We first laid eyes on Crocs in 2002. And yes, fashionistas were mortified. We thought we were over the clogs of the late '90s (You know, the clunky canvas kind with wooden bottoms?). Then, these plastic-looking clogs with holes on them surfaced. Coming in various colors, like bright red, hot pink, lime green and black (just to name a few), were we supposed to swoon?

I recall the first time I ever stepped into a pair of the colorful foam footwear (just for kicks and giggles, of course). To my surprise, they did feel like heaven--light, supportive, comfortable. After a quick glance at the mirror, however, I shut my eyes as if I had seen a ghost and jumped out of 'em so fast out of fear someone might see me.

I may have squirmed, but others were all over 'em. The makers sold 100 million pairs in seven years, says the Washington Post, and wearers include former prez George W. Bush and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Even my four-year-old nephew is obsessed with them--he refuses to wear anything else! Last week, it was raining and we asked him to put on his boots instead ... He threw a temper tantrum on behalf of his Crocs. Guess what he ended up wearing?

To my four-year-old nephew's dismay, the Crocs empire is in trouble. "Last year, the company lost $185.1 million, slashed roughly 2,000 jobs and scrambled to find money to pay down millions in debt," according to a Washington Post article. What's the Croc-wearing-world to do? I'm not shakin' in my (fashionable) boots, that's for sure. But if you are a fan, you might want to stock up. These far-from-cute footwear might become obsolete soon enough. As for my nephew, he's just going to have to deal--I'll get him a pair of Vans or Converse when he outgrows his beloved Crocs.

--Ysolt