Over the past seven years, over 100 million pairs of Crocs have been sold. In 2007, the company posted a profit of $168 million. But for 2008, an incredible reversal — a $185 million loss.

In the past two years, Crocs stock have gone from $70 a share to just about $3.

With a declining demand, due to knockoffs among other reasons, the company has had to cut jobs and close production plants. In major debt, Crocs recently laid off a third of their workforce (2,000 employees). Because these shoes are durable, people don’t buy replacements that often. And even though you can choose from more than 100 styles of Crocs (yes, they have more than just clogs) they definitely have image issues with some buyers.

Could this be the beginning of the end for Crocs? It’s definitely possible that they can get profitable again with some smart marketing and new designs, but that could be years away. And the company will likely never again see the same success that it had in the past.

If you love your Crocs, they are having a 15% off sale today only. Hop on over to Crocs.com and do your part to help them stay afloat.

Image: Crocs.com

Crocs Women’s Clogs ($29.99)

Image: Crocs.com

Croc’s Santa Cruz Slip-ons ($49.99)

Image: Crocs.com

Crocs Rio Sandals ($59.99)

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Gladiator Sandals

They started out innocently enough. But before we knew it, gladiator sandals were everywhere. And they were getting taller and taller – and I’m not talking about the heels. These sandals were crawling up the leg and pretty soon knee-high (and higher!) gladiator sandals were on the runways and the city streets. Unfortunately, it looks like gladiators are back again for Spring 2009. Hopefully, this time they’ll stay under control with simple styles and basic silhouettes.

Open-Toe Booties

One of the hottest (and perhaps the most illogical) trends of Fall 2008 were open-toe booties. Boots and booties are supposed to keep your feet warm in cold weather. Therefore, it doesn’t make much sense to have your toes sticking out. But it seemed every shoe designer was hot for open-toe booties, and consumers were as well. Maybe I’m a little old fashioned, but I’ll save the open-toe shoes for spring and summer.

Architectural Heels

Designers went crazy with architectural heels and art noveau designs. They were modern, hip and totally not wearable. Interesting, sometimes. Practical, absolutely not. From cut-out heels to heels that didn’t even exist, these shoes were far too trendy for their own good.

Military Boots

I’ve never been a fan of military boots for women. They are clunky, junky and just plain ugly. This year when ladies were pairing military boots with feminine dresses, it was enough to make this girl gag. Hopefully in 2009, military boots stay were they belong – on military men.

UGGs and Crocs

These boots and shoes would probably be on my list every year. Though UGG did put out some decent styles this year, the UGG Cardy Classic won’t seem to die. And as for Crocs, I’m not sure what to say, other than they are really just gardening shoes and should stay in the garden! I don’t want to see them on the streets, and I certainly don’t want to see them at nice restaurants.

I wish you all a Happy New Year. And here’s to plenty of peep-toe pumps, sexy sandals and patent boots in 2009.

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What the hell?!

I’m not even sure what else to say. 

I don’t know if you all remember from summertime, but I hate Crocs.  I don’t know what the point was of taking an ugly shoe WITH HOLES IN IT and trying to make it suitable for winter.

From Nordstrom … “Warm and cozy removable liner keeps you dry while holes at the top provide circulation.”  … whatever.

Hey, if you want them for any reason, you can get them at Nordstrom.com for $40.

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Oh my!

If you are going to wear ugly, do me a favor and keep it in your own backyard!

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