I am a Croc hater – at least I was before I got my hands on a pair.
For years, I was adamant: I would never wear Crocs. To me, they were the epitome of what not to wear—clunky, uncool, and well, ugly. I prided myself on my carefully curated footwear collection, which included everything from sneakers, heels, slides and even jandals but Crocs were definitely off the list.
Then, something shifted. Slowly but surely, Crocs started creeping into the fashion scene, not just as a practical option for kitchen workers and nurses, but as a legitimate style statement. I saw them popping up on runways, paired with elegant looks much like the Simone Rocha Spring/Summer 2025 show in London this year.
Influencers and designers were suddenly talking about Crocs like they were the next big thing. And the more I saw them, the more I began to reconsider. So, I decided to take the plunge. Some might call me a sheep, but hey, it’s our job to follow the trends and see what all the hype is about, right? At least, that’s how I justify this sudden switch up.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now the proud owner of not one, but two pairs of Crocs—and yes, I love them. I’m a self-proclaimed Croc-convert, and here’s how I came to embrace these divisive shoes and even found ways to make them stylish.
The two pairs I was gifted, the Classic Mary Jane Clog and the Classic Platform Clog, were the catalyst for my change of heart. I’ll be honest, when I first saw them, I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the Crocs look—especially the platforms. But, much to my surprise, they completely changed the way I viewed the brand.
The Classic Mary Jane Clog immediately won me over. I’ve always been a sucker for a good Mary Jane, so the combination of that playful, feminine strap with the signature Crocs comfort was a game changer. They’re easy to slip on, and the lightweight design means I can wear them all day without a second thought.
Then there’s the Classic Platform Clog, which I was hesitant about at first. I never thought I’d be the type to embrace platform shoes, but these felt like a fun way to add some height without sacrificing comfort.
Of course, no Crocs experience is complete without a little personal flair, and that’s where Jibbitz come in. These little charms were a game-changer for me, taking my Crocs from basic to totally unique. I was kindly gifted a few different Jibbitz including a gold beach inspired pack and a few extras that caught my eye including the champagne bottle, cocktail and oversized bow. These quirky little accessories allowed me to make my shoes feel even more personal, reflecting my style and personality. I never realised how much fun it could be to customise footwear until I started decking out my Crocs with these Jibbitz. They’re like the perfect finishing touch, transforming my once “ugly” shoes into a true statement piece—and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a little extra bling?
Here are a few other Jibbitz packs that are currently tempting me and waiting in my cart:
Left to right: The Jibbitz Oversized Mixed Bows 5 Pack, $42 – The Jibbitz Haring 5 Pack, $42 – The Jibbitz Metaverse Queen 5 Pack, $42
Now that I’ve fully embraced my Crocs, I’ve found so many ways to work them into my day-to-day routine. The Classic Platform Clog has quickly become my go-to for when I need to make a quick dash—whether it’s running to the door to grab my Uber Eats or taking the dog out for a walk. The extra height is a nice bonus, giving me that little lift while still being incredibly comfortable for on-the-go moments. But I don’t just reserve them for casual outings. I love pairing them with wide-leg jeans or even a flowy maxi skirt for a more polished look that transitions easily from desk to dinner.
The Classic Mary Jane Clog, with its cute strap and feminine touch, is my more dressy option for days when I want something both practical and chic. I’ll wear them with tailored pants or a simple midi skirt for a laid-back yet stylish vibe. What’s great about both pairs is how adaptable they are to different occasions—whether I’m running errands or heading out for a casual night out, my Crocs fit right in with whatever
It’s funny how our fashion perceptions can change over time. What I once dismissed as a tacky trend has now become an essential part of my footwear rotation. The beauty of Crocs is that they offer the perfect blend of comfort, utility, and yes, even style. With so many ways to style them—whether you want to lean into the quirky, edgy vibe or pair them with more polished pieces—Crocs have earned their place in my closet.
So, to anyone who still holds on to the “Crocs are ugly” mindset: I get it, I was there. But trust me, give them a try, and you might just find yourself wearing them more often than you’d ever expect. Who knew that a pair of rubber clogs could end up being staples in my collection? For me, the Croc-conversion was inevitable—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Get the Classic Platform Clog & Classic Mary Jane Clog online at crocs.co.nz and in-stores NOW