Let’s take a minute to reflect on the year 2006. High School Musical was released. Justin Timberlake’s song “SexyBack” was #1 on the Billboard Charts. And a peculiar foam clog took the country by storm. Some might say that Crocs never went out of style, and others would say they were simply a short-lived fad. Love them or hate them, they are back.

The boom of Crocs in 2006 was a part of our childhood. All of a sudden, every kid in school was wearing them. The variety of colors and “Jibbitz” available for purchase made each pair completely customizable. Did they look tacky? Probably. But when we were 9 years old, a pair of foam clogs with jewels and flowers all over them was the best thing since sliced bread.

Children weren’t the only ones who felt this way. Adults loved them too. Many men and women began wearing Crocs for the comfort and promoted health benefits of the shoe. Nurses, cooks, boating enthusiasts, and hipsters alike were all “rocking crocs”. Others were not so easily won over. Tim Gunn of Project Runway spoke out against the Croc saying, “It looks like a plastic hoof. How can you take that seriously?" Ouch.

Despite the decrease in popularity over the years, Crocs have held a small fan base (Crocs Superfans). People in this group have continued wearing them for the last 9 years, regardless of the occasional ridicule. One such Superfan comes to mind—a favorite high school teacher of mine. He wore Crocs nearly every day and has an extensive collection. That’s brand devotion, people.

The Crocs brand has released new styles unlike their traditional clog too. Whether you are interested in Crocs sandals, wedges, or high heels, they’ve got you covered…

So with the sudden upsurge in popularity, it might be time to grab a new pair of Crocs. Or, maybe once you think about it, better not.