Real Crocs vs. Knock-offs

Honestly I wouldn't even consider the 'knockoffs' in my situation cos if I get a pair it will specifically be for the antimicrobial/antifungal properties.   I've spent a ton of time looking at the website but will be tomorrow before I can get anywhere to try a pair on. 
 
Typically I'm not into the 'cool thing of the moment' either alternatively or fashion-wise.  But I'm also not adverse to taking a bit of a risk occasionally.  *grin*

Callie, I wore out the pair that I had last year (literally, the soles were smooth and I was about to bust my butt, big time) and got two new pairs. That's how much *I* like them[] I had a pair of fake ones before, and they *really* hurt my feet. I have a pair of their flip flops (they were $30, but sooooo squishity and wonderful!) and I want a pair of the Mary Janes to wear with summery skirts and jeans and such. They're good stuff. I wear them everywhere, even when they don't match, LOL. I have a pink pair and a lime green pair.
 
If any orthopedist who has ever seen me heard this, he'd probably have a great, big fit. I'm not even supposed to wear flip flops....

I've never been one to be trendy either, but I just don't care. I hate wearing closed shoes, especially in summer. I also hate flip flops. I had a nice pair of sandals, but they were so old and dirty that the dirt was literally stuck in them. I tried replacing them a few weeks ago with something different, and ended up with raw spots on my feet after a day. Then I got the same pair as I used to have. I've got a raw spot from those too.
My mom, who has been in love with the knock-offs and has listened to me say how ridiculous they look came home to see me wearing them, and was totally shocked. She put mine on for a minute though, and agreed that they felt much better than her's.

If any orthopedist who has ever seen me heard this, he'd probably have a great, big fit. I'm not even supposed to wear flip flops...

Haha so true!  I have arthritis in my right foot, and technically I'm either supposed to be wearing a cam walker (big black cast toe-to-knee that removes any pressure from the affected joint, wore it for two months and now only when I have bad flair ups), or shoes that absolutely have no bend in the soles (so basically no cute summer shoes like kitten heels, flats, strappy sandals..).  One of the times I went to the dr. I was wearing fake crocs and he said "well do you wear those a lot? b/c if so it might explain your joint problems!"  The thing is, the fake crocs and plain Old Navy flip-flops cause me a LOT less pain than wearing actual shoes that don't quite cut it.  It's like I have to wear something that's either less than $10 or more than $80.  Anything in between and I end up limping with stabbing pain in my foot on every step.

I have crocs and they are great for in the yard - playing in water with Bugsy and gardening but they are not - for me- as comfy as Birkies which I wear all the time if possible !
My DH LOVES crocs go figure - he has worn a pair out and is well into his second pair

you can on occasion get them cheap check out this link
[linkhttp://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=542360]http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=542360[/link]

I checked out the site.... they even have college teams to choose from... how cool!  My problem, everytime I pick a certain shoe, it's out of stock [:@]

The thing is, the fake crocs and plain Old Navy flip-flops cause me a LOT less pain than wearing actual shoes that don't quite cut it.

Isn't it crazy how great Old Navy's flip flops are? I love them so much! I must have a dozen pairs, and Emma routinely goes and finds two that are the same color-ish (she might get black and navy, I'm not convinced that she can see a difference) and bring them to me. She loves going out with me, and they're the shoes I'm most likely to wear, if I'm taking her somewhere.

I think they are fugly.  My DD adores them (got her some knock-offs because she is brutal on shoes).
 
I did break down and buy myself a pair of knock-offs for the garden and they're pretty functional for that.  I found myself using them more and more as summer shoes because I have issues with my toes (they are fugly too) and I can wear crocs and not look out-of-place!  I used to wear keds in the summer and I'd look odd (plus I'd have sweaty feet).

My mom (nurse) tried to get me to wear them and I refused cause I could care less about trendy and they are just plain UGLY!  When my MIL came to visit though she insisted on buying me a pair and it was just easier to accept than fight her.  I LOVE THEM!  After spending a day at adoptathon events on my feet I can actually still stand with little back/foot pain.  They are expensive and ugle but worth it to me.
 
Callie - they are nothing like Jellies (I remember slipping & sliding around in those with sweaty feet trying to be cool as a kid! LOL)  Even in the 90+ weather we get here my feet may sweat some but the shoes maintain the interior traction and they are so much cooler than sneakers with more support than flip flops. 
 
I feel like my mother wearing them but I called to apologize to her and let her know if she still wanted to buy me a pair go right ahead! LOL. 

I'm laughing to myself at work reading this thread!  I've always shunned the "ugly-but-so-comfortable-and-functional" shoes (first Birkenstocks, now Crocs and Danskos).  However, I have several friends and family members who refuse to wear anything else, for all the reasons already mentioned.  They either work on their feet all day or have major issues like arthritis or corns/callouses.  My cousin (a vet tech who lives in Crocs) even has her 10 month old daughter wearing bright pink ones.  She started walking at 9 months, and was zooming along, but as soon as the Crocs are on her, she won't take a step! It's hysterical! [sm=biggrin.gif]

I'm grateful that I sit at my job AND that my feet are in good shape, because I'm not ready to add those to my wardrobe yet.  I thought about getting a pair of fake Crocs for doing yardwork, but the smalls don't fit me.  Maybe I should try a children's size!  I do think the colors are fun, and I could handle wearing them in the garden!
 
Edited to add:  Robin and Callie - I remember those jelly shoes, too!  They were VERY hot and sweaty to wear - but I had several, even some with sparkles in the jelly! [&:]