Now that spring and warm weather are upon us, they have come out of winter hiding and are here again. I'm talking about that most ugly of ugly, hideous, mud-flap of a shoe called Crocs. If you don't know what Crocs are, obviously you really need to get out more.

Crocs are the latest thing in shoe fashion fads, even more popular among those "in the know" than tennis shoes with wheels. Crocs are perfect for man, woman, child and beast. Well, maybe not beast -- at least not yet -- however, everyone else is wearing them. Crocs, in case you are among the unenlightened minority, are plastic shoes with holes in them.

Actually, Crocs are soft, rubbery clogs that mold to fit your foot when they become warm from being worn. They were originally designed as boating and outdoor shoes because they have non-slip bottoms. Their cheese-like holes allow for air circulation. A strap around the heel holds keeps them on or can be worn on top for flip-flopping.

After Crocs escaped from boat decks and slithered to dry land, they first became popular with those who must be on their feet a lot, like nurses. Gardeners and food workers were also early adopters. There are claims that the shoes are actually good for your feet due to their lightweight comfort. Doctors may not recommend them as orthopedic shoes, but when you look down, they are probably wearing them.

Those old enough to remember are somewhat reminded of "earth shoes." It is rumored that those were very comfortable and good for your back and feet. Naturally, being good for your feet caused them to go out of fashion in a short period of time in favor of something less comfortable with high heels, pointy toes, and a greater probability of foot deformity or injury.

I've had my Crocs for over a year now. I found them by accident one day and snapped up a pair. I've not taken them off since. They are like wearing marshmallows. I even wore them through the winter with socks. I thought I was an innovator of the latest reptile fashion trend until I found out the shoes have been around since 2003.

Speaking of fashion, Crocs are available in a wide assortment of colors. Theoretically, you could have a pair to match every outfit. However, even though the colors are fashionable, nothing can be done to prevent Crocs from being ugly. Strangely, people who wear them don't seem to care that they look like duck feet.

There are many cheap imitations, equally ugly but not genuine Crocs. Knockoffs are common in the fashion industry. But, if I'm going to be taken in by a fashion fad, I figure that it might as well be the real thing. 

Last weekend I found a store that has to be the granddaddy of all Croc stores. I've never seen so many Crocs outside of the Everglades. The shoes covered one entire wall, front to back, floor to ceiling. The shoes had to number in the hundreds, every size, every color, every style. 

Naturally, the Crocs shoe manufacturer couldn't leave success alone and is now coming out with more styles: slides, thongs, and sandals. My newest addition to my personal reptile collection is a pair of sandals.

If you think all the hype about Crocs is a crock, you are probably right. This fad is probably an endangered species that will go the way of the dinosaur after a while, just like earth shoes, platform shoes, and go-go boots. Now that I think of it, I should probably go back to that store and get another pair or two while I still can.

If you'll pardon the expression, see ya later, alligator.

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