Crocs Cayman Shoes > Reviews > Crocs for your feet?

Author's product rating:   

Advantages:	Lightweight, comfortable,  easy to clean
Disadvantages:	Look a bit strange on your feet

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I find it absolutely fascinating that a shoe can become a worldwide phenomenon in a matter of just a few years but it would seem that is exactly what has happened with Crocs shoes. I was curious to find out more about why that should be so I did a bit of research, ended up buying a pair, and now want to tell everyone what I discovered along the way.

Originally, Crocs Shoes were designed with the intention of creating a boating/outdoor shoe which had a slip-resistant, non-marking sole. Three guys from Colorado developed the Crocs shoe and by 2003, Crocs Footwear had become something of a phenomenon, seemingly accepted as an all purpose shoe for comfort and fashion(?).

As demand for the shoe grew they expanded the product line, added warehouses and shipping programs for speedy assembly and delivery. Today, Crocs Shoes are available all over the world and on the internet as they expand all aspects of the business.

The core values of Crocs Footwear are that they are a lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe, which can be produced quickly and at an affordable price for customers.

Well it sounded good to me and a newspaper article which was investigating some of the new items of unique footwear coming on to the market gave them a pretty good review saying they were incredibly lightweight and comfortable. I carried on finding out more information and discovered that they are available in the UK from a number of suppliers at something around £30 per pair. Certainly they aren't cheap and I discovered that they can be in short supply in some of the colours and some of the sizes. The range of colours and styles is quite wide and to be honest there is probably something in the range for everyone.

I found a pair in my size in a subdued green colour - I am not quite ready for a bright orange, pink or yellow pair just yet - and I placed my order with rubersole.co.uk and waited for them to arrive. They came the next day, packed in a lightweight padded bag, sent through the regular post and it was quickly evident why there was no postage and packing to pay. They seemed to weigh virtually nothing - they certainly were lightweight.

They reminded me of the plastic shoes I used to wear on the beach as a child, as you can imagine it wasn't very long before I had them on my feet. The inside of the sole is gently ribbed, not uncomfortably so but I was aware it wasn't smooth. They actually felt remarkably comfortable and the heel strap kept them firmly on my feet as I walked. They are very comfortable to walk in but they are wider the normal casual footwear that I wear. I thinkthey look a little odd and the ventilation holes look a little comical but they do allow your feet to breathe when you are wearing them.

I know they are extremely popular and I have come to the conclusion you either love them or hate them. Many children I know love them, they are comfortable and easy to wear and lighweight but most of all I think they love the colours and the fact that you can dress them up by buying badges to fit into the holes on the top. Adults seem to be divided in their views and personally I am still a little undecided. I like to put them on when I get home from work and they are great as a casual shoe to wear around the house and garden. I do feel that worn with bare feet they do make my feet perspire a little but they are so well ventilated this isn't a problem. They are certainly easy care because you can easily sponge them down or even hose them down if you want.

According to the manufacturers they are antibacterial and healthcare workers often wear them as they are 'easy on the feet'. The front of the shoe is quite wide so there is no compression of the toes which means they are a wonderful change from fashion shoes that squeeze your toes together. I am also sure that if you suffer from corns or bunions you will find you have more space in these shoes than any other.

However - I haven't yet been out in public in them! Partly that decision may be based a little on my age I guess. I am not known for being 'trendy' or for following the latest fashion so I am quite happy to wear them at home when I am relaxing. I would certainly wear them on holiday though and they would be ideal on the beach and great for pebbly beaches.

Would I recommend them?
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Perhaps - I would if your children are clamouring for them as children seem to love them and the bright choice of colours. I would as well if you have painful feet and want something that doesn't pinch those tender places. They would probably work for you if you have a job where you are on your feet all day. I do though think they are expensive for what they are and, as I bought some FitFlops at the same time which are a similar price, I have to say that of the two I prefer the FitFlops although to be fair they both do different things and can be worn at different times.

I think that for me the jury is still out on Crocs but if I were flying somewhere exotic for the Summer I would pack them - they certainly wouldn't put me over the baggage limit!