exaggerated silhouette. Today, they are embraced in various forms, adding structure and formality to contemporary designs.
17th-century Venetian Chopines and 1980s Shoulder Pads show that “ugly” functions can become iconic (Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Gen X Watch)
Cultural context matters, too. While Americans like Crocs due to their comfort and practicality, especially among healthcare workers and the general public, Japanese consumers embraced them enthusiastically, incorporating them into street style looks without the ironic distance often seen in Western markets.
What’s considered ugly in fashion often marks the boundary between current and future trends. The controversial designs of today frequently become the mainstream styles of tomorrow.
This pattern suggests that “ugly” functions less as an objective quality and more as a placeholder for “unfamiliar” or “challenging.”
>> Read more: Do men wear Crocs? How comfort meets cool in men’s footwear
FAQs
1. Which celebrity wears Crocs?
Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Post Malone, and Rihanna have embraced Crocs, often customizing them to reflect their styles.
2. Why is Gen Z obsessed with Crocs?
Gen Z is drawn to Crocs for their comfort, affordability, and the ability to personalize them with Jibbitz charms, aligning with their value of self-expression.
3. Is it appropriate to wear Crocs?
Yes, Crocs are suitable for casual settings and certain work environments, but their appropriateness varies by context; some schools have banned them due to safety concerns.
Our Final Thought: Crocs Are Not Really “Ugly”?
So, are Crocs ugly? No, they are not! The better question is: Do they serve their purpose and bring joy to those who wear them? No matter what they look like, Crocs’ continued success with their top comfort, cross over the traditional beauty of footwear.