Welcome to Gen Z Translator, where I break down trending topics every Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern. If you’re new, you can subscribe here and follow me on X/Twitter or Instagram. Happy reading!
Crocs has rebranded to be…Shrek-themed? I'm just as confused as you are.
I respect their commitment to the bit, 1NGL. You have to be very, very brave to come up with a product so cringey that you straight-up call it “hideous” in your marketing materials.
I had crocs when I was little, and I have crocs now. The company was founded in 2002, and the Shrek movie is only a year older than that. I think it’s worth admitting that they’re doing something right to keep up with The Kids These Days™️ (even if that’s creating the ugliest, most unpractical green shoe you’ve ever seen).
They’ve hopped on the platform-shoe wave and even have trendy heels and sandals now. They’ve had partnerships with Balenciaga, Barbie, and many a celebrity. They’ve embraced their cringe, which had lead to their continued relevancy.
Not to mention their versatility. In college, I used them as shower shoes. Friends in the medical field wear them as a comfy, everyday option. My roommate dresses up her fits with the Brooklyn Low Wedges.
Maybe it’s something about how much personality they let you have. You can stylize with charms called jibbitz, and obviously pick from a fun assortment of colors. Crocs can cater to any aesthetic you’d like. (Not to mention the sports vs. no sports mode debate).
Sure, they can look a little strange, and if your feet get sweaty, they’re slippery and start to squelch. The louder the better, amiright? And having a pebble or two or five stuck in your shoe is a great exercise in patience.
All this to say, should you get crocs? That’s up for you to decide. Just know that if you do, it can be a divisive issue. Rock those Shrocs with pride, my friend.
My weekly roundup:
🎶 What I’m Listening To: Snow Angel by Reneé Rapp
🎞️ What I’m Watching: Sex Lives of College Girls S2E6
🔎 What I’m Reading: Is Gen Z sad? Study shows they're more open about struggles with mental health by Terry Collins
📱 What I’m Scrolling: Mourning the loss of The Lily
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NGL: Not gonna lie