How Crocs Became a Fashion Statement | WSJ The Economics Of
Crocs stock soared during the pandemic as the footwear brand recorded $2.3 billion in revenue in 2021.
WSJ breaks down Crocs’s business strategy and explains how -- nearly two decades after the colorful clog first became a global fad -- the footwear company found its hold as the world’s most loved and hated shoe.
Illustration: Adele Morgan
0:00 Crocs and the pandemic
1:00 Crocs’ history
3:23 Crocs’ design
4:14 Collaborations
5:15 What’s next?
The Economics Of
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#Crocs #Fashion #WSJ
crocs played on the "so bad its good" trope and eventually, people un-ironically started liking the look of the shoe. Also, they're comfy to wear while still feeling like your feet are protected.
I never liked the shoe. It makes me cringe, especially when they’re worn by men.
@@johnjohnson3709 just like your comment makes me cringe. let people wear what they want to wear including men.
@@jass1470 I’m not stopping you from wearing them but I will throw shade at people who wear them, every time!
@@jass1470 my comment made you cringe? You’re just a weak little snowflake.
@@johnjohnson3709 calling me a little snowflake while cringing at someone for wearing crocs as if they're making you pay for it, well it shows who's the snowflake :)
It's proof that marketing can make people do anything.
Men don’t wear Crocs.
Marketing is the pinnacle when it comes to fashion
social media can also make people hate anything
@@usagi9789 Nope 👎🏽! We can’t hate what we NEED. I ACTUALLY NEED CROCS. They help me make big money at work.
@@sandycheeks1580 My Man!.. 🍷
They may be ugly but as a practical shoe they're hard to beat. I'm pregnant, was in FL last month, my feet and legs were swelling so badly I could barely move by the end of the day. I bought a pair of Crocs and the swelling decreased by 50% and stayed down. It was enough after two days I could actually get compression socks on. A combo of those and the compression socks meant zero swelling. No other shoe I tried was able to do that. So yeah, I'm embracing ugly. I value the ability to walk over aesthetics.
My Girl..! 🍷👍
It’s not ugly Super cute ( in my eyes )
That's exactly why I had started buying them because my feet were way too swollen for any other shoes. I also had to wear compression socks to cut the swelling down.
If your feet swell a lot there might be a reason for them. Otherwise they are ugly, sweaty, and stinky.
Reducing sodium in the body is the solution, not the crocs. It will soon become a problem big enough to be get unsolvable by a shoe. WHO stated this, too. It is International Salt Week for awareness about the side effects of using excess table salt already, more than 7 million deaths would be caused due to the same issue. Address the issue from the root to stay safe. Eat healthy. Eat only natural, unprocessed salt, just like sugar. Get well soon! 🙂
What this vid failed to mention is nicki minaj's contribution to the 2021 spike. When she came back from her hiatus, she posted a pic of her in pink crocs. It instantly went viral. Sales for crocs went up 4900% (yes, fourty nine hundred), it even crashed the site.
🦄🦄🦄
You're right. It was her.
I think it goes without saying that we all remember where we were when Nicki Minaj posted that croc photo.
disgusting
I used to remember 10 years ago, people were being clowned for wearing crocs. Oh how the times have changed.
I still clown on them.
@@johnjohnson3709 not important
@@xxyyxx2861 what’s really important is I do not wear Crocs.
My friends still clown me.
i still clown on people for wearing crocs ngl
Crocs is extremely popular among young people nowadays. They love to customize and some even paint and make extravagant design. Also its easy to put on and leave the house for quick coffee trip, etc.
The first time I wore a pair ironically, they were crayon yellow and I paired them with lederhosen and a hat with a feather. Basically a Pinocchio outfit. Someone yelled, "You're my hero!" at me from across the street. I still wear a pair sometimes but you have to make the outfit fun/intentional.
Are you sure you weren’t a pimp instead?
⭐You're my hero!⭐ 🍷👍
I'm 17 and I've been wearing crocs ever since I've been a toddler. I don't care what people say about them, they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and are extremely durable. And no, I won't stop wearing them.
Got my first pair when I was pregnant with my son 16 years ago. I get a new pair every year. My only gripe is that they’re way too expensive for what they are. But with severe psoriatic arthritis in my feet, they’re often the only shoes I can fit into.
I love crocs for the comfort for my ankle issue as well. Yes, they are way too expensive for what they are. I've never seen the more fun options in my area. Kinda disappointing. So I went with Sketchers brand. No difference in comfort and cuter.
you should try barefoot shoe, they are made with the same foot shape as croc but as sneaker
Which year did the jitbitz started?
how tall is your son?
Get Birkenstock next
In my state in India Crocs was always the fashion with comfort ever since I remember since 2010,i was shocked to know that in other part of the world Crocs was not considered as cool but in my state it was always there and maybe because of the reason that we receive rains throughout the year and we are situated in a himalayan region so we literally have to walk most of the times and people would always prefer Crocs to wear because of the comfortability it provides and without damaging your other shoes during rain.
north east indians have Fashion sense than other parts of india...i observed it alot
What state is this again?
Because they’re the cheaper option in Europe but in India it takes dough to afford.
@@buzzedbrain Sikkim
"in other part of the world" bruh crocs are a north american thing first and foremost, we never see that shoe in europe ( and thank god )
I think that first making them easy to get made it popular and then making collaborations with limited quantity that sells out boosted their popularity even more
Crocs are definitely a special shoe and comfortable. I bought my first pair around 2009 and wore them walking around in NYC. I walked miles in them, and my feet never hurt.
Underrated stock, Crocs footwear is still trending at the moment due to their ability to capture the attention of younger demographic. Its retail store attract more people than Nike at least in Singapore.
Different climate, different demands. Consumers living in 4 season don't wear shoe's without closure during winter
@@worldcitizeng6507 not really, during winter my colleague changes from his boots into crocs once he reaches the office each day.
Crocs serves a certain demographics but they’ve become popular among youngsters because chunky heeled footwear became fashionable again. I think they’ll definitely see a decrease in sales at some point after this wide legged pants + chunky heeled shoes fashion trend die down. Crocs had a hard time competing with more popular brands when skinny jeans were trendy. I personally think they’re quite comfy and I think they’re going to survive as a brand but I think sales will decline a bit once we’re over this current fashion trend.
I bought them when I was pregnant and had swollen feet. They are so comfortable as a house slipper and it's fun to be able to personalize them with charms.
I used to hate them with a passion. Now I’ve become hooked lolol
My cousin in medical field also loves to wear crocs specially standing, and running all day long
I bought a pair last year. But it was a purely practical reason. My older crocs didn't fit anymore cause not wearing shoes during the lockdown made my feet bigger. And crocs are easy to clean. Which is helpful when you are paranoid about avoiding covid contamination.
i feel like one important factor that was left out in this video is the rise of 2000's fashion in the recent couple of years
It's a really comfortable shoe but some of the retailers are over doing it with the price
Medical staff loves them! I bought a pair for my Mr. Grey with orange trim. He loved them, then I bought him a black with white trim 1s. He was going through chemo so they were easy to put on & take off. He passed June 15, 2022 😔 There so big on me. But I wear them around the house or to throw out the trash, water the grass ect. I have 2 pair of plastic clogs for the yard I bought from Costco. Not cheap, not as comfortable as crocks. If ur going to buy some, don't worry about $10-$20.00 get the real 1s. 👞
My 1year old baby wear Crocs shoo and runs like a champion I love it.other shoo was not give them that comfort.he always fall down with other shoo
I rarely see people wearing crocs in public, although its useful as workwear - chefs, healthcare, etc. Marketing helped to boost a positive brand image. Although I think its use as a fashion piece is still at fringe minority.
LOTS of people wear crocs here in southern India. The tropical weather plus heavy rains make it ideal for crocs. Sneakers get dirty way too quickly here.
@@itsnachikethahere Ahh, but are they actually Crocs? I doubt it. They are most likely the cheap, and still very useable, knock-offs that come out of India and China.
walk onto a college campus and you’ll see plenty of crocs
You should come to Singapore. Every 1 in 10 young people here wear crocs
@@itsnachikethahere dude it's not real crocs ,real crocs cost a lot in india ,but cheap knockoff are there which barely cost few cents .Indians are mostly wearing those fake ones.
I’m a proud non-owner of crocs. And I thought I always followed trends but I can’t sheep out on this one
The fact that it moulds into the shape of one's feet is the best thing.
I bought my first Crocs last year. Around the house, I am barefoot, and I used flip flops to go in the garden. When my flip flops flipped their final flop, I looked for something a little more substantial to wear for gardening. I never expected to choose Crocs, but I saw the Literide 360 style and took a chance. I love them and bought a second pair almost immediately. I keep one pair at the front door and the other at the back. They are so light that I forget sometimes that I'm wearing them. My decision to look at Crocs came about following a hospital stay, and lots of clinic visits afterwards, when I'd see staff in scrubs and Crocs. I could never wear the garish colours, nor do I particularly like the traditional version, but I'm a fan of the Literide.
Crocs are very slippery in the wet. That's why I avoid wearing them in the monsoon. Otherwise they are excellent in every matter. They should come with a grippy sole.
Learning - collaborate - allow customization
4:38 "...its 4 inch $850 shoe sold out in hours." I hate everything about that sentence. There is way too much money in America and far too many idiots.
I am surprised how long it took the American businesses to catch this idea; the same kind of sandals and shoes have been in practice in the market in Pakistan since 1980 - called softee; made from rubber and plastic waste and designed for use in household chores and everyday use rather than for fashion.
A lot of asian countries had rubber slippers. This is for outdoor wear
I resisted these forever but gave in during the pandemic like much of the world. Best decision ever!
Why do you say that?
@@lukealadeen7836 The pandemic pounds happened. Lol.
Same I said I would never get them.. now here I am 😂
They def got me in the marketing I used to think they were so ugly then my sister had a pair and I was like let me try them and now I own like 5pairs 😭
I have the same scene 😂
😂
Been a wearer of these since 05. They float so impossible to lose even if they blow off the boat. Just ordered the LiteRide so my 3 days of beach concert are smooth sailing 🍻
For Gen Z Crocs may be the most popular footwear brand. Crocs are the only shoe brand I've bought since about 2018. I do have a pair of dress shoes but I essentially only wear Crocs sneakers or Crocs clogs. The practicality and durability is far better than other shoe brands.
nike is the most popular still
Not really mate. Gen Z here and I see crocs but not as often as trainers/sneakers
Wow! AWESOME!
Cool series
I remember having a pair of slipper crocs were the slipper insert was a tie-dye pattern and the tops of the shoes had a big star on it with a picture of highschool musical stars, Vanessa Hudgens and Zak Efron. Man, do I miss the 2000's
I think Crocs are cute! Especially if you get on of their many fun bright colors or prints and then you add the little charms. Plus, My feet don't hurt when I wear them. I wear them at home and outside as much as I can. I cannot wear them for work except for their nicer looking sandals during the summer. I love them and even if they dip in popularity, I'll still be wearing them!
Medical College and hospital is filled with new crocs ..lol
4:20 im so glad you featured bretman rock because i swear i was shocked when he collaborated with crocs because at that time i thought crocs were lame, but when he wore it i was like ooohhh it’s kinda cute 😂 i’m exactly the reason why their marketing efforts went so well haha
I remember getting green crocs from Costco years ago before they grew into popularity like they are today. I only had that pair which I haven’t worn for quite some time now. I’m on the fence about getting myself a new pair (which would be considered my 2nd pair) just because of the crocs not being so environmentally friendly. I’ll see in the near future if I end up buying myself a new pair.
The first pair of “crocs” was sold at the Dollar Tree. Maybe in 1997 or 98
We know it’d be considered your second pair if you already had a pair. Duh…we’re not stupid you didn’t need to state that part 🤦♀️😂
I work on my feet 8 - 10 hours a day. Crocs are so nice to slip into after a long day at work (and on my days off, too!).
I bought some $2 crocs in Honduras (made in china) and I now understand why these are god shoes. I was like most people, roasting the shoes and ppl who wear them. Now I love them
I think WSJ should do an 'Economics of Imitation Crocs,' mine cost $7, I wear nothing else (on my feet at least...)
im glad crocs arent cringed at anymore at least. i could use some for my feet bc i have a really bad bunion. i would have had some a long time ago but for some reason i thought i had heard they were actually bad for your feet
Nice video.
super expensive in India. One can buy more than 10 pairs of local brand footwear in the same cost of a croc
same here in Malaysia. if only our currency wasn't so weak
i had the cutest crocs when i was 3, they were red with a green, wavy 'sport mode' band...strawberry crocs!
Hey, can you guys make a explainer on Leverage?
Love my Crocs to be used in my bathrooms! Wear the nicer ones when going out to the Supermarket. Have to wear my cotton socks with my Crocs when venturing out during the Summer since I sweat a lot!
I didn't know these were even still a thing.
As a preggo this is the best you can get. It's comfortable, anti slip. Gives you a better grip.
I just bought a pair today. Crocs rock!
And if I see you wearing them I will clown on you!
@@johnjohnson3709 BRING IT ON BROSKI, I got my Jibbitz on deck HOLLA!
@@rocketman3770 come on by
@@johnjohnson3709 they see me rollin, they hatin, tryna catch me ridin dirty
@@rocketman3770 Lol
Who doesn’t love crocs ❤️
In 2005. Remember first seeing these crazy shoes on my science teacher, she wore them all the time!
🤗 I can hardly wait for my new crocs and gibbits to arrive!!!🤗
One of my favourite# Crocs🥰🥰😊
I just want to share my experience with crocs. I liked the design but as a student, I do not have the money so I bought cheap knock offs. I finally bought original ones. I noticed that my feet do not hurt with the original. For me they look the same and that the materials were the same and I had them in my size but the knock offs hurt my feet especially in the toes area. I realized that the original ones are great for a reason. I like it so much.
Wish you had touched on their efforts to recycle their shoes. What do they do with them? Is it real?
Not for sweaty fees though, that friction with plastic will hurt
They are quite comfortable and durable
I used to think Lacoste owned crocs
lol
They are not slip resistant. Maybe on a coarse ultra dry concrete. Love them and had them for over 10 yrs but around a pool the are not slip resistance.
There’s only 2 croc stores in my state and hella far from me and it sucks for me because I drive all the way to them only to find out they are all out of stock of my size in every color…even a children size 6 which also fits me are all always out of stock too…..even online the ones I want always be out of stock in my size
I can't believe I actually bought my first pair yesterday, as of this date, January 16, 2024.
i has crocs before they was crocs back in Haiti 🇭🇹
Why are they not making wedge huarache mini any more.Those are their most comfortable sandals with heels.
Classy
I cannot believe they discontinued the freesail strapless clog. Best Croc ever for women. I loathe the bulky ones with straps.
the Grant Cardone Scam ad is literally at the video beginning of every WSJ video.
Why i love crocs so much 😂
Now this video makes me want to try or buy a Crocs 😬
It's wierd to say crocs as shoes... It so much is like slippers category
Crocs are ❤️
One thing not mentioned is how popular they are among pregnant women. I work at a birth center and pregnant women love them due to foot swelling during pregnancy/general discomfort. Lol.
I never owned a pair and my grandkids bought me some. The next week my podiatrist told me crocs were great for wearing for my neuropathy. Only shoes I wear now
Cool
I remember when I went to summer school back in 2005 and I was wearing crocs I was laughed at and bullied. If someone told me that almost everyone in my country/ the world would own and wear a pair of these on the regular 15-20 years later I'd be shocked.
Stock price went up bc of stimulus and QE not bc of work from home lol
Please feature decathlon
After being a Croc hater for over a decade, I just bought my first pair. Not sure if I'll wear them out in public, but I have to see what the hype is all about. People really seem to like them.
We all started by saying they're for in the house only. Then in the garden and taking the bin out. Then for picking up one or two things at the shop. Before you know it, you're 3+ pairs in and wearing them for everything!
I love their flip flops. The tread on those for nearly daily use makes them useable for like 5 years for an adult. Best $20 and they aren't the ugly clogs.
The first “Croc” was sold at the dollar Tree 😂🎉
I'm now in my 3rd pair of crocs...i have used the other two to the fullest.
crocs were big in the mid 2000s too
P/E ratio at 6
I know the jury is out there on their looks but boy they don't slip at all no matter the surface you walk on, unless its black ice.
You know that scene in Angela's Ashes where the kids are humiliated that they have to go to school with tire treads glued on their shoes? I feel like wearing Crocs in public should evoke the same feelings. (But frankly, pretty much all plastic shoes that aren't for small children are offensive.)
Lol
Imma buy some crocs now
I wear crocs everyday I started for work and then they became a everyday footwear I have over hundred plus crocs and counting🤓😍🥰
Distortion in the economy is unprecedented.
Got mine at Walmart
To each his own. Never been a fan.
Need a pair
Crocs: - comfortableness - self-expression - individualism. I don’t mind people liking it, it is their choices. But you can’t deny it isn’t classy. Society became more inclusive and accepting, great!
самое крутое, что с 2020го становится модным носить кроксы с носками. я продал свои акции только когда капа Crocs достигла $9.5B
those jibett things are so hard to take out
Disabled adapted no shoelace tying
I wear them when gardening. My Husband also has a pair which he wears whilst vacuuming the pool. Never would I be seen past our gate wearing crocs. I throw them in a bucket with soapy water and clean with a toothbrush. Australia.
Comfort footwear???