History of Crocs: The First Crocs
Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson and George Boedecker Jr. founded Crocs in 2002. Inspired by a boating trip to the Caribbean islands and the look of traditional Dutch clogs, Seamons presented the first prototype foam clog, incorporating newly developed injection-molded foam from the Canadian company Foam Creations. Despite the shoe’s unconventional composition, the trio was impressed by the shoe’s lightness, comfort and non-slip capabilities; its porous holes and drainable outsole made it ideal for boating.
Experimenting with various designs, a slingback was added to the clog for additional support. The founders remarked how the finished silhouette’s side profile resembled a crocodile snout, and the name Crocs was established.
The first run of Classic Clogs, initially named “The Beach,” debuted at boat shows across America, often selling out. Retailers took notice and the shoe soon became a lifestyle icon, worn by people of all ages and professions. As the decade progressed, Crocs’ relevancy dimmed, fading from global popularity to a cult relic of the era. Often referred to as “ugly” because of their abnormal design, this connotation became an unexpected virtue when fashion began to embrace Y2K styles in the mid-2010s.
A few years later, Crocs completed its cultural renaissance by introducing an expansive collaboration program full of influential names, such as Balenciaga, Palace, KFC and Justin Bieber. Akin to the Converse Chuck Taylor, today the Clog’s reach is vast, with its signature shape and Jibbitz charms serving as mediums for artistic expression.
Crocs Material
Crocs’ Classic Clog is made of a proprietary Croslite resin material.
Generally speaking, there are two types of footwear foams: open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. Open-cell foam provides a cushioned step, but absorbs moisture that leads to bacterial growth. Closed-cell foam is the opposite, resisting sweat at the expense of a hard surface.
Croslite bears the same characteristics of open-cell foam—enabling a squishy step and compression—but with the water-resistant hygienic aspect of closed-cell foam. This also makes stains and grime easy to clean with soap and water.
Additionally, Croslite is designed to spread out impact across the whole foot, providing shock absorption. The foam is "thermoformable,” meaning the wearer’s body heat helps the shoe adapt to the foot’s contours. Such innovations helped Crocs achieve certification status by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
Croc Collaborations
Salehe Bembury x Crocs
Salehe Bembury first teamed up with Crocs in 2021, bringing his signature fingerprint motif to the Pollex Clog. The collaborative model features a removable heel strap for an extra-secure fit, while ventilation ports at the forefoot align with high-heat areas for enhanced breathability.
Balenciaga x Crocs
Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia surprised the luxury world when he previewed the house’s inaugural collaboration with Crocs in October 2017. The designer’s irreverent touch is visible across a range of collaborative silhouettes, from exaggerated plastic heels to metal hardware.
BEAMS x Crocs
From side bags and sun visors to fishing vest-inspired pockets, Japanese brand and retailer BEAMS has added outdoor and military cues to Crocs’ catalog since 2020, yielding the collaborative All Terrain Outdoor Clog.
MCM x Crocs
German fashion house MCM presented two luxury Clogs in 2022. One version features gold-plated Jibbitz charms and a detachable Visetos “belt bag” bracelet, while the other arrives in neon green with a silver dog collar.
Karol G x Crocs
Colombian singer Karol G celebrated her 31st birthday with two rose-red Classic Clogs. One sports a decorative barbed wire, while the other comes equipped with an enhanced rubber tread.
Staple x Crocs
Crocs added Jeff Staple’s eponymous brand to its collaborative roster in 2022, using the streetwear icon’s well-worn “Pigeon” legacy as a source of design inspiration.
General Mills x Crocs
Inspired by Cheerios, Trix and Cocoa Puffs, Crocs’ tie-up with General Mills is decorated in swirling colorways that play on the effect of cereal mixing with milk.
Lisa Frank x Crocs
Lisa Frank’s eponymous school supplies brand is known for kaleidoscopic colors and magical references. The illustrator transferred her whimsical touch to the Crocs Clog for the first time in 2022.
Pleasures x Crocs
Pleasures has been a frequent collaborator of Crocs, highlighted by an expansive series of Clogs with Misfits-inspired, skeletonized artwork.
SZA x Crocs
Drawing attention to mental health and self-care, SZA’s debut Crocs Clogs are decorated in a woodgrain pattern with colorful Jibbitz charms said to reflect the singer’s personality.
Anwar Carrots x Crocs
LA-based designer Anwar Carrots puts an appropriate orange spin on the Clog, finished with leaf-green accents and a serif logo.
Post Malone x Crocs
Crocs has overseen several collaborations with Post Malone, adopting motifs from the musician’s graphic universe, such as barbed wire and the yellow Dimitri character, to both the Clog and Duet Max Clog.
Christopher Kane x Crocs
For Spring/Summer 2017, British fashion designer Christopher Kane sent marbled, gem-encrusted Clogs down the runway, sparking a renewed interest in Crocs in luxury circles.
Alife x Crocs
As the first-ever streetwear collaborator, Alife helped ignite Crocs’ cultural revival in 2018. The New York label debuted an elevated take on the Clog in three iterations: Art, Sport and Classic.
Diplo x Crocs
Canadian musician Diplo yielded a psychedelic twist on the Classic Clog and Classic Sandal, replete with glow-in-the-dark detailing and oversized mushroom Jibbitz charms.
Palace x Crocs
Employing a desert camouflage color scheme, the Palace Clog is finished with the London brand’s Tri-Ferg logo on the footbed.
Market (previously Chinatown Market) x Crocs
Market’s inaugural collaboration with Crocs yielded an AstroTurf-coated Clog. Other highlights since include a tie-dye-inspired Clog from a three-way collaboration with the Grateful Dead.
Awake NY x Crocs
Founded by ex-Supreme creative director Angelo Baque in 2012, Awake NY is a frequent collaborator of a wide-ranging number of brands. The label’s Clog remix employs a paint-splatter motif, inspired by “artisans, craftspeople and makers.”
Nicole McLaughlin x Crocs
Nicole McLaughlin is renowned for transforming everyday household objects into wearable clothing and footwear. In 2020, the designer turned the Clog into a survival kit, decorated with a headlamp, paracord, sack, carabiner and compass.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch x Crocs
The Cinnamon Toast Crunch clog features a tan and white base, designed to look like sugary swirled milk. Cereal-themed Jibbitz charms complete the breakfast-themed look.
Cars ‘Lightning McQueen’ x Crocs
The Cars x Crocs Classic Clog 'Lightning McQueen' is inspired by the protagonist of the 2006 Pixar film. The clogs main feature are the signature decals, accompanied by functioning LEDs that light up when walking.
Crocs Accessories
Crocs Clogs are often decorated with miniature ornaments, called Jibbitz charms, that fit inside the footwear’s iconic ventilation holes. The symbols range from images, texts and quotes to pieces of pop culture ephemera such as miniature Coca-Cola cans and Mario figures.
Jibbitz charms were created by Rich and Sheri Schmelzer, who, looking for a way to amuse their children, created the jewels. Their homespun business blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, selling over 250,000 pieces nationwide. In 2006, Crocs absorbed the business.
Jibbitz charms are a customization tool used by collaborators to showcase motifs and references from their respective universes. For wearers, they are a means of self-expression; a way to showcase hobbies and interests while bringing additional character to the silhouette.
How to Style Crocs
Crocs produces versatile silhouettes that bring a touch of irreverence to both luxury and streetwear outfits. Crocs are ideal for summertime looks and can be worn with or without socks. The ventilation holes and Croslite construction make them a practical choice in hot weather.
Shoes similar to Crocs
Although Crocs’ Croslite material is proprietary, other sportswear, outdoor and luxury brands have created similar water-resistant footwear. adidas’ product catalog includes the Yeezy Foam Runner, Yeezy Slides and Adilette Clogs, while outdoor brand Merrell made a splash with its amphibious Hydro Moc silhouette, suited to both land and sea.
Luxury labels such as Bottega Veneta have released waterproof footwear in recent years, with the most notable being the biodegradable Puddle Boots. Balenciaga’s collaborative partnership with Crocs has also produced several rain boots, including mid and high silhouettes.
Crocs FAQ
When did Crocs first come out?
Crocs was founded in 2002. The first silhouette was introduced the same year.
Who invented Crocs?
Colorado natives Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson and George Boedecker Jr. founded Crocs in 2002.
How long have Crocs been around?
Crocs have been around since 2002. The brand has undergone a cultural revival since the 2010s, driven by new colorways and collaborations.
What material are Crocs made out of?
Crocs are composed of Croslite. The closed-cell resin, described as an injection-molded EVA foam, was patented in the brand’s early years.
What were Crocs originally made for?
Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson and George Boedecker Jr. initially made Crocs for the purpose of boating.
When did Crocs become popular?
Crocs were an immediate hit since the first silhouette debuted in 2002, selling hundreds of millions of pairs in its early years. The brand entered the fashion conversation in the 2010s following various high-profile collaborations and a renewed appreciation for early 2000s style.
What colors do Crocs come in?
Crocs are available in a variety of colorways, with the Classic Clog model optioned in over 20 different tones alone.
What are Croc charms?
Jibbitz charms are a way for the wearer to decorate and express their interests through their Crocs. The pins are officially manufactured by Crocs.
When is the next Crocs release?
Crocs constantly updates its footwear catalog with new colorways and collaborations. The latest releases can be found on our dedicated Crocs page.
Upcoming Crocs releases include:
How do you wash Crocs?
Stains from Crocs can be wiped away with a soft cloth and some warm water and soap. Avoid using a washing machine or specialized cleaning products.
Do Crocs come in half sizes?
Crocs do not come in half sizes. Crocs are available in full sizes only.
Where to buy Crocs?
You can buy Crocs on GOAT. Explore a selection of Crocs here.
How to tell if Crocs are fake?
GOAT uses machine-learning technology, digital authentication, in-hand verification or a combination of these methods to determine if shoes are fake or real. By doing so, we seek to ensure the Crocs you purchase are both authentic and as described.