I never thought I'd find myself squealing with joy over a handful of Crocs Jibbitz, but that's exactly what happened over the weekend.
Ever since Crocs became one of the world's biggest footwear trends, I've hated them.
I lightly bullied my friends who wore them, I puzzled over the appeal of a shoe full of holes, and I was frankly horrified by the shape of the things.
So when Crocs asked me if I wanted to try the new fur-lined version of their 'classic clog' style, I warned them, 'I'm probably not your gal'.
When they arrived at the office, I saw just how popular Crocs were with my workmates. The mere sight of the Crocs box got them all buzzing, but that excitement quickly turned to anger when I reminded them how I felt about the foam shoe phenomenon.
You would think Crocs were invented by one of their most beloved relatives, the way these guys turned on me.
"What is your problem?" they asked, arms folded defensively. "Do you hate comfort and practicality?"
Do you think you're better than Crocs?
I may have been outnumbered at work, but I am not alone - Crocs have long been a 'love 'em or hate 'em' accessory. Could I be convinced to change camps?
I headed into this experiment with a mantra given to me by my boss after the initial drama subsided. "Open shoes, open mind," he said.
The Crocs Classic Lined Clog ($114.99) is a bid to cater to the 'wear your slippers to work' crowd - an ever-growing base of trend-setters who take indoor footwear to work, the gym, Kmart shopping trips and even out to brunch.
This style keeps the durable and lightweight outer we all know and h̶a̶t̶e love, but adds a fuzzy liner that is undeniably cosy. I put them on at work and instantly regretted it - I just couldn't get over how out of place they looked with my normal clothes.
"I feel a bit stupid in these," I told one friend at work. "That's because they are a bit stupid," she replied.
Things really changed when I got them home, though. They were so much sturdier than my normal slippers, kept the toes warm and truly came into their own when it was time to take the bins out on a rainy night (sports mode engaged, of course).
The one time I was brave enough to wear them to the supermarket, I ran into an ex. Classic.
Even the cat was keen on them by this point!
I decided the fur Crocs would be confined to the house only, that is until one of my Croc-loving friends bought me a selection of amazing Jibbitz for my birthday this weekend.
There was an 'M' for Monika, a cat paw, a yin yang symbol and a glow-in-the-dark star - I'd never felt more seen. How did I go this long not realising I could wear my personality ON MY FEET for the world to see? Game. Changed.
Meanwhile, Crocs came out with a brand new style perfect for the haters - the Dylan Platform Clog ($149.99). Easily mistaken for a designer leather dress shoe, I had zero hesitation wearing these sleek, sky-high slip-ons to work, out to dinner or anywhere I might run into an ex.
They keep the light, ergonomic feel, but lose the holes and the distinctive Croc silhouette and heel strap. The platform sole is quite high, so if you have baby giraffe tendencies like me, you might have the odd stumble and actually find yourself yearning for the stability of a classic sport-mode Croc.
Still, a few near-misses are totally worth the vibes they bring, and the compliments they'll bring you.
I'm covered for both home and out and about, and as an ageing millennial, I have to admit - they are bloody comfy.
Monika was provided with two pairs of Crocs for this review.
