Thinking outside the Crocs

Despite what you may have heard, Crocs aren’t going anywhere.

Last week, the shoe company announced that it would be shutting down its two remaining manufacturing plants in Mexico and Italy as part of a turnaround program launched in 2014, according to Rubber & Plastic

News.

“In connection with ongoing efforts to simplify the business and improve profitability ... the company closed its manufacturing facility in Mexico and moved ahead with plans to close its last manufacturing facility, which is located in Italy,” read an Aug. 7 press release from Crocs.

Twitter did not take the news well with an outpouring of identity crises and fashion freak-outs.

It seemed like the end of an era. But it’s since been confirmed that the weird foamy sandals with holes are not only sticking around, but will continue to plague anyone with the least bit of fashion sense for the foreseeable future.

The company clarified that it would in fact continue to outsource all of its manufacturing processes in order to maximize profitability. “There have been multiple media reports that Crocs is winding down production in our owned manufacturing facilities,” the statement read. “While accurate, some people have interpreted that to mean that Crocs will no longer be making and selling shoes. Quite the contrary, Crocs will continue to innovate, design and produce the most comfortable shoes on the planet.” The company, which sells everything from sandals to slippers to rain boots, is also set to close down 160 stores to bring the total number of outlets to 400, Rubber & Plastic News reported. While Crocs aren’t necessarily a bastion of haute couture, perhaps the company is more fashion-forward than we think. A Balenciaga collaboration last spring saw $850 sky-high platform Crocs sell out before they even hit shelves, according to Footwear News.

Wearing $850 Crocs may seem like a high price, but it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the toll it would take on one’s dignity.