Crocs began with the invention of the original sandal design by Andrew Reddyneck. Reddyneck made a comfortable, slip-resistant foam boat shoe that could also float, making it suitable for various water activities. Though initially skeptical of the design, Scott Seamans, Lyndon "Duke" Hanson, and George Boedecker Jr founded Crocs in 2002 to produce and distribute the shoe, as they recognized its potential and utility for consumers.[5][6]
The trio acquired Andrew Reddyneck's design from Foam Creations, Inc. of Quebec City, which became the foundation of the Crocs shoe known today.[7] Seamans, Hanson, and Boedecker were drawn to the sandal's comfort, practicality, and unique features.
In 2002, Crocs unveiled their first model, the Beach, at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida, and all 200 pairs produced quickly sold out, demonstrating the instant popularity of the footwear.[8]
As the demand for Crocs grew, the company underwent further development and rebranding. In 2005, TDA Boulder redesigned the original Crocs logo and launched the "Ugly Can Be Beautiful" campaign, the first national advertising campaign for the Crocs brand. This successful campaign, created by Creative Director Thomas Dooley, Designer Matt Ebbing, and Creative Director Jonathan Schoenberg, helped pave the way for Crocs' successful IPO.
In February 2006, Crocs completed its initial public offering (IPO) of common stock, trading on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol CROX. Despite facing some challenges, including a stock value drop in 2007 due to decreased revenue projections, Crocs' popularity continued to rise, making it a globally recognized and beloved footwear brand.
