miscellany

globeandmail.com : The Birkenstock of the 21st century? That's no croc

Thus it came to pass of a mid-morning this week that a pair of blue-rinse, once-a-week blowout grannies -- 70 is the new 60! -- came styling out of a yoga studio, leather Birkin bags and purple yoga mats in hand. But the thing that really jumped out was the feet: Both with-it gals had Crocs on. The $35 plastic, no-slip gardening, surf and deck sandals that have become this year's biggest lifestyle gimmick.

Crocs, which retail for $30 to $60 nationally, are slip-resistant, anti-microbial and odour-free. They have Swiss-cheese holes to keep the air circulating. They also massage your feet. Thus they have been popular with nurses, and with chefs, for some time. The appeal of these shoes, what one fashionista calls 'a cross between Birks and jellies,' runs across genders, generations, professions and income levels.

Hipsters of all ages already have their Crocs -- in pink or black or green or orange -- while the rest of the population is still adjusting their eyes to the encroaching footgear travesty.

I first heard of Crocs two or three weeks ago. Last week, I was chatting with John the other day and we got to talking of Crocs. Once we got going, the game was afoot! (ahem... sorry) Whilst chatting, I tripped on over to the Crocs website. My eyes!!! There are so many colors! I considered purchasing a pair right then and there. However, having good experiences with Zappos, I tip-toed over to their site for a looksee. There I read many customer reviews of the ugly shoes and determined that I might better try them on before purchasing. I called several local stores, none of which had a great selection of colors in my gargantuan size, 13. Still, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports had them in orange... Yeah, I figure if I'm gonna have ugly shoes, I'll be sure that they are seen! I trundled on over there that evening, tried them on and loved 'em. I bought a pair and didn't have to pay for shipping! I wore them the next day and I got all kinds of comments! I think they were compliments, but with shoes this ugly, who can be sure? I've worn them several times now (sockless) and must agree with the general consensus, they are majorly comfortable. I don't know if I'll let myself get caught up in the "gotta have every color" craze, but I'm pretty sure a black pair will wind up in my stash, too.

Hat tip to John for the article link. (and for flipping my "gotta get a pair" switch!)