Crocs Go Couture: From Comfort to Celebrity

Crocs have long been the symbol of comfort and practicality. Initially made for boating, the shoes feature both water and land friendly features from the multifunctional strap to the holes that make them distinguishable. With the turn of the century,they adapted into something more casual, with teenagers adorning the iconic holes with Jibbitz charms and using the straps in “sport mode.” For a long while, Crocs became content with its brand image of reliability and customizability, growing its empire into what we recognize today. However, Crocs has recently turned its sights into a new avenue, collaborating with luxury brands and celebrities to create a new genre - Couture Crocs.

Crocs x Balenciaga

Starting strong, Crocs has teamed up with Balenciaga on multiple occasions to create designs that are out of our imaginations and, frankly, our comfort zones. The studded, high-platform HardCrocs blends both Croc’s signature silhouette and Balenciaga’s love for creating statement footwear through dramatic hardware. They contain signature Balenciaga design choices, such as the platform to push the boundaries and metal bolts following in the footsteps of their iconic city bag. The Balenciaga x Croc Madame design features the base of an average Croc paired with a rubber stiletto heel - a design choice made to take Crocs out of their usual sphere. Balenciaga’s creative team focuses on creating pieces that make a statement and draw attention from the public, seen clearly through their Crocs collaborations. These luxury Crocs also come with a price tag forty times more expensive than the basic Croc.

Crocs x MSCHF

MSCHF is well known for its outlandish fashion designs, pushing the definition of what it means to be a luxury consumer. Their original design of the big red boot came with mixed feelings worldwide, but their purpose is to create fashion that invites consumers to question what it means for fashion to be art. This collaboration boasts the big yellow boot with the distinguishable holes and straps of Crocs alongside an elongated shape that hugs the wearer’s calf. The Crocs x MSCHF big yellow boot provides an interesting topic: what does it mean when a brand like MSCHF works to test new limits by collaborating with Crocs, a brand known for staying safe and consistentt? It’s almost ironic that MSCHF, who stands for thinking outside the box and testing how far their customers will go in the name of fashion, created their own take on the Croc, a shoe made for the general population in the name of functionality.

Crocs x Basquiat / Crocs x Keith Haring

Crocs has entered not only the luxury sphere but also the art community. These collaborations between Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring with Crocs provide art lovers and Crocs worshippers with the birthday gift of their dreams. Basquiat and Haring are each known for their unique contributions to the art world, creating distinct styles that set them apart. Crocs x Basquiat features some of his most famous artworks printed onto the exterior with his signature crown on the soles. Crocs x Haring carries more stylistic features, such as the unique designs on the strap, a tennis shoe-inspired platform, and the artist’s iconic drawings. Each comes with unique Jibbitz that further complement each artist’s works, from Haring’s recognizable characters to Basquiat’s other inspiring works. These collaborations not only showcase how art and fashion can intersect but also pay homage to two artists who were the legends of their time.

Crocs x Nascar

Crocs has shown that their outreach is confined to no borders. The Crocs x Nascar collaboration features design elements true Nascar fans will appreciate and love. The staple Crocs strap features a race car's rear wing mounted onto it, the Nascar logo along the side of the shoe, and 3D Jibbitz that represent elements of racing. This collaboration symbolizes how Crocs pays careful attention to each new design they create, ensuring the brand identity of both Crocs and the collaborators shines through. Everything is carefully curated, even down to the most subtle design choices, as seen through the Crocs x Nascar shoe showcasing a subtle checkered pattern on the top. These shoes allow consumers to express their interests and hobbies through fashion while giving them the space to customize them even further. How would you indulge in a pair of not-so-ordinary Crocs?

Featured Image Courtesy of Elle