Crocs has always been a topic of discussion. There’s no middle ground with them, and in recent years, they’ve gone from being ugly shoes for doctors and nurses to ending up on everyone’s feet and collaborating with a diverse range of artists and brands such as Balenciaga, Hello Kitty, Bad Bunny, Pleasures, or Shrek, among many others. During the latest London Fashion Week, their partnership with Simone Rocha went viral once again on social media—although not as much as the first time they got together just one year ago (September 2023). Still, this is the perfect opportunity to revisit some of our favourite collaborations throughout the years.
Although the brand was founded in 2002, the first collaboration didn’t occur until 2016. It was for Christopher Kane’s S/S 2017 collection and, what started as an ironic joke by the Scottish designer, became a turning point for the clog brand. From that point onward, a cascade of collaborations followed: artists like Takashi Murakami, Bad Bunny, Karol G or SZA enrolled on the adventure, while brands such as Palace, Aries, Levi’s, Market, and Carrots jumped in too. As well as KFC (with chicken-wing Jibbitz), Lightning McQueen, 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, Barbie, Minecraft… The list is endless. Crocs transitioned from being one of Time Magazine’s “Fifty Worst Inventions” in 2010 to an established staple piece of streetwear.
Now, we present our top five to date, in non-specific order because choosing was hard enough. Which ones are your favourite?
Simone Rocha
We were shocked when we first spotted the infamous shoe in her Spring/Summer 2024 runway show a year ago. The rugged, laid-back Crocs combined with the romantic and sophisticated aesthetic of Simone Rocha is simply wonderful—and a commercial success, which is why they’ve teamed up again for the Spring/Summer 2025 season, just shown a few days ago at London Fashion Week. I don’t know if opposites attract, but what I’m certain of is that when a great fusion of both is achieved, it’s always a success. The pearl Jibbitz on the Siren Clogs, the new hybrid design that mixes clogs with sporty/river-like shoes… Just wonderful.
Balenciaga
Possibly one of the most viral and long-lasting collaborations of the brand. It began in 2017 with the iconic bubblegum-pink ten-centimetre platform Crocs, the very ones that prompted Claudia Croft to write in British Vogue: “The Crocs have been many things–practical, comfy, unisex, and unbreakable–but they’ve never been cool. Until now.” Following that, they released the Crocs Madame, the clogs featuring black stiletto heels, and later the rain boots and the Mule Hardcrocs models. I believe I’m not mistaken if I say that the person responsible for elevating Crocs to fashion is Demna for Balenciaga.
Beams
Crocs with pockets. Do I need to say anything else? Both brands have collaborated five times in total, and they have created the most distinct and different models from what the clog brand typically produces. Up until three weeks ago, we were head over heels in love with the All-Terrain Clogs, inspired by practicality, outdoor aesthetics, and military style. However, Japanese clothing brand Beams announced yet another collab earlier in September inspired by rockabilly culture: a pair of crocs that are made to look like little biker leather jackets. It doesn’t get cooler than this.
MSCHF
After the huge success of the Big Red Boots (aka Astro Boots), the experimental American brand MSCHF collaborated with Crocs and released a new yellow version with holes and straps. With Paris Hilton as the promotional face of the campaign and Tommy Cash wearing them during a Rick Owens’ show in Paris, the buzz on social media and the sold-out were guaranteed. MSCHF has been revolutionising the fashion world since its beginnings.
Salehe Bembury
After working for several brands such as Yeezy or Versace, and making a name for himself in the industry, in 2021, Salehe Bembury decided to forge his own path and establish Spunge, his own firm. Simultaneously, he also started partnering with different brands like New Balance, Anta, and naturally, Crocs. That was the beginning of Crocs Pollex, the joined line that combines the brand’s signature style with Salehe’s distinctive wavy design. Later, Crocs appointed Bembury as the creative director of the Pollex Pod collections and now announces new products and colours for the months to come.
BONUS: Wednesday
Just in time for spooky season, and while Jenna Ortega is still on the big screen because of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the role that brought her to international stardom is getting a pair of Crocs. Of course, strictly in black and white, a high platform, and an incredibly cute Jibbitz: Thing (the Addam’s Family’s hand, that is). Time to get sinister!