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Have you been bit yet?
The Independence Examiner, Aug 11, 2005
Lisa Postlethwait has been hearing about Crocs shoes for some time now. The Independence resident works retail in the Independence Center and a majority of her co-workers already have a pair, wearing them to work every day because of the comfort level.
So, she finally decided to find out what all the fuss was about.
“I work in the mall and all the employees at the store I work in have been saying how great they (Crocs) are for retail,” she said. “But I have to have a basic black pair for work, and they keep not having my size.”
Crocs shoes have slowly become a phenomenon as popularity for the shoe has gained momentum.
Chrissy Tuggle, assistant manager at Naomi’s Hallmark in Independence Center, said they have been selling Crocs for only a year. However, she said since Christmas, sales have gone “through the roof.”
“I think people like them so much because they are extremely comfortable,” she said. “We also have a lot of fun, different colors, people seem to like.”
The name of the shoe came after the inventors decided it looked like the shape of a crocodile’s snout. The footwear, which was originally intended as a boat shoe, was created in Boulder, Colo., three years ago. Each shoe is made of special patented closed cell resin (PCCR) that warms and softens with a person’s body heat, molding the shoe to the foot.
Because the resin is closed cell, it is anti-microbial, preventing bacteria and fungus that typically cause shoe and foot odor. Unlike the typical sandal, the vents in the shoe allow air, sand and water to easily pass through. The material is also slip-resistant and will not cause the sole of the shoe to mark floors or boat decks.
Crocs come in a variety of styles including shoes, sandals or clogs and are available in several colors such as black, pink, green, blue, yellow and purple. Prices start at $29, although off-brands can be found for as little as $15. “I think they are comfortable,” said Emma Plecas, 9, of Independence. “I wanted a pair because everyone else had a pair. I picked purple, but I think I might want another color. I am very happy with my Crocs.”
Tuggle said Crocs have seemed to be most popular among those in medical professions because of the comfort. She, herself, has four pairs and wears them constantly to work.
“I used to wear tennis shoes because I am on my feet all day, every day,” she said. “But since I put these on, I haven’t taken them off. They are that comfortable.”
Kevin Stryczek, store manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Independence, said Crocs have been in the store only for about a month. He said customers have been requesting the shoes since early spring, and the company finally got them this summer.
“The shoes have been extremely popular,” he said. “The sale of them has been very strong, even in the brief period we have had them in the store.”
Not everyone is a fan yet.
Jane Snow, Lee’s Summit, is still uncertain about whether or not she wants of pair. She said as a teacher, she is on her feet most of the day, and is looking for something comfortable. But shoe’s strange appearance makes her hesitant.
“I don’t particularly think they are a nice-looking shoe, but everyone says they are comfortable,” she said. “I guess it is a decision between comfort and attractiveness.”
Stryczek said he believes Crocs are like any new trend – a fad that will come and go with each new season.
“I think some people like the colors. But I think like anything, they are just a fad,” he said. “They are also a low-maintenance-type of shoe, which people seem to like.”
As for Postlethwait, she did buy a pair of Crocs, but they weren’t black.
“I got (lime) green ones instead of work Crocs,” she said with a smile on her face. “I am getting them more for comfort, but they do look nice too.”
Kelly Evenson
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