Disclaimer-this reporter's opinion only

I think people have decided their garden can be taken anywhere. Yet, most of the poeple have never planted in their lives; though they copy the gardener look in the footwear department. Croc shoes, supposedly one of the most comfortable shoes, look like one just stepped from digging in dirt and making sure the lawn was rid of weeds. In the garden, the shoes are comfortable and, because of their holes, breathable. However, once you have planted that last petunia, kick off your work shoes and put on your going out shoes. You wouldn't wear your rubber boots that you wore fishing to the mall, yet people are happily wearing these duckboot knock-offs. Why? The shoes are seen everywhere, on kids to seniors. On a 3 year old child, you can dismiss it as cute, but on an overweight, 65 year old woman these shoes are beyond comprehension.
Trends can be interesting but there is a difference between trends and fads. Fads are those things that are discussed by a group of friends who have nothing else to do so they talk about Pogs, devil sticks, spice girls, sequin shirts, and the Davinci Code. Trends last; you don't need to worry about sneezing and missing an entire fashion craze.
My hatred towards these shoes became apparent after two weekends in the Peterborough area. I have no hatred towards Peterborough itself and the people there, yet they are copying the horrid fad. I attended the farmers' market, and though I was there less than one hour, I saw at least 10 people wearing them. After I continued on to Port Hope, where I saw more than 25 pairs of crocs on all ages. Everywhere i look, there are the same shoes my mom wears whilst watering the flowers and other plants. I know that we all have our own style, but come on people, wear shoes that are MEANT to be worn in public, not shoes meant to be covered in mud.