Crocs are a popular brand of lightweight foam sandals known for their comfortable wear and support. Originally designed as a boat shoe, Crocs are also worn by beachgoers, doctors and nurses and anyone who spends many hours on their feet. Due to the shoe's popularity, its manufacturer -- Canada-based Foam Creations -- has produced additional lines of Croc shoes, including the Athens flip flop and Georgie rain boots. Imitation Crocs are easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Identify the material the shoes are made of. Crocs are made only out of Croslite, a foam material, not rubber or plastic. Also check where the shoes were manufactured. Crocs are made in the United States, Canada, China, Italy and Mexico.
Look for the "Croc" lettering on the back strap. All Crocs have the word "Crocs" displayed on this strap in either lowercase or uppercase lettering. The uppercase lettering resembles Greek lettering. Only real Crocs will display the Croc name.
Find out when the shoe was made. Crocs have only been in production since 2003; therefore, any pair of shoes older than that is not authentic. Croc shoes are also odor-resistant; so if you are browsing for used pairs and find some that have an odor, you can be sure they are not Crocs.
Look for one of the three types of rivets that appear on Crocs. There are plain black rivets that generally appear on only special lines of Crocs, such as the RX line. These are only used on the inner rivet. Another type of rivet is smooth with a croc painted on that can be easily scratched off. The third type is a raised rivet that you can feel. No real pair of Crocs will include rivets with the word "CROCS" or "crocs" on them.
Tip
Rivets are available in different colors. Crocs do eventually wear out; a pair that is seemingly indestructible over a long period of time is probably not authentic.
References
Writer Bio
Kent Page McGroarty has worked as a writer since 2006, contributing numerous articles to various websites. She is a frequent contributor to the health and fitness sections of the online magazine EDGE Publications and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Joseph's University.