Brands like Crocs
Founded in 2002, Crocs became famous for their distinctive foam clogs that sparked both devotion and ridicule. The Colorado-based company's original design features ventilation holes, a strap that pivots between the heel and forefoot, and is made from their proprietary Croslite foam material. First popular among hospital visitors and restaurant workers who spend their day on their feet, Crocs departed from their polarizing initial design clog to include flip flops, slides, and more conventional shoe styles. After nearly going bankrupt in 2009, the company came back strong as fashion trends shifted toward comfort and utilitarian footwear, with sales boosted by celebrity sponsorships and limited edition releases.
Though still their mainstay, the Classic Clog, Crocs presently has numerous other types of shoes. In their relaxed line, they have sandals, slides, and flip-flops that apply the same Croslite technology for cushioning. They have also designed more conventional-looking footwear and boots covering up the foam construction in more conventional designs. The LiteRide line includes a softer, lighter insole foam for better comfort. Several of the models are Jibbitz charm-customizable - small, decorative pieces that snap into the holes used for ventilation, allowing customers to customize their shoes.
Crocs' comfort is based on its own proprietary material, Croslite, which is a closed-cell resin not of plastic nor rubber but bearing some of each. The foam is not composed of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), as most other cushioned shoes are, but a proprietary combination that creates a light, non-marking, odor-free substance that molds ever so slightly to feet over a period of time. Croslite is waterproof and can be washed with soap and water easily. Later models like LiteRide foam offer different densities and softness levels, yet maintain the same level of durability that made the original material popular in high-wear applications.