North Texans, along with the most other U.S. footwear fashion-conscious consumers, appear to have turned their backs on Ugg boots. That doesn't mean the trendy footwear shelves are empty.

Shoes from Crocs Inc. have marched in to fill the funky fashion void. The colorful shoes sport different textures and holes, and are purported to be comfortable.

The shoes cost about $32 per pair, and at least one store employee said the outlet has experienced brisk sales of Crocs.

Betty Fuller, of Whole Earth Provisions, said the store has had trouble keeping Crocs in stock. Stock prices for Croc Inc. jumped 40 percent during its Nasdaq debut.

Reviews, however, seem to be mixed on Crocs. The owner of another area retail store said opinions are split on the shoes.

Mandy Loughray, owner of and buyer for Mesho, said the shoes are comfortable but the appearance lacks appeal.

A podiatrist offered a clinic review of the hot new shoes.

"The flip-flop craze was the worst thing, especially for young girls, that we saw in the last five years," Dr. Marybeth Crane said. "The Crocs are kind of taking the place of the flip-flops, but they still shouldn't be an everyday shoe."

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For more information, go to:
On The Net: Crocs.com
On The Net: No Fear Gear
On The Net: Dillard's

Crocs are sold locally at:
Whole Earth Provisions
Nordstrom
Dillard's

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