The Jordan Brand has held court at the forefront of sneaker culture for countless years, renowned for its distinctive designs and extensive hype. In years long gone, each major release would lead to a flurry of excitement as dedicated fans queued for days or paid over the odds to secure a coveted pair. However, lately, we’ve noticed these hyped sneakers gathering dust on the shelves while Crocs—those quirky, comfort-first clogs—rise to footwear prominence. Yes, these pliable, hole-ridden shoes are experiencing a surge in popularity, blurring the lines between comfort and style in a way that’s catching many by surprise. So, are we seeing a change of guard in the world of footwear? Are Crocs becoming the new Air Jordans?
No, you’re not dreaming. You might have brushed off this statement with a laugh even a couple of years ago. But times change, and so do fashion trends. Let’s explore how and why Crocs might be filling the colossal shoes of the iconic Air Jordans, turning heads, and dividing opinions along the way.
The Pandemic’s Influence on Crocs
In the wake of the pandemic, comfort and practicality took precedence in people’s footwear choices. This trend enabled Crocs to stride forward as a stylish yet functional footwear option, challenging the typical Jordans hype. However, this doesn’t suggest a plummet in Jordan’s popularity during the pandemic; far from it. The Jordan Brand even boasted one of its most successful periods. Analysts believe this surge was due to consumers stuck at home, splurging their plentiful stimulus money on athletic footwear. Nonetheless, Jordan sales have started dwindling, while Crocs has emerged as one of America’s rapidly growing brands.
Even celebrities like Justin Bieber and Post Malone (among many others) have jumped into the Crocs bandwagon. They have launched exclusive collaborations that sold out within minutes. As expected, these collabs have only elevated the brand’s hype and have even echoed the excitement often tied to Air Jordan launches. Could this suggest a change in trend?
The Growing Appeal of Crocs
Once Crocs have accompanied you throughout the day, inviting them along for another is often tempting – and more than a likelihood. Their unmatched comfort and adaptability have undoubtedly made them essential in many wardrobes. Formerly linked with gardening grandparents or healthcare workers, Crocs have reinvented their image with desirable collaborations and limited-edition pairs. Now, they can be seen on the feet of fashion models like Kendall Jenner or beloved music icons like the Biebs. Everyone wears them these days, signalling that Crocs are the new IT thing.
A bit like the Jordan Brand, they’re capitalising on people’s desire for exclusive and stylish footwear. The critical difference is that your feet will be more grateful to you for choosing Crocs as you traverse the city streets. Like Air Jordans, Crocs offers a diverse range of designs and collaborations that raise the style stakes, combined with unrivalled comfort, making the tug to trade in those high-tops for something a bit kinder on the feet quite appealing.
Famous Faces Backing the Brands
Part of the allure of Air Jordans is, without a doubt, the celebrity cachet they carry. Of course, you have the face of the company, Michael Jordan himself, but they also team up with in-demand brands, celebrities, and athletes for exclusive collaborations that boost their streetwear status further.
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Crocs are no strangers to this game, with an impressive line-up of influential partnerships to their credit. While they often join forces with trendy celebrities like Sza and Bad Bunny to release limited-edition footwear, they also set themselves apart with all the nostalgic cartoon and movie-themed collaborations that create a buzz among different demographics. The genius behind these partnerships is simple: they tap into diverse interests, offering something everyone can connect with.
Comparing their Price Points
High-quality, reasonably priced, and in style, Crocs definitely offer excellent value for money. Does this make us love Jordans any less? Far from it! Jordans will always bag the prize for the most elegant choice. But can we shell out $200+ every time for a pair of sneakers? Probably not. There’s where Crocs pull ahead, offering a more affordable and snug alternative. On average, Crocs retail at roughly $20 per pair, although prices for their more coveted and elusive variants can be a bit steep. However, when comparing Crocs with Air Jordans, the notable difference in their pricing is hard to dismiss. Crocs present a more reasonably priced option for everyday wear, making them a new go-to for many.
Crocs or Jordans?
Even though many at Sneaker Fortress are unlikely to hang up their beloved Jordans for a pair of Crocs, we certainly see the appeal. Crocs offer a more budget-friendly choice without compromising comfort. In addition, they offer various styles and colours, as well as ongoing collaborations that keep the brand fresh and intriguing.
So, the answer to our question hinges on individual taste and budget when choosing between Crocs and Air Jordan sneakers—at least for now. Of course, Crocs might be poised to become the next big trendsetter in shoes if they continue innovating and offering exciting partnerships.
What’s in your 2024 lookbook – Crocs or Air Jordans? Which footwear takes priority?
Source: @justinbieber, @jumpman23
