A fashion trend that I will never understand is the public’s fascination with Crocs. The idea of foam resin clogs that look like a clown shoes has never been appealing to me. I don’t care how comfortable they are supposed to be, I cannot accept them as a legitimate form of footwear. \nThe brightly colored abominations were created in 2002 as a type of boating shoe. The holes on the top and sides of the shoe allow water to drain from the footbed, and let air circulate around the foot. Apparently, they are also odor-resistant, keeping your feet stink-free. The no-slip soles allow the wearer to stay stable on those pesky, rocking boats. The problem is, the last time I checked, no one was wearing their Crocs while sailing. \nAgain, we come back to just how darn comfortable Crocs happen to be. Well, flannel pajama pants are comfortable, and wearing them in public is not acceptable. Leggings are probably the most comfortable article of clothing I have ever worn, but that does not mean that they could ever be passed off as legitimate pants. It comes down to our society’s idea that anything can be worn in public, no matter how ugly or unflattering, as long as it is comfortable. \nCrocs do have the potential to look good on children. Somehow a smaller, more muted version of the shoe is acceptable on a young child. All that is ruined, though, when a child starts to put those little charms, called Jibbitz, into the holes of the Crocs. To me, this is like pouring salt on a fashion wound. The only thing worse than this trend on children is when an adult takes a fashion hint from his or her 11-year-old and starts wearing the ugly little figures on his or her own brightly-colored eyesores. Not only can people get their favorite Disney character Jibbitz, but there are also flags from countries all over the world and the Republican elephant and Democrat donkey Jibbitz. \nEven celebrities are not immune to the complete lapse of judgment that takes place when Crocs are worn in public. Teri Hatcher, Jared Leto, Matt Damon and even our fearless leader President Bush have been photographed wearing Crocs. There are bright colored mistakes, matching parent-child poor choices and ever-unforgivable socks-‘n-Crocs looks. Where are these celebrities’ stylists when their clients need them most?\nCrocs are not a totally unacceptable piece of apparel. They are appropriate for their intended purpose of non-slip, breathable boating shoes, but only if removed as soon as you step back on dry land, or for other outdoor activities such as hiking or camping, where the nearest town or camera is miles away. Even for people like nurses or doctors who have to be on their feet all day, they are acceptable. But aside from those circumstances, Crocs are not a suitable form of footwear. They will not help you attract a member of the opposite sex and they will not add to the overall fashion-forwardness of your ensemble, though they will keep your feet stink-free, and are apparently extremely comfortable. For me though, the benefits are far outweighed by the repercussions of wearing Crocs. I think for now, and forever, I will just say no.
Le Dernier Cri
Just say no
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