Wednesday, December 21, 2011

A Wednesday Your Turn

Nina Garcia of Project Runway fame came out this week and said that unless you are Mario Batali, no one over the age of 10 should wear Crocs. I thought a few years ago that they would die out after they became very uncool to wear, but remarkably it seems to me that not only have they not died out but seem to be making some kind of resurgence. What I want to know is if you own a pair of Crocs. Do you wear them? Do you agree with Nina?

74 comments:

Jessica said...

Don't own a pair, but do not agree with Nina. She's a twat.
I worked at a hospital for a long time and know a lot of medical workers prefer them. My mom has some she wears for gardening since they can be hosed off.
Nina needs to shut it.

Audrey said...

I think they are really ugly, but I'd rather see a person wearing Crocs in public than flannel pj bottoms anyday.

BrandieMarie said...

i don't know who this nina person is. i don't do all the fashion shows but i HATE crocs. never owned a pair WILL never own a pair.

i think they are good for children because they are easy and washable, and like jessica said i think they are good for yardwork or if you have a job where they are practical because you are on your feet all day.

but to wear them out as like, normal everyday fashion. hell. no.

Feisty said...

I have a pair that I wear for gardening and walking the dogs.

My friends mocked me when I got them and I had to promise to not wear a matching sweat suit with them.

I basically agree with Nina, although I think the Mario Batali exception covers people who wear them because of being on their feet all day.

Rita said...

Don't own a pair.

But let's ask Charlize Theron what she thinks of Crocs. Do they freak her out the same way Hello Kitty does?

Seachica said...

Nina's out of touch with the common person, like everyone in the fashion industry. I don't wear crocs (I think they're ugly), but plenty of people do because they are incredibly comfortable and practical. Both of which are principles that designers should pay more attention to.

Seachica said...

@rita - lol

Doc Girl said...

I have a pair I wear inside my house, like slippers.

However, after I had a cast removed from my broken ankle last week, crocs were the only thing I could wear on my still swollen foot. So, I had to wear them outside and I'm sure some people thought I was very unfashionable. Oh well!

DixieTheNoble82 said...

I always thought they were ugly but I actually bought my first pair this past summer.

I desperately needed some sort of beach shoe, how could I say no to a $10 deal? I actually ended up kind of loving them. They are super comfy.

Ms Cool said...

I used to have a pair for gardening. I don't care for them but to each their own.

Jessica said...

I think after you turn 30 or so, you worry a hell of a lot less what you wear/look like to other people. I think they're ugly also, but wouldn't even give a person a second glance if they were wearing them.

DixieTheNoble82 said...

@Rita, protein shakes are NOT fun to choke on. Ima have to ask for a little warning next time.

parissucksliterally said...

Crocs are heinous. Never wore them, never will.

Sherry said...

Seems like most people use them for yard use. Yes, they are ugly. Yes, I own a pair. And yes, people pick on you for wearing them.

Unknown said...

Crocs Rock! When it comes to gardening, home projects and other messy things they are the best shoes ever, plus they are very comfortable. I do not care how ugly they are, I have 2 pair and will never part with them.

Nessie said...

i agree with everyone out there who says that they are ugly. However, I own several in different models, but no flashy colors, only black.

i wear them a lot, since they are rain proof and virtually indestructable. They are not meant to look good, they are not worn as fashion statement, so I don't see what the fuss is about.

SusanB said...

I think they're ugly and wouldn't wear them. But to each their own. However, wasn't there a story on the news a few years ago about kids getting them stuck on escalators? Something about them sliding too easily on their feet or something. That's the only thing I'd worry about.

EmEyeKay said...

I think they're great for gardening or the beach. I also think they're incredibly ugly.

JJ said...

I bought a pair several years ago when my flip flops broke on the beach and the sand was too damn hot to go barefoot.

Like others, I wear them like slippers mainly to take the dog out of get the mail.

They are ugly IMHO.

Lori said...

@parissucksliterally : agreed 100%!

@Jessica: I'm over 30 and I definitely worry about what I wear/look like and judge people for wearing crocs/sweat pants/ slippers/ pjs in public. Obviously, there are consessions to be made for the elderly and unfirm, but sweet jeebus! There is no reason for people not to wear proper pants/shoes in public. If you wear them in your own home, gardening, or for professional reasons (chef, nurse, etc), I say have at it, but otherwise, there is no reason for that ess. There is a lawyer in my office that shuffles down the hall in her uggs everyday, and that pisses me off too...

Dishtlk said...

I agree with Nina and Feisty who pointed out that by throwing out the MArio Batalli example she was basically saying she gets the practical usage for them. But as someone who hates gardening and doesn't work on my feet all day I will never set foot in a pair of them.

Jessi said...

Sorry I would have to agree with Nina. I mean yard work - yes fine, isn't that actually what they were intended for in the first place?

@Audrey - Its actually one of my big pet peeves to see people that go out and wear panjamas. Seriously people - is it really that hard to get fully dressed to leave your house?!?!

MISCH said...

I wouldn't wear them but it is a personal choice..

flanny said...

My mother in law bought a pair for my husband (then fiance). After biting my lip for almost 6 months I finally had to point out to him that the only people I knew that wore Crocs were my friend's 6 year old twins, my father (65) and my lesbian mother. He got the point! lol

chopchop said...

I'm ashamed to say I owned a pair. I kept hearing how insanely comfortable they were so I bought a pair of the ballet flat ones. They ripped the hell out of my feet and made obnoxious farting noises when I walked. So I gave them away.

But it rubs me the wrong way when celebrities who have gobs of money and the world at their fingertips start telling us "little people" what we should & shouldn't do or wear. Just go back to your little fantasy life, Nina, and stop pretending you still have a grip what real life is like.

chopchop said...

... a grip ON ...

The Black Cat said...

I wear them for gardening, they're a little too bizarre to wear in public imo

redhotpepper said...

I think they are hideous and will never own a pair. My mom does and she had to pinky swear to me that she'd never wear them out of her yard.

I can see why my OB/GYN wore them. Let's face it, birth can be a messy business and a pair of shoes that can be hosed off would be a benefit. They should be left at the hospital with the scrubs.

My cousin, who also works in a hospital, wears them all the time. I told my mom to tell her to stop wearing them in public. She listens to my mom.

Cuckoo Armadillo said...

Nina is from Colombia. She has hidden under tables while rebel soldiers shot up the restaurant she was eating in with her family. I think that background necessarily makes her a lot more real than most people in the industry today.

New Life and Attitude said...

Hell to the NO! You will never see me in a pair of Crocs. They are butt ugly. I don't care how comfortable they are. I also will never be caught wearing Uggs either. I will sacrafice a bit of comfort to look good in my 5 inch heels.

Anonymous said...

I don't have any, but I don't mind them. I understand they're comfortable, and I see the appeal of something sitting by the door to stick your feet into when you just want to run out with the dog or to get the mail. But I got hooked on Birkenstocks years ago, and those are my preferred shoes, period. Also sort of homely, but great for your feet.

Krab said...

I have a number of pairs, all in plain black, and none of them with holes in them. I have a pair with fabric uppers that look like Toms, I have ones with suede uppers that look like loafers, I have flipflops--they're fine. I have serious chronic pain issues so I need comfortable shoes for running errands.

Seachica said...

@cuckoo - I don't see how that makes her any more qualified to judge what we should be wearing in real life. Most of us aren't diving under tables every day.

And saying "more real" than a bunch of fashion industry gurus is like saying it's not as cold as Antarctica. Doesn't mean that we should be grabbing our bikinis, ya know?

Cuckoo Armadillo said...

@Seachica - At no point did I ever make any claims about her qualifications as a fashion expert; nor did I advocate grabbing bikinis. What I did say is that Nina necessarily understands a lot more about actual adversity than most fashion industry insiders, and is not as out of touch as a lot of people want to think.

Susan said...

I wouldn't be caught dead in Crocs. Ever. But I am a shoe whore, proud of it.

I understand that nurses and cooks and gardeners wear them, and I don't judge.

But if you are an able bodied person over the age of 21 out and about, I will totally judge you if you are wearing: pajama pants, oversized sweats (particularly ones with PINK written across your ass) and Crocs. Honestly, I don't even tolerate Uggs. I know they are way comfy and cost a bazillion dollas, but that shit is so ugly to me. Yeah yeah, you can't judge a book by its cover, but come on, the way you dress is a direct reflecion of yourself onto the general public. So, if you look like a slob, that's the impression you're leaving on others. And, if you don't care, go on with yourself!!

Rita said...

@DixiNoble - Sorry, will try to warn you next time:)

Doc Girl said...

I am sure I looked like a fashion mistake to every stranger who saw me this past weekend.I was fully dressed but wearing celery-coloured crocs. I was just delighted to be able to walk again after 6 weeks of no weight on that leg whatsoever.

What I'm trying to say is maybe some people have circumstances that demand they wear crocs?

I agree they are odd looking and I DON'T understand why some wear socks with them, or wear them in winter, or in rain. But, whatever.

I declare a jihad on words printed on the asses of people's sweatpants.

brendalove@gmail.com said...

I don't have any, not because I hate them but because I've never really thought about it. Maybe I'll get a pair if it pisses people off this much, that's my hobby.

Cuckoo Armadillo said...

You can't always tell who is able-bodied by looking, though; diseases like MS and Adult Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, although invisible, can make ugly clothes mighty appealin'.

Mary Ann said...

They are ugly shoes. I'm disabled and they are some of the few shoes I can wear that don't make me fall down. I'll keep on wearing them.

Anonymous said...

I am in 100% concurrence with Lori, New Life and Attitude and Susan.

My husband sometimes gets annoyed with me on Saturdays when I over-groom and we're just going to the grocery store. I don't understand letting oneself go just because it's Saturday. I wouldn't want to wear my work clothes but I've got lots of skirts that are just as comfortable as jeans when you pair them with tights and flat boots.

I want to scream at every teenage girl in the mall because they scuff their feet across the floor in their salt-stained filthy imitation Uggs.

WednesdayFriday said...

They're not for me, but I don't care if other people wear them.

Unknown said...

sorry but f- Nina. if you work on your feet these shoes are perfect so maybe she should not worry about what people wear (and wear i am sure in the restaurants she eats at, hospitals she visits, hotels she stays in, etc...)
she should instead be happy that there are comfortable alternatives for people who work on their feet all day, but maybe advise against wearing them for fashion's sake.

Brandy said...

The woman knows what she is talking about. Down with the Crocs!*

*Except healthcare professionals in work environments ONLY.

Meg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lelaina Pierce said...

I used to be a member of a Facebook group (back when that was at thing) called "I Dont care How Comfortable Crocs Are, You Look Like A Dumbass" BUT I succombed several years ago and bought a pair. 99% of the time, I wear them as house shoes, but if I've been in a hurry, I have been known to wear them to the grocery store or gas station. If I'm not in a work situation or going out, with friends, etc. I tend to give zero f***s about what I look like.

I secretly WISH I could be like those ladies dressed to the nines with heals, just to go grocery shopping. ;)

Melanie said...

I'm a shoe whore like Susan, but I do own a pair of plain black Crocs, no holes in the top. I wear them during surgery because they are comfortable, and don't tear my feet to shreads like the Dansko shoes. Maybe I need to break in the Danskos more, but toward the end of a long surgery, my feet are in agony in those shoes, while they feel fine in Crocs. I'll never wear them in public though!

cheesegrater15 said...

They're the ugliest shoes on the planet, but if they're comfortable who the hell cares who wears them?!

Maja With a J said...

You'll never see me in a pair of crocs. I make lots of fashion mistakes on a daily basis I'm sure, but wearing crocs will never be one of them.

In fact, if I ever have kids, the baby shower invitation will have some kind of "no baby crocs" - sign on it.

Adventurous Kate said...

I have a pair of Croc flip-flops -- they look like regular flip-flops and give me GOOD arch support, which I need.

Regular crocs? Wear them if you're a nurse, a chef, a gardener, etc. Or a kid. Not for fashion reasons.

Cathy said...

I don't own a pair and never will. I have a friend that is a chef and stands in a kitchen all day and swears by them though. Another friend of mine promptly went out and bought a pair after delivering his first baby in his med school obstetrics rotation.

Tempestuous Grape said...

What prefect timing. I think they're hideous, however I walk my dogs several times a day and I normally wear thongs. Lately I felt like I needed something else because I know how bad thongs are, so I got a pair of black mule type girly ones. Within 2 days they literally burned holes in my toes. Not blisters, full on burns. I need to stop being an idiot and just get a pair of walking shoes but I have blister freak-out.

Henriette said...

I have a pair for gardening, but I keep them outside.

redronnie said...

I bought my grandchildren each a pair for the beach, easy to slip on and off. My husband has a pair and if I could I'd toss them in the trash. He wears them everywhere..but at least he stopped wearing those horrible red Doc Martens

iheartjacksparrow said...

I don't own a pair but don't have a problem with anyone else wearing them.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I think they are hideous and would never wear them. However, I work with doctors and nurses all day, every day, and they swear by them. Since these are people who are on their feet constantly, I am not going to rag on them for wearing ugly-ass shoes that are apparently super comfy. In careers where people are on their feet all day, it's more important to wear something comfortable than something fashionable. When Nina Garcia spends a day running around a huge hospital or standing in a hot kitchen, we'll see how long her 4-inch designer shoes last.

J Slaughter said...

I bought a pair during my pregnancy [4 years ago] and got addicted. I still wear them at home and when I just run to the store. They are bright pink. I love them. My son wreaked havoc on my body and they still comfort me **Don't judge me** but they irk my husband to no end. I sew and cook barefoot. But for running errands and walking around the house, my crocs are king.

Sue Ellen Mishkey said...

I bought a pair one one day while I was walking around because my "fashionable" shoes gave me horrible blisters. It was either Crocs or barefeet and I wasn't drunk enough for the latter.

old ;ady said...

I am disabled you cann't tell by looking unless it's summer and I have shorts on. 14 knee surguries and then a knee replacement. Broken shoulder so 2 surguries and need more. Massive Heart attack 3 yrs ago. Wasn't suppose to live. Scars on my chest from that. # hand surguries and still have to crack the bones back in place. Was yelled at by a older man for parking in a handicapped space. You cann't see the scars in the winter. But don't go to the Drug store with me I have to take 20 Meds a day. I will wear whatever is comfort to my feet. If I don't they act up and I have to have shots in them. Don't judge people who wear them, you don't always know why they wear them.

figgy said...

I have a pair I wear as slippers. I have plantar fasciitis in one foot and the podiatrist told me they're great for that.

I don't wear them out because I'm caving to peer pressure. But I guess I'm the only person alive who actually LIKES the way they look! But then, I also love Birkenstocks, have loved and worn those since the early 1980s, in spite of my best gay boy friend calling them "birth control you wear on your feet," sigh. ;-)

shakey said...

I have a friend who has broken bones because she's fallen from her Crocs being too slippery on stairs after a rainfall.

I don't own a pair because I think they're fug, but my friend has given me another reason as well.

Wil said...

No .. No, since I don't have them and No.

I find it so tiresome when celebs - and quasi-celebs in this instance - think they can dictate what the "little people" wear. Yes Charlize .. I am looking at you!! Leave my Hello Kitty alone!! Leave it alone!!!

zeldafitzgerald said...

They are just shoes.

Bit dams said...

no one should wear them. ever. for any reason. horrible. honestly, i have never known anyone that has had a pair. its just not done in my tribe i guess.

timebob said...

my parents have them, love them wear them everywhere. I cringe when I am around them and they are wearing them. But for walking they can't be beat according to them and they don't wear the obnoxious orange ones like Mario, so fashion vs. function I guess. Take your choice.

mooshki said...

I wouldn't wear them out to dinner, but for gardening, or other casual activities, why the hell not? She lives in a privileged world, not the one most of us live in.

Anotheramy said...

I have multiple pairs but Ive pushed them aside for my new ugly shoes. Keens.

Geebz said...

They're shoes. Is it really that serious. They go on your feet and protect the from the elements. Are you serious?

Just shoes. Watch out for people with swastikas on their clothes or stupid 6 inch heals that damage your feet. Crocs?

Yeah...I can't co-sign.

Murphy Brown 2020 said...

If it doesn't involve slave labor, environmental destruction, or animal torture, I say wear whatever the fuck you want.

Life's too short to pay attention to other people's fashion rules.

Kimberly Kay said...

Crocs is a great company that has donated tons of shoes around the world during times of crisis. http://company.crocs.com/news-releases/crocs-inc-donates-100000-pairs-of-shoes-to-japanese-earthquake-and-tsunami-victims/

Say what you will about the look of the shoe - but Crocs is doing a lot of good in our world. AND - Nina is an ignorant jerk...Crocs has many lines including a nice business casual line...that looks NOTHING like the big plastic clog. Seriously - check out You by Crocs.

Anyway - a big whatever to Nina. Maybe she shouldn't take herself so seriously.

Jennifer said...

I kept hearing about these croc things and had never seen them until last year. WTF are you all thinking? Yes they're cheap. No, they're not attractive nor comfortable. They're plastic and crappy. I wore jelly shoes in the early 80's when I was 10 and those were awesome, but I agree with Nina that these are kid shoes. My sister in law had some at Christmas last year which is when I was introduced to them, and really I don't understand... Besides, where do these come from? No normal shoe place I've seen has ever sold them. Are there special stores for these atrocities??

Lelaina Pierce said...

@Anotheramy - I LOVE Keens! I finally bought a pair I found super cheap at some outdoor store in Denver. So comfy.

@Jennifer - I'm not sure where you live, but I've seen the in every department store and in most shoe stores (higher end) I've ever lived in since they became popular.

Also...the company Crocs makes other shoes besides the hideous plasticky ones we are speaking of on here.

gracehatter said...

I have a pair, ugly as sin but comfy as hell. My daughter who fancies herself a self appointed fashion police person swears she'll shoot me if I wear them anywhere other than the garden.

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