Crocs ventured into sports equipment when they first came out. I have the gnarliest croc made hockey shin pads EVER! Actually the only peice of hockey equipment I have purchased for myself in adult hood (apart from sticks) since I hated my old shinpads and had to waste half a roll of clear tape everytime I skated.
I like crocs for bullshitting around in I wish I hadn't lost my Syracuse ones. Kinda wanna get another pair pronto.
They are a must for cliff jumping or similar aquatic activities with rocks where you can't go barefoot.
I think people who rock flip flops hard core even with trousers look far douchier than a croc rockin hippy (especially female.)
Can't really see how anyone can hate on them unless people wear them as every day shoes. Only sandals/flip flops I wear are the leather dress sandals and you can't bring those in water.