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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think Crocs and Clogs are the ugliest shoes ever!!

142 replies

andweallloveclover · 06/05/2025 11:52

Am I the only one who just doesn't get the hype surrounding Crocs and clog type shoes??

I just think they are so damned ugly and I am probably going to get crucified on here by the croc lovers 😂

I just don't get it 🤔

Tell me what is so special about them?

OP posts:
Ollybob · 06/05/2025 14:31

NeverDropYourMooncup · 06/05/2025 13:34

The novelty/hype is because they're unapologetically actually wide enough for people's feet, particularly their toes, to spread out properly and for the wearer to have healthy biomechanical functioning.

You view them as ugly because we've been conditioned to think that narrow toeboxes and small, dainty feet are pretty and feminine and, as long as we can't actually see the results of wearing unhealthy footwear (ie, no visible bunions, blisters or collapsing insteps), it's attractive to wear shoes for the socialised gaze - I don't say male gaze because it's too deeply entrenched in both male and female.

Crocs probably get the strongest reaction (along with some barefoot shoes) because they aren't trying in the slightest to hide or disguise the shape - other more conventional shoes that have the right shape and width are often derided as being school shoes.

Think of how many people declare that feet are disgusting and ugly. Few say the same about hands, noses or eyes - but feet are as essential a part of the body as those. We have been conditioned to find a natural part of our bodies as repellent unless they conform perfectly to an ideal that bears absolutely no relation to health and function or are hidden to appear that way - and shoes are the natural extension to this revulsion if they indicate through their shape and size that we might have normal, healthy, functioning bodies.

It's very sad, really, to be socialised to hate a part of ourselves so much that it's normal to reject healthy footwear in favour of what damages us.

Agree so much!
A huge amount of foot problems are due to people squashing their feet into pointy shoes, toes need to be able to move not squish together and have decent support underneath.
All these cheapy flat shoes with narrow toe boxes sold almost everywhere make the feet inside ugly. I'd rather have nice comfy feet and ugly shoes 😁

TigerRag · 06/05/2025 14:35

The only time I've ever worn crocs is showering after swimming. They look horrendous

Sleepthief · 06/05/2025 14:38

JaneJeffer · 06/05/2025 11:54

They’re only ugly on the outside

Absolutely this! I used to think they were an abomination, but then I tried on my son’s when he reached my shoe size and my mind was blown! And also, if I’m going for comfort over looks I might as well choose something really fucking ugly rather than something that just looks a bit mid…

I have a friend who is a big mover and shaker in the London/LA art scene and extremely cool; I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear anything other than crocs, apart from to the gym (and even then, I think she could be very easily persuaded).

CurlySueAndBillToo · 06/05/2025 14:41

I have end stage ankle arthritis and hideously swollen feet. Crocs are the only shoes that I can get on when my feet are at their worst. I can also walk a bit further and for a bit longer in them where they are so cushioned. Better than any trainers! Incredibly hard wearing too! I’ll keep mine forever!

OhMehGoddess · 06/05/2025 15:04

Meh, I think all trainers are stupid outwith exercise.

Crocs are ace, couldn’t care what anyone thinks about them.

OhMehGoddess · 06/05/2025 15:08

Sleepthief · 06/05/2025 14:38

Absolutely this! I used to think they were an abomination, but then I tried on my son’s when he reached my shoe size and my mind was blown! And also, if I’m going for comfort over looks I might as well choose something really fucking ugly rather than something that just looks a bit mid…

I have a friend who is a big mover and shaker in the London/LA art scene and extremely cool; I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear anything other than crocs, apart from to the gym (and even then, I think she could be very easily persuaded).

I could also be persuaded for exercise Grin

PhilippaGeorgiou · 06/05/2025 15:11

CurlySueAndBillToo · 06/05/2025 14:41

I have end stage ankle arthritis and hideously swollen feet. Crocs are the only shoes that I can get on when my feet are at their worst. I can also walk a bit further and for a bit longer in them where they are so cushioned. Better than any trainers! Incredibly hard wearing too! I’ll keep mine forever!

Look up Cosyfeet. They do VAT relief direct - not the cheapest (although not expensive either), wide range, lovely shoes and boots, and very hardwearing. And if you do a search on Ebay there is also a seller on there that sells off their end of ranges - so depends what hasn't sold in the shop, but I have often found £100+ lovely boots (for example) that are supportive, flexible and great fashion at £30!

LlynTegid · 06/05/2025 15:15

It is part of the trend to have what I call lazy clothing. Not bothering to tie up shoelaces and having alternative footwear, not having jeans or other trousers to do up but having leggings or jogging bottoms. As examples.

InMyOpenOnion · 06/05/2025 15:17

Crocs are the only shoes allowed for taking the bins out. It's the law 😁

EveryDayisFriday · 06/05/2025 15:19

So fugly and I'd never wear them in a million years...... until last year when I needed some cheap slip ons for camping so got some crocs copies. 6m later and I have 4 pairs and wear them constantly 😊. Yes they are ugly but my God are they comfortable. Peri meno means comfort over style [officially old].

Natsku · 06/05/2025 15:23

Sourisblanche · 06/05/2025 14:22

I have some wooden Dutch clogs for popping out into the garden. Never worn them ‘out out’ thoughGrin

I've definitely worn mine to the supermarket a couple of times. DS decided to wear his while wearing a suit going to his grandad's 70th birthday party Grin

cardibach · 06/05/2025 15:33

LlynTegid · 06/05/2025 15:15

It is part of the trend to have what I call lazy clothing. Not bothering to tie up shoelaces and having alternative footwear, not having jeans or other trousers to do up but having leggings or jogging bottoms. As examples.

See, I’d call that comfortable rather than lazy. Wanting to be comfortable has no correlation with energy levels or work ethic. Choosing comfortable clothes doesn’t mean laziness.

TheFormidableMrsC · 06/05/2025 16:28

Hideously ugly but so comfortable. Especially as I suffer from Plantar Faciitis. I wear them round the house and very occasionally to pop to local shop. I’ve got a leopard pair and cream ones.

SamphiretheTervosaur · 06/05/2025 16:47

cardibach · 06/05/2025 11:57

Crocs I agree. Utterly ugly, which doesn’t mean they aren’t still appropriate for some occasions (I don’t own any myself).
Clogs on the other hand can look very nice depending on the material and quality of make.

Absolutely

Ledi brand have some orthopedic type non wood clogs. I've had a pair for a couple of years now and it will easily make another year before the sole might become an issue

That's 2 years of constant wear working, walking, dog walking, holidays on the beach etc.

Then again, I have always lived clogs, starting way back in the 80s 😃

GroovyChick87 · 06/05/2025 16:49

They are comfy but I won't go out in them. I use mine as slippers/ house shoes.

clarepetal · 06/05/2025 16:52

SwingTheMonkey · 06/05/2025 11:53

They are really ugly. But soooo comfortable. I wear mine around the house.

Exactly this

Pancakeflipper · 06/05/2025 16:52

Crocs- the ultimate popping into garden, to the freezer in the garage, putting stuff in the wheelie bins.

We have 4 pairs in our house but to the annoyance of my eldest DS we all like to wear his pair. It's like communal Crocs.

Moier · 06/05/2025 16:54

I wear Croc flip-flops
Comfiest flip flops ever.
The originals were known for their ugliness.. but l think most people have got over that now.

soundsofthesixties · 06/05/2025 16:55

I lost mine to my 16 year old granddaughter.

StarTwirl · 06/05/2025 17:09

I wear crocs if I’m doing certain things in the garden meaning I have to wear them with no socks.
my feet feel rank afterwards all that plastic sweatiness
Yuk
I can’t wait to take them off and shower

TheFormidableMrsC · 06/05/2025 20:40

Moier · 06/05/2025 16:54

I wear Croc flip-flops
Comfiest flip flops ever.
The originals were known for their ugliness.. but l think most people have got over that now.

Yes I’ve got some flipflops as well. So comfortable.

loadypoady · 06/05/2025 21:06

TheFormidableMrsC · 06/05/2025 20:40

Yes I’ve got some flipflops as well. So comfortable.

So have I several pairs.
I've bought blingy pairs for going out at night now also and love the comfort on my holidays in Europe.

Screamingabdabz · 06/05/2025 21:14

Pancakeflipper · 06/05/2025 16:52

Crocs- the ultimate popping into garden, to the freezer in the garage, putting stuff in the wheelie bins.

We have 4 pairs in our house but to the annoyance of my eldest DS we all like to wear his pair. It's like communal Crocs.

We have communal garden crocs too!! 🤣

What I like about them is that they are light, washable and never smell.

I think they are cute on a slim foot - my dd looks gorgeous in them.

I love clogs too. Can’t help it. There is something in that shape… I think of hygge.

Springhassprungxx · 06/05/2025 21:17

They are so ugly but sooo comfy - perfect for wearing round the pool on holiday

Obeseandashamed · 06/05/2025 22:17

Always said I’d never buy them… then bought a pair for something that I needed quick dry shoes and have never looked back. The Birkenstock miles are also one of the comfortable shoes I own and I don’t have to worry about my toes being out 😂 I have been converted!

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