Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
Long before I had children, I vowed that my offspring would never wear Crocs. They’re ugly, they’re overpriced, and they’re trendy. I was going to resist. And that was the end of that. Period.
I didn’t make it too far. When Lily was two and a half, she started complaining that she was the only girl at school who didn’t have “those” shoes; “Everybody has them but me.” Already, I thought? Shit. I had flashbacks of being the only one without cool denim in junior high. Without the rhinestone studded shoes. Without the pierced ears. Could I be the parent who scars my flesh and blood? Could I choose my taste in fashion above my daughter’s wishes?
Clearly, as illustrated above, the answer was no. Much to my (and Jeff’s) chagrin, off to the mall we went. She was fitted with her first little purple pair. And much to my surprise, they looked pretty darn cute. I liked them. When Ben was big enough to wear them, we bought him a pair too. Their little feet looked adorable swinging together in those so-ugly-they-are-cute shoes. Life was good.
And then, there were Jibbitz. Some stay at home mom’s goldmine. I refused to buy them. Three bucks for a stupid little plastic charm? I think not. I put my foot down. But, soon after I made that promise, her little Crocs looked naked to her. Why did all of her friends have the fun “thingies” and she didn’t? Puh-leeease? I had a moment of weakness, and caved. A purple flower. I told myself that was it– just one. But it wasn’t. It was just the beginning. She now has flowers, characters, food… her brother has a colorful collection of marine life. There are only a few open holes left of those plastic shes.
I am ashamed to admit that our entire family is now adorned in Crocs. We are a hideous, flexible, holed, and bejeweled plastic footwear wearing family of five. Even Evan has a pair. I have 2 larger pairs waiting in the closet for when the kid’s feet grow to the next size. I have a stash of Jibbitz for good behavior. I am pathetic.
The experience did come with a lesson though: First of all, I am a total sucker. And, second of all, pretty much anything can look cute when they’re on the little feet of those you love.
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s amazing what we will do when faced with a sad face and lower lip. Still, I don’t plan on buying any of these hideous shoes. Hopefully, it is not a in thing for boys when Lukas gets school age.
James (SeattleDad)’s last blog post..A Few Miles West of Expected
I love the crocs. My kids wear them but I have drawn the line at the croc bling at least so far.
We are a Croc loving family too! I have just about every style there is it seems!
Tiffany @ Paging Doctor Mommy’s last blog post..Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Crocs. I swore I would NEVER EVER wear them, but I gave in and tried them and wear them all the time now. Yeah, and can’t wait to get a pair of the newer more “girly” women Crocs. They’re an obsession!
Amazing Greis’s last blog post..Weigh-In Wednesday Week 19
What’s that? It’s like an echo in my head. I said the same thing. Not those ugly, rich cottage kid wearing shoes for my kids. I was raising my kids to be independent thinkers, to break free from conformity and strike out for individuality. My son with his long surfer dude hair, my girl who wears pants and a skirt…at the same time, my little tyklette in her skull shirt. No crocs for us, now way…..
Now look at us, look at them. Two pairs of crocs each plus the rubber boots. And yes, even I and my hubby sport a pair. And I hate that they’re so comfortable and easy to slip on. And even my boycott of them when they moved production from Colorado to China didn’t keep me away long. I suck at being a rebel, but at least I’m comfortable.
Carrie Anne’s last blog post..Damn those predators
Last summer, Monsoon picked out two pair at the shoe store… bling and all. I wanted to scream, “NOOOooooooooo!!!” Of course he got them. I’m a sucker like the rest of you. ;)
This year, we have a dog. She likes them, too.
Ryan Ashley Scott’s last blog post..Flashback Friday:
I am dedicated to Crocs, but I think I have finally turned the corner to cute girly ones, instead of the obnoxious originals
paige’s last blog post..The poop post
Great post, as usual! So funny. I too hated Crocs – YUCK! But quickly realized they were actually the best pair of summer shoes for kids, ever! They’re easy to put on, they can get wet and it’s okay, they come in different colours to go with any outfit, and my boys love them. They’re light, they’re comfy. We have them in light blue, turquoise, beige and green for Christos – is size 8-9, 10-11 and now 12-13. (Those are still a bit too big for him, though!) Dimitry just got his first pair. Dark blue. Size 6. Totally cute, those little shoes are! I will not buy a pair for myself because I won’t ever wear them. Did you know that Nurses had to stop wearing them in the hospitals? Because of the openings? So now they have the closed Crocs that they can wear. True! As for the Jibbitz – bought a couple for Christos last year, but they were leaving marks on his feet – so off they went! He didn’t care, though!
Loukia’s last blog post..Oh, the mess!
P.S. Did you know Crocs are Canadian? Yup, they are! They used to only be made in Canada, but now you’ll see they’re also made in Mexico and China.
Loukia’s last blog post..Oh, the mess!
Crocs for kids, okay. But on grown-ups, no no no please no. Outside the house anyway. Unless you are on the way to a troll’s gardening meeting, but even then shouldn’t you bring them in a tote bag and change when you get there?
Oh, I SO hear you on this. I think they are adorable on little kids’ feet!
Wife and Mommy’s last blog post..The Saturday Box
OH man, I could have written this post! When the kids got theirs, then I moved on to swearing that I would never own a pair. But then they came out with the Mary Jane versions and they are SOOOOO cute, and comfy. Pathetic.
And yes, I have a jibbitz- a little red heart. But JUST ONE!
Ugh-I dont think I could ever buy those….I just dont “get” it.
spoiled mommy’s last blog post..Sweet, Sadness, Hell, and Summer Break-what a combo!
Great Flashback.
So agree – anything on little feet is totally cute! Little bare feet are still my favorite!
T Rex Mom’s last blog post..I Can Do It Myself…
Well I agree that the original Crocs (pictured above) do not look all that appealing. But I feel head over heels for their Croc Athens. I love these sandals. I even wore them last September when we went to Disneyland. Surprisingly my feet were enjoying standing in line and walking all day and night. I have 2 pairs and I may have to stock up and buy more if the rumors are true about the company closing soon.
Patty Reiser’s last blog post..What germs are lurking in your keyboard
LOL… What a flashback! I too swore off Crocs. Ugly, plastic, cheap looking shoes that cost too much! However, I have terrible feet, and they hurt all the time. “Try Crocs!” ” Try Crocs!” everyone said. I refused to pay that much money for them. So, Daddy went behind my back and ordered a pair for me online…. and I am forever grateful. I love them my feet do too!
Christina’s last blog post..I KNOW I’M FORGETTING SOMETHING
I think they’re so ugly they’re cute, too. However, we’ve moved on to Keens. Just a bit more expensive and so well made. They also fit my boys’ Flintstone type feet.
Starnes Fam’s last blog post..A Whole Lotta Random
I’m still refusing to buy Crocs but I know my kids will probably want some in a few years. Then I might relent. I don’t think I could ever wear them even though my friends swear they are SO comfortable. But I’d be paranoid that a bee would climb into one of the holes and sting my foot or something.
Amber’s last blog post..Swim Lessons with Michael Phelps
They are so darned cute! We wear crocs. Screw the haters. lol
dysfunctional mom’s last blog post..WordFUL Wednesday ~ Cute Edition
Did I forget to link last week? I think I did… Oh well – I’ll try to remember this week!
I hate crocs – but they are okay on kids. It’s when you see a grown woman with size 9 feet (that would be me) wearing them that I say ENOUGH! I mean really – there are other comfortable shoe choices. Why wear brightly colored plastic clogs??
Kate Coveny Hood’s last blog post..As Good As Cake Giveaway: For Everyone Who Secretly Wants to Be Blair Waldorf…
No need to be embarrassed – they too are a high hit in Oz. Although, as an adult you are totally forbidden to wear them. I don’t care how comfortable or how easy they are to slip on, if I get word that you have been wearing Crocs in public I will be very very upset with you. Also, beware of them on escalators – my nephew got his caught in the top of an escalator and it near ripped his foot off. Also, I soak my kids crocs in nappysan to clean them once a week.
I always thought they were so ugly. I bought my 3 year old a pair of Target knock offs and fell in love. I just bought him two pairs of Polliwalks, which are basically crocs in animal shapes. I can’t wait until they get here!
Angela’s last blog post..Joolwe.com Giveaway!
I have a lengthy list of things that I (or my son) do that I swore would NEVER happen when I was a mother.
Humbling, isn’t it?
I’m playing today! http://exileonmomstreet.blogspot.com/2009/05/flashback-friday-green-eyed-monster.html
natasha the exile on Mom Street’s last blog post..Flashback Friday: The Green-Eyed Monster
We did the croc thing too until the school, blessedly, banned them.
And although I didn’t like them at first I remember all too well not having the jeans with the upside down triangle on the butt in high school – sooooo, that was the end of that.
Futureblackmail’s last blog post..LIKE AN ANIMAL
I have to admit, I’m not fan either. But the photo at the end of the post is really cute.
I am playing!!!
Here’s my link to flashback friday!
http://cinnamonandhoney.blogspot.com/2009/05/flashback-friday-longest-ride.html
Robin’s last blog post..Flashback Friday: The Longest Ride
They are ugly aren’t they? But I love mine…the make great pool shoes!
I don’t know what I’d do without Crocs…They are the only shoes I can get the kiddos to wear:P
Nap Warden’s last blog post..Where You Get a Baby
ahhhh, I have my Mary Jane crocs on right now, kids went to school in theirs too…..I heart crocs!
Cammie’s last blog post..Into The Wilderness I Go…..
I must admit I did buy a pair of the sandals, not the clogs. Clogs were kinda ugly. But the sandals were good, but they didn’t give much support at all, so I’m back to wearing my Adidas sandals with cushiony support.
dawn’s last blog post..chocolate-coconut covered Cheez Its
I LOVE crocs. Especially the Mary Janes ones for Little Girl. And Baby Girl has a pair of Sleeping Beauty ones that are so cute. And actually I have a pair of the Athens flip flops on right now. I wear them all the time because they are so freakin’ comfortable. Screw looks, I’m going for comfort.
And I do want to link up, here is a link to my Flashback post: http://mommamadeitlookeasy.blogspot.com/2009/05/scary-mommy-had-this-great-idea-to.html
Jennifer’s last blog post..Flashback Friday: Cooking With Ice
LOL. I always thought they were fugly too. I got a free pair from the company I work for, however, and they are super comfy. I throw them on when I go out in the backyard with the dogs and the kiddo. I think Delia’s first pair will be the mary jane style ones. heh.
Kelly Deneen’s last blog post..Little Girls and Shoes
I’m wearing a pair of croc maryjane’s right now. Summer has arrived and it’s time to wear airy shoes!
I haven’t bought crocs, but I think about it every once in awhile when I see them in the store.
I am also playing Flashback Friday, woot woot!
E’s last blog post..Flashback Friday – Family Vacation Part II
Crocs are the Dr. Scholl wooden clog/flipflops du jour.
I couldn’t wear those, either.
swirl girl’s last blog post..The One Which Starts With Captain Crunch Encrusted French Toast
I bought my son crocs because they have been handy for wearing to the pool. They can get wet and don’t smell like tennis shoes when those get wet.
I am going to try to remember to participate in Flashback Friday. I posted today.
Michelle’s last blog post..Flashback Friday
Yeah, I’m not really down with crocs…
But I *am* playing Flashback Friday today :)
Cathy’s last blog post..Flashback Friday: Why I Really Quit My Job
I tried linking up last night and thought it worked, but maybe not? I’ve got my Friday Flashback posted, though.
Ryan Ashley Scott’s last blog post..Flashback Friday: Is this a common problem? (alternately titled: when I was young and super)
We crocked, too. Swore I wouldn’t, but dammit if they’re not the cutest things on the kids.
Love your FlashbackFriday idea. If I can remember to do it.
Jo Anna’s last blog post..REPARATIONS
The HUBS said he would rather CHOP of my feet than see me in Crocs…um, that is pretty serious!
Former Fat Chick’s last blog post..Starving!
I wrote such a similar post! But just Michael has crocs in our house.
jodifur’s last blog post..Shoe Friday #31
you ARE a sucker!
the carters have yet to give in…
nancy’s last blog post..Happy Day!
I figure if that is the worst thing I give in to, I’m doing well!
debbie’s last blog post..Let them be babies and not parents
can’t wear them. ick. but, I know your kids are adorable so I will allow it, just this once…
I so just went through this. Hate Crocs!!! But my little boy has two pair now. I still think they’re ugly but so cute when he’s wearing them. I have to say I haven’t reached the “accessories” yet. Hopefully never will!!
Jamie’s last blog post..Not so much
Oh no Jill! I hope you aren’t going to hate me, but I HATE hate HATE crocs. I really try to like them since EVERYONE IN AMERICA and probably Asia too has them and LOVES them, but I can not. They are too ugly for words. I still think you are the coolest though! The super duper coolest. I just hate your shoes. : ).
Life with Kaishon’s last blog post..Big G’s Birthday Bash
I am just getting ready to do a post about this – my kids just got their first pair this weekend, courtesy of Gramma. Hubby and I (mostly Hubby) had been holding out for 2 years now b/c they’re FUGLY.
But you’re right, they do look really cute on those you love.
*sigh*
(No Jibbitz yet tho.)
Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..Jon & Kate Aren’t Great
hahahaha!! I know this is a little late but holy shit!! I said the same thing about those damn things. Now my kids both have them. Not actual Crocks but the discount store version. Those things are ugly. as. sin. and I can’t bring myself to buy a pair for me. Although the kids insist I MUST have a pair. ugh.
head_nut’s last blog post..Graduation
That’s just too funny. I’ve been contemplating buying my 20 month old some Crocs because they just seem so *easy*, despite being ugly garden shoes. hahaha
I think I’ll cave, but I won’t buy the cheap knock-offs (I mean, a sub-par version of something already cheap and ugly?? I gotta have standards, right??).
I thought the same thing about the shoe jewelry. Some mom is laughing all the way to the bank. It probably started by putting earrings in the holes…
Jessica – This Is Worthwhile’s last blog post..Presenting: Darn good blogs
haha I did the SAME thing! I was like crap… you really want those offensive things full of what you love right this second jibbtz? (WTF kind of word is jibbitz anyway?)
Now my kid has two pairs… complete with Dorothy and the Tin Man…sigh.
Jamie’s last blog post..I don’t pick my battles, sometimes she actually wins.
My kids love them and have gone through multiple pairs over the years. They came in really handy before the kids knew how to tie their shoes. Of course, every time they slip them on, I think about lawsuits against the company caused by various accidents kids have had while wearing them. But, the kids still wear them. I think they better than flip flops at their age. I don’t wear the original crocs, but I have seen some cute ballet flat/mary jane style ones that almost tempted me. Couldn’t do it though. I’d die laughing if my husband wore them.