A recent article in Footwear Plus brought to light a court decision that ruled in favor of Crocs. (left)

Crocs claim was that Holey Soles (right) copied the popular designer of water clogs and the recent court decision ruled in favor of Crocs. The decision stated that to the “ordinary observer” (i.e not a shoe expert) the look and appearance of Holey Soles shows a substantial resemblance to Crocs.

From the look of these two pictures I would have to agree that Holey Soles is almost identical in look and style as Crocs. And, I’m not a shoe expert.

So, what does this means for you, the consumer? Well, probably not much but what it means for the knock-off industry is a pretty big warning shot across the bow. Holey Soles is not a knock off company per say and by “knock-off” I mean the sleazy back alley street sellers of Gucci, Prada, etc., that cost the legitimate fashion industry billions of dollars in sales. Holey soles fought hard to prove they were not stealing Crocs designs and lost. But what it looks like is that Crocs became Holey Soles personal designer in this style of shoe.

However, there will never be an end to the knock-off industry. Imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery. Especially when it costs you millions of dollars in sales.

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