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Slip into the sole of yesterday, ease of today
USA Today, Oct 11, 2004
Who flipped on the time machine?
Today’s funkiest footwear has genetic roots in yesteryear, with odes to everything from Dutch clogs to Chewbacca’s shaggy paws.
Leading the hipster parade are Crocs ($30), clog-like slip-ons with heel straps that first caught on with Colorado’s outdoorsy crowd and spread to the coasts.
The high-tech secret to these low-maintenance (just hose them off) shoes is a rubbery resin that molds to your feet. Perforated tops and skid-proof bottoms complete the picture. Available in a rainbow of colors, Crocs make you feel like a cheery extra in The Wizard of Oz.
Decidedly retro are moon boots from designers such as Marc Jacobs, whose puffy lace-ups will complete your Neil Armstrong makeover. Price: a stratospheric $180. Less tony models are out there, notably knockoffs creeping in with ski season.
Speaking of the slopes, goat hair is back, baby! These shagadelic knee-highs (many made in Italy, land of the ultra-swank apres-ski set) seem modeled on the Star Wars Wookie’s feet. Most start around $120, such as the hot-pink models from Penny Loves Kenny that have been traipsing up and down Manhattan.
“Ugg really started this revolution by saying that casual shoes could be boots, and this trend is just an extension of that,” says Ashley Kennedy, accessories director at Lucky magazine. “Comfort is key, and if something is fun and different, all the better.”
Which might explain this quirky sidewalk hit: the fleece-lined flip-flop.
“It’s the ultimate ironic shoe,” says Jaye Hersch, owner of Intuition in Los Angeles, whose, uh, winterized beach shoes from Scott ($45) are flipping off shelves. “I certainly can’t explain it. Hey, it’s L.A.”
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