Crocs Is Making Shoes That Are Not Plastic Clogs
You by Crocs uses the squishy technology that makes those clogs so comfy but in styles that are easier on the eyes.
I know what you’re thinking. I thought the same thing. When I ran into the cute Samantha Bryan and she told me, in her adorable Australian accent, that she was a designer for Crocs, I thought, “Really? You need a designer to do… what exactly? To choose more offensive colors or dream up new hole-punch patterns?"
I must have been projecting a look of baffled confusion—and Bryan must get this look a lot—because she tells me that it’s not what I think. She hands me a postcard with a photo of a metallic wedge heel on it that is not a plastic clog. This is what she does, she says. The You By Crocs division was launched in 2007, but Bryan didn’t take the design helm until a year ago.
Bryan started designing shoes in Australia after a horse-riding accident led to back surgery. Her doctor advised her against wearing high heels. “But I couldn’t live with that!” Bryan said. Her solution was to make knee-high, wedge platform boots that were comfortable and reduced strain on her back. In short shearling, they were reminiscent of Uggs but were fitted, so she described them as “Hug” boots.
Crocs found out about her comfort-meets-fashion aesthetic and plucked her from Australia, and she now designs the You By Crocs line from Redondo Beach.
You by Crocs takes the comfort aspect of Crocs by using the Croslite material and an ergonomically designed footbed, while Bryan provides a style factor. Right now it's sold only in Crocs stores and at Piperlime.com. But she plans to show the Spring 2011 line to retailers at the upcoming shoe trade shows in August.
