Every season, footwear company Crocs manages to come up with a fresh new collection.
The colours and designs are always fun, and something most of us would associate with weekend or leisure footwear.
Lately, Crocs has come up with designs that they claim is for everyday wear, that would mean even work. Yes, work shoes from Crocs.
An unlikely choice for work shoes, one might think.
I would say you would have to be working in a fairly casual office environment to be able to pull this off.
I tried and tested a couple of the more colourful designs - the Hover Boat as well as the rather unique black and red plaid patterned Slip On.
If you are looking at something less bright, there's the 'Amaretto', which is a new item on their website.
It looks like an extremely traditional office shoe.
The Hover Boat has a rather conventional design - a traditional boat shoe look - and something I was comfortable wearing.
Comments I received from my colleagues were generally positive.
The black and red plaid patterned Slip On, was on the other hand, a design I would consider a bit too loud for me, but it kind of grew on me after a while.
Plus, the black sole does have its practical purpose of not being easily dirtied unlike the white sole of the Hover Boat design.
These two crocs were the first fully covered Crocs footwear I've tried, as I'm more used to the 'traditional' half covered clogs.
As expected, the shoes were extremely lightweight and comfortable.
What I liked about that was that when you bend them, they don't leave a permanent mark unlike the rubber-based designs.
The other thing I like about Crocs is the ease of care.
I put them through the wash test to see if they came out all right and if washing them was just as easy.
They proved easy to clean and quick to dry as well.
If you are thinking of getting a pair, I would recommend wearing socks during the first few outings.
Because of Singapore's humid weather, these help with absorbing the perspiration and makes the shoes a more comfortable wear.
Prices
The recommended retail prices for Hover Boat is $99.90.
The Hover Slip On Plaid is S$89.90, but certain colours retail for $90.90.
Tip: You may be able to find some bargains at the Crocs website. Just check out the "sales" corner, where older models are being sold at a discount.
As part of Crocs' 10th anniversary this year, they will be having a different promotion every 10th day of the month.
This month, the first 10 customers can buy any pair of shoe at $10 and thereafter, customers can get $10 off on all regular priced shoes.
So look out for it, if you want to score a good deal.
How do I care for my Crocs?
Caring for your Crocs is easy. To keep your Crocs in good condition, you will want to avoid leaving them where they will be exposed to heat or sun, such as a dish washer, washing machine, or hot car, as this can cause the shoes to shrink or warp.
You can keep your classic Crocs clean by hand washing them with cold water and a mild soap.
If you have Metallic leather Crocs, clean gently with a soft rubber sponge or slightly damp rag.
Use a leather cream to restore shine and a protector spray to repel water.
If your Crocs are made with Smooth Napa Leather; Remove dust and dirt with a damp rag.
Use a cotton brush to apply a natural waxy shoe cream or wax. Apply slowly in spiral manner.
Patent Leather Crocs can be gently wiped off with a clean damp cloth or use a professional product which had been designed to clean patent leather.
Never use harsh chemicals such as alcohol, detergent or liquid, they will remove the shine and luster from your shoes.
PU Wedges and heel material: A damp cloth should remove most dust and dirt.
Avoid solvent cleaners wherever possible as these may destroy the glue used to bond the sole.
For Suede and Lambs wool Crocs; clean upper gently with soft wire brush or plastic brush, spray with impregnation spray for water repellence.
Leather Crocs and be cleaned gently with a humid rag or brush.
Apply waxy shoe cream and polish/brush with soft brush, cotton or wool rag to a natural luster.
For Elastic/Stretch Material; Clean gently with humid rag or soft rubber.