With their bulbous rubber silhouettes, gumdrop colourways and decorative plastic gems, it’s easy to see why Crocs are the marmite of fashion.
The slip-on clogs are undoubtedly the most divisive style in the footwear industry. Hailed for their comfort-forward designs and shunned for their gardening granny aesthetic, the popular shoes never fail to spark debate among the fashion elite.
Crocs were the brainchild of Scott Seamans, Lyndon Hanson and George Boedbecker Jr. The trio met while sailing around the Caribbean when they discovered an innovative boating-friendly clog and identified a gap in the market for the shoe. They acquired Andrew Reddyhoff's design from Foam Creations, Inc. of Quebec City, in turn forming the foundation of Crocs which came to fruition in 2002.
The same year, the company unveiled their first model called The Beach in Florida. All 200 models sold out, proving that there was high consumer demand for the quirky rubber soles. Crocs campaigns embraced the anti-chic appeal of the shoe, championing slogans such as ‘Ugly Can Be Beautiful’ which struck a chord with audiences.
Including those in Hollywood. Stars from Justin Bieber to Nicki Minaj sported Crocs in public, giving the shoes the celebrity seal of approval.
It wasn’t long before Croc-like designs appeared on the runway. Brands such as Christopher Kane, Gucci and Simone Rocha have experimented with Croc-esque offerings, with the latter collaborating with the brand to produce ghostly bejewelled renditions of the stomper.
This has prompted other labels to follow suit. Nike, Adidas and Fila have created lines of sporty foam-like clogs, as have designer houses like JW Anderson, who gave us the iconic (somewhat unsettling) Wellipets Frog round-toe clogs.
If you want to invest in a pair of comfortable, fabulously silly shoes without opting for a mainstream Croc, then look no further. Discover the best Crocs alternatives below and browse the edit in time for summer. Your dream ugly shoe awaits.
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Birkenstock Boston EVA
Available in seven eye-popping shades from bubblegum pink to mint and classic black, Birkenstock’s Boston Eva shoes are a firm favourite among clog enthusiasts. Crafted from high-quality, odour-neutral EVA, the shoes are lightweight, easy-wear shoes which are waterproof and shock-absorbent. Wear your while pottering around the garden or letting loose at Glastonbury.
Buy now £60.00, Flannels
JW Anderson x Wellipet Frog Clogs
One of JW Anderson’s most distinctive designs, the brand’s Wellipet Frog Clogs are arguably even more divisive than the Croc. A khaki PVC construction combats the elements, while hand-painted frog face detailing is set to stop traffic.
Buy now £370.00, Farfetch
& Other Stories Rubber Clogs
High street meets garden chic. The & Other Stories rubber clogs offer a happy medium between home mooching and high street gallivanting. Pair yours with ecru jeans for a futuristic look.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Gucci Perforated Platform G Sandal
Leave it to Gucci to create a dreamy slip-on shoe. The brand’s Perforated Platform G Sandal comes complete with the label’s iconic GG monogram, chunky white rubber soles and a Seventies-inspired silhouette.
Buy now £370.00, Gucci
Free People Karlie Buckle Clog
Remember Jelly Shoes? Free People’s Karlie Buckle Clog plays on the sentimental allure of the Noughties silhouette with its punchy pink hue, cut-out detailing and cushioned EVA sole for soft yet stylish stepping.
Buy now £44.00, Free People
Hunter Women's Play Clogs
If you’re searching for function over fashion, then Hunter’s Play Clogs are your best bet. A wedged heel, a moss green hue (although alternative colours are available) and a bulbous shape make for glorious garden trotting. Slip yours on and enjoy the 100 per cent waterproof clog crafted from recycled polyester.
Buy now £65.00, Hunter
Sorel Women’s Caribou Clog
We expect the Gen-Z Ganni girls will flock to Sorel when the temptation to buy a pair of kitschy clogs arises. Available in unmissable tones from lime green to zesty orange, the statement shoes are light, flexible and provide cushioned traction for girls on the go.
Buy now £49.00, Sorel
TU Sea Green Closed Toe Clogs
Affordable and practical in equal measure, TU’s Closed Toe Clogs are ideal for those sticking to a budget. Leave yours by the door and slip on for casual errands like taking the dog out. A mint backdrop and snazzy buckle detailing amp up the charm of these accessible slip-ons.
Buy now £10.00, TU
Fila Marble Clog
Turn out a Barbie-inspired look in Fila’s hot pink marbled clogs. A back strap for support, cut-out detailing for breathability and a cushioned sole make for a statement, secure shoe to wear with pride.
Buy now £14.99, Deichmann
Nike Calm Women’s Mules
Adidas gave us the striped slider and now Nike is giving us the mule. Sink your feet into an enclave of soft, responsive foam and experience the lightweight, waterproof nature of the popular slip-on. The back strap is removable for a more minimalist beachside look, while the khaki hue is an easy-wear option for summer days out and about.
Buy now £64.95, Nike
