Once upon a time, Crocs were dubbed the “ugliest shoes ever.” Their clunky design, bright colors, and hole-filled structure had people scratching their heads, wondering who would actually wear such a thing. Little did anyone know that these foam clogs—originally created as boating shoes—would become one of the most polarizing, yet wildly successful, footwear brands in the world.

The story of Crocs isn’t just about their unmistakable design. It’s a tale of how an odd-looking shoe that was once the punchline of fashion jokes transformed into a multi-billion dollar brand with a global fan base.

To understand Crocs’ rise, we need to go back to the early 2000s. The shoes first hit the market in 2002, and within a few years, they found their way into an unexpected spotlight: Hollywood. In 2006, Crocs were chosen to be worn by a character in Idiocracy, a satirical movie set in a future where society has descended into stupidity. The film’s costume designers specifically chose Crocs for their “ugly” and absurd appearance, thinking they perfectly represented a world where fashion and taste had gone downhill.

Ironically, the film intended for Crocs to symbolize laziness and lack of style—yet this very visibility, combined with the shoe’s surprising comfort, helped spark a fascination. After all, if something is that ugly, it must at least be functional, right?

As it turned out, they were more than just functional. They were about to catch on.

Crocs had initially been marketed for practicality. Made from a special resin called Croslite, the shoes were lightweight, easy to clean, waterproof, and offered a level of comfort and breathability that traditional footwear lacked. They quickly found a niche among healthcare workers, chefs, and other professions that demanded long hours on the feet. Despite being dismissed as “ugly” by the fashion elite, everyday people who prioritized comfort started giving Crocs a try—and they loved them.

Soon, Crocs began popping up in more places than just hospitals and kitchens. People began to appreciate their quirky charm, and before long, Crocs became a hit in the leisure market. The comfort outweighed the criticism, and as more people adopted them, the stigma of “ugliness” started to fade. In fact, Crocs became so ubiquitous that they transcended the ugly label and became something new: an icon of anti-fashion fashion.

What started as a functional shoe for niche markets transformed into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. By 2007, Crocs Inc. had gone public and was valued at over $6 billion. The company leaned into its unique identity, embracing the fact that Crocs weren’t just shoes—they were a statement.

Crocs cleverly diversified their product line, introducing different styles, colors, and limited-edition collaborations with pop culture icons and designers. High-fashion runway collaborations with brands like Balenciaga shocked the fashion world, and celebrity endorsements from artists like Post Malone only fueled the frenzy. People who initially scoffed at Crocs were now clamoring for limited-edition pairs.

And then there were the Jibbitz—tiny charms that allowed wearers to personalize their Crocs by plugging them into the shoe’s holes. This customization aspect became another major selling point, allowing wearers to express their individuality through their footwear.

Crocs had now become a symbol of comfort, self-expression, and a carefree attitude toward fashion norms. In the era of remote work, casual dressing, and embracing eccentricity, Crocs found their perfect moment.

By 2021, Crocs had cemented themselves as one of the most profitable footwear companies in the world, with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. They became the go-to shoe for people who didn’t care about being “on-trend”—which, in a twist of irony, made them incredibly trendy.

The very qualities that initially made Crocs unattractive—oversized design, unconventional look, and unapologetically bold colors—are now what make them iconic. Whether worn by healthcare professionals or high-fashion influencers, Crocs have redefined the boundaries of what’s acceptable in footwear.

Crocs’ journey from ugly shoe to multi-billion-dollar empire is a lesson in how the strangest, most unexpected products can capture the world’s imagination. What began as a joke in a movie about a dystopian future became one of the most beloved (and, yes, still controversial) shoe brands of our time. So, the next time you slip on a pair of Crocs, remember—you’re not just wearing shoes. You’re walking in the footsteps of one of the greatest glow-ups in fashion history.