For Immediate Release

Media Contact:                                


Tia Williams

CROCS Footwear

(303) 468-4283

tia@CROCS.com

Donna Crafton

Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide

(303) 634-2685

donna.crafton@ogilvypr.com        


           

 

CROCSTM Inc. Named 2005 Brand of the Year by Footwear News

 

Boulder, Colorado, Nov. 21, 2005 – CROCS™ Inc., manufacturer of a new breed of comfort shoes, today announced it has been selected as a 2005 Brand of the Year Award winner by the leading footwear trade publication, Footwear News. When announcing this honor, Michael Altmore, Footwear News editor said, "We named Crocs 'Brand of the Year' because of the incredible success the line has had at retail. We have heard again and again from stores that Crocs were selling out this year. It's clear that the product really resonated with customers looking for something different. This is a case of a new brand making an instant connection with the shopper."

 

In 2002, CROCS introduced its original Beach™ model as a solution for boaters who needed slip resistant shoes that did not mark boat decks. However, the popularity of CROCS has since extended well beyond the traditional marine community by attracting a broad demographic of consumers with its fun and fashionable comfort footwear. 

 

CROCS has continued to expand its footwear line and now offers seven unique shoe models in up to 17 colors. CROCS recently launched two new shoe models, including the closed-toe Aspen™, for cool weather and occupations where ventilation holes are not allowed, and the Islander™, a shoe with a traditional CROCS lower combined with a leather upper.  In 2005, the company further diversified its offerings with the launch of the CROCS Gear line, which includes CROCS sunglasses, kneepads, clothing and hats.

 

CROCS are made of a proprietary closed-cell resin called Croslite™, which warms and softens with body heat and molds to the foot of its user. Croslite is the anti-microbial, odor-resistant, lightweight, material that makes Crocs brand products truly unique. The ergonomic design of Crocs shoes allows for maximum comfort while the variety of available colors and styles ensure that every consumer will find a pair that is perfectly suited to his or her needs.

 

"We are honored to receive the 2005 Brand of the Year Award from Footwear News,” said Ron Snyder, CEO of CROCS, Inc. “CROCS strives to lead innovation in the footwear market with revolutionary products and materials designed to meet the demands of our diverse consumer base. This award further highlights our commitment to making a long-term contribution to the footwear industry."

 

The company will officially receive the Footwear News Brand of the Year award in a ceremony to be held December 6 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

 

About Footwear News

Footwear News is the only weekly news and fashion magazine for the footwear industry. Established in 1945, the publication serves retailers, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, suppliers, tanners, finishers and members of all related fields. It offers extensive coverage of the women's, men's, and children's footwear categories across the dress, casual, athletic, extreme, outdoor, western and workboot industries.

 

About CROCSÔ:

CROCS Founders dreamed about the perfect boat shoe.  They wanted fashion, function and fun in an extremely comfortable shoe.

 

In less than three years, CROCS has become a phenomenon all its own, loved by, doctors, chefs, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, celebrities, families and of course – boaters.

 

Hop on a boat, stroll on the beach, or walk to a meeting, and you’ll see that CROCS shoes are the most comfortable and versatile shoes you'll ever own. CROCS are a new breed of footwear that provides comfort and performance through its unique materials and designs. All CROCS shoes feature CROCS’ proprietary closed cell resin, Croslite™, which warms and softens with body heat and molds to the user’s feet. The European styling of the orthotic heel, built-in arch support, and tarsal bar position your feet for the ultimate in foot comfort and health. CROCS are perfect for boating, diving, water sports and every day wear.  They will not mark floors or boat decks and are ideal for people who are on their feet all day and need light, comfortable shoes. CROCS are sold in more than 4,500 North American retail locations and come in a wide array of colors and styles. www.CROCS.com

 

# # #