Is Xbox dead? Not really, but it’s definitely feeling like a shadow of its former self. Heck, no one even knows whether they’ll still release an actual console for the next gen after the current Series X and S. Despite that, Xbox remains an iconic brand with a legion of fanboys ready to take up its mantle. Those same fans are the target demographic for these Crocs Xbox Classic Clog, which makes the comfy footwear look like an Xbox controller.
That’s right, Crocs has a new clog that’s done up to resemble the same Xbox controller you grab every time you square up in front of the gaming TV. Fortunately, they shaped it like a regular pair of clogs (a chunky controller shape would be uncomfortable on the feet) that feature buttons and thumb sticks in the Xbox gamepad’s signature asymmetric layout.
The Crocs Xbox Classic Clog takes a standard black pair of the outfit’s footwear, then decorates it with traditional game controls. These are not removable Jibbitz shoe charms, by the way, but actual fixed ornamentation, so you can’t make it look like a regular pair of Crocs during those days you don’t want to be judged for being an Xbox player. Yeah, this is a statement of your undying faith in the Xbox brand and whatever it morphs into going forward. Fingers crossed.
As with any proper controller, each shoe gets two analog sticks in asymmetric layout, a D-pad, four action buttons, and a set of system buttons including the large round center button with an X on it. They even threw in rectangular bumps at the front edges of the clogs to resemble shoulder buttons, which we were surprised to actually see. Goes without saying, none of these buttons are operational, although it would have been cool if they were. Can you imagine taking off your shoes and using it to play a game on the Series X? Would have been fun.
The Crocs Xbox Classic Clog has a large rivet with the classic Xbox logo on it, while the insole is printed with an Xbox label. They also put in cheeky “Player Left” and “Player Right” markings, which, we guess, is a nice way to ensure you know which shoe goes left and which one goes right. Hey, life is confusing sometimes. How do you think they messed up Halo the last three tries? Fortunately, the shoe isn’t as heavy as a modern controller, with Crocs, in fact, calling it “incredibly light and fun to wear.” Actually, the shoes are so light, they should float in water, making them ideal for those days you’re spending some time in the water.
As with other Crocs, the shoes come with pivoting heel straps that you can put in front for pure slip-on convenience or around the back for a more secure fit. It’s also got vent holes on the front and sides, so water can get out for those days you’re taking it to the beach. While there are no holes out front for attaching Jibbitz, it does have a few along the heel strap, so you can further decorate those if you can find something that makes your gamepad clogs look even geekier.
The Crocs Xbox Classic Clog is available now, priced at $80.
