In the fashion world, it's not uncommon for fast fashion companies such as Zara or H&M to grab the hottest trend and pump out knockoff products in a legal fashion, though there are plenty of brands that go much further. This is especially prevalent in footwear where new trends get their own versions from brand to brand, be it the foam trend we’re seeing now or the retro low-top basketball hype that was brought forth due to the Nike Dunk’s popularity. While Yeezy Foam RNNRs or clogs by New Balance, Nike, and more delve into their own designs, It seems Daiso, a Japanese dollar store, is blatantly ripping off the design of the originators of this style, Crocs.
In court documents dating back to June 2022, Crocs took to a California court with claims that Daiso Clogs are “Virtually identical to the design of Croc’s three-dimensional design marks.” What makes their knockoffs even worse is the fact that they are dirt cheap, coming in anywhere between $3 and $3.50 per pair. As you delve deeper into the documents, you’ll find many online consumers who call the clogs sold at Daiso “Crocs” which only further cements Crocs’ claims that the company is ripping off their design. Comparing the “Casual Sandal” sold within Daiso locations to Crocs patents, it's easy to see where this confusion comes from as the strap on the heel and perforations along the sidewall and forefoot bear a striking resemblance to the Crocs Classic Clog.
This isn’t Crocs' first rodeo in court as the brand has sued approximately 21 companies since July 2021 with claims of trademark infringement. Not too hard to believe as entering many tourist gift shops or even big brands like Wal-Mart will be met with a wall full of clogs that appear to be the Classic Clog. What this holds for Daiso and Crocs in the future, only time will tell. Check out our Crocs Buyers Guide, and for the best opportunity to secure a pair for yourself, keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to receive real-time notifications in regards to the latest releases, news, and raffles for Crocs and more in the sneaker world.
