These Became The Must-Have Shoes Of The Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has changed the way that people live and also the way that they dress. No longer are Americans donning business attire to head to the office as the work-from-home shift moved most into casual wear and these must-have shoes.

Yes, Crocs (CROX) have made a comeback, and according to the company’s CEO Andrew Rees, the brand “has never been stronger.”

The clog-style shoes have grabbed the attention of consumers during the pandemic as they looked for comfortable and easy-to-wear footwear while at home, sending Crocs’ fourth-quarter revenues to the highest level in the company’s history.

Crocs reported record 2020 revenues of $1.4 billion, up 12.6% over last year, with a digital sales increase of 50.2% for the year.

Rees attributed the company’s growth to new customers while on CNBC’s "Power Lunch," stating, “The pandemic has allowed us to reach new customers, but I think consumers are also focused on what we can offer them in the future.”

Rees said the shoes were on an upward trend before the pandemic, which put them in a positive spot when the COVID crisis entered.

“We achieved record fourth-quarter revenues and profitability and finished 2020 with very strong brand momentum,” Rees said in the company’s Q4 earnings statement. “We are looking forward to an exceptional 2021 with accelerated revenue growth as we invest in digital, China, and our supply chain to support future growth.

“I am confident in our ability to continue to deliver outstanding profitability and strong cash flow.” He added, “I am very excited about our future.”

Part of Crocs' success stems from collaborations with celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Bad Bunny, and Post Malone to promote a limited-edition pair of shoes that traditionally sell out in record time.

Last fall, actress Priyanka Chopra was named Crocs’ 2020 global brand ambassador and star of its “Come As You Are” campaign, while the shoes continue to enjoy a cult-like following among other celebrities.

But for many consumers, the move to Crocs was out of function.

Kelly McClure, a writer and publicist from New Orleans, told Elle, that she bought Crocs two weeks into the pandemic to replace a pair of flip flops she wore around the house.

“These are Crocs times we're living in now, for sure,” she told the news outlet. “Had the pandemic never happened, I doubt I would have bought them, because I'd still be out and about, going to bars and shows and shops.”

McClure is not alone in her sentiments as Tat Reed, a communications executive from Toronto, told Elle that her Crocs started off as are her house slippers, but after two days, she started wearing them outside the house.

“They clash with everything, and that’s really the look I’m going for,” she said.

For those that are looking to customize their Crocs, the company also offers Jibbitz – shoe charms – that also has a loyal following among the shoes’ fans. Jibbitz sales doubled in the last year, CNBC reported.

Shares of Crocs were trading at $77.63 as of 1:44 p.m. EST, down $2.38 or 2.97%.