Taking a shine to Crocs

Love them or hate them, Crocs are becoming the must-have shoe this summer.

The brightly coloured holey shoes are certainly not the prettiest thing on the market, but for wearers, the comfort of Crocs makes up for the clog-like design.

While fashion fans may loathe them, parents and children alike are snapping up the practical shoes.

And the shoes, which don't come cheap at £29.99 for adults and £19.99 for children, are proving popular in the Black Country and West Midlands.

They are one of the best sellers at Office shoe store at Merry Hill shopping centre.

"Crocs feature in our top five best sellers every week," said sales supervisor Dan Shillingfield.

"Many customers come in and take a look at them and say they'll never wear them, but once they've tried them on they don't want to take them off and say they really comfortable shoes.

"We sell them in lots of colours, including bright shades and gold and silver, but most adults go for the more conservative colours such as pearl white, black and khaki," he said.

Julia Overton, shoe department supervisor at Beatties in Dudley, said Crocs were popular with children and adults alike.

"They are popular because it's holiday season but a lot of people who are on their feet all day at work also like them," she said.

"And Crocs shoe charm type doodles can be attached to the holes and these are also selling well."

Wolverhampton hairdresser Maxine Morgan wears her Crocs to work most days.

"They're some of the most comfortable footwear I've ever worn and are great if you are on your feet all day," said Maxine, who runs Maxine Morgan hair salon in Tettenhall.

Crocs were originally intended as a boating shoe because of their slip-resistant soles, but they have a grip on a much larger audience these days.