Drowning the Water Shoe        
Anum Khan
It’s for the Greater Good

Plato once wrote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” However, I cannot help but wonder whether this expression holds true every time I bump into someone sporting crocs. Originally invented in 2002 for boating and outdoor purposes, crocs are vented and slip-resistant shoes. A lot has changed since then. They now have evolved from sports gear into one of the most popular pairs of shoes out there, and it simply happened through word-of-mouth. Even if you once hated crocs for their looks, at some point someone probably suggested that you at least try them on, and you may have been hooked since. It has even come to a point where it doesn't matter what the weather outside is, I have seen people wear them with thick socks during a heavy snowfall! Ridiculous.

Let's explore the pros and cons of this shoe. Crocs are generally more stable than your average flip-flop or flats, and less humid than sneakers. They are soft, weigh only about six ounces, and mould to your feet. Keeping them clean is not a problem; crocs can be sterilized in water and bleach. Furthermore, they are ideal for little kids who have trouble trying to take shoes off or put them on; Sandbox debris can be easily removed, and tying shoe-laces is not a problem.

Although the points above seem valid, there are just as comfortable and more attractive options out there, Birkenstocks for instance. A Croc shoe has aerodynamic foot holes, a handle on the side (looks like a picnic basket), and skiv-doors on the front, designed to prevent sweat and to act as a vents. Do any of these features sound attractive? They make you look and walk funny, since they stretch with every step you take. They are inconvenient if you have a lot of walking to do. You have to stop constantly just to get rid of pebbles, mulch and dirt. Also, when considering the price, you have to remember that each pair doesn't last very long. The official website for Crocs says to “treat yourself to a new pair.” This is merely another way of saying that if you wear a pair for too long, it will wear out, and you will lose traction once it gets wet.

Moreover, crocs might be dangerous. A lot of people wearing them for everyday use place the strap behind their ankle. These straps are not very reliable; they have been known to snap off easily, resulting in loss of balance, fall, and even serious injury.