The nictitating membrane apart from sounding like a wild “B” horror movie from the 1970s is a secondary, see-through eyelid that allows some animals to keep their eyes moist without blinking.
Whether perfecting the art of the staring contest or deemed necessary for the hunt, not having to take the time to close their eyes opens up a world of possibilities. And if they weren’t already S-tier enough, of course, crocodiles have them which means unless you're the ghost of Irwin, you’ll never catch one off guard - they’ll always be ready to react.
When approaching our upcoming collaboration with Crocs, we couldn’t get this mechanism out of our heads. Both how it physically worked in addition to the symbolic idea of seamless transitions and continuous vision. So with Duke’s approval - you know that friendly mascot on the ankle badge - we did a deep dive into his specie's most underrated asset and created footwear around it, emulating what it would be like to wear adaptable footwear that keeps your daily rhythm on track and uninterrupted.
But figuring out how to emulate natural technology that we can’t even pronounce wouldn't be the easiest thing in the world. Luckily, the solution was a lot more literal - and practical than you might think. What’s an eyelid but an extendable and retractable covering anyways? But on a Croc? This meant venturing out into untested, murky waters.
So we got to work devising a system that could be attached to a Croc that could protect the toe box when called upon while remaining easily concealable when not. After a few rounds of trial and tinkering, we threaded the needle with a technical design that boasted trail-tested functionality.
Comprised of a woven nylon pouch featuring heritage branding, a rugged zip pull, and adjustable bungee toggle, as well as a retractable woven nylon hood secured by snaps and a toe anchor, our makeshift rig was complete. But what would we call it?
Still in the headspace of capturing natural technology and wanting nictitation to remain front of mind - we landed on NICT-TECH. And thus our NICT-TECH Hood, NICT-TECH Pouch, and overall Conversion Kit were hatched.
But with an adaptable apparatus like this, we knew we needed the right campground to set up shop at and all trails pointed to the All-Terrain Clog with the security and reinforcement provided by its adjustable straps and lug sole - both of which we accented to keep the palette on point and the messaging on brand.
And as lovers of all-over prints and patterns, our Clogs are finished off with a Real-Tree Bark wrap which not only pays homage to the great outdoors but projects the environment we envision our Croc to excel in. Guess that’s what happens when your heads' are in the clouds but your feet are in the moss. But at some point, if you feel your Louisiana drawl and duck-hunting skills are getting a little too good, no sweat, our kit is transferable to any in-line All-Terrain Clog. How's that for being fully prepared for whatever lies ahead?
Release Info: Friday, May, 12, 2023
Available online at 12pm EST and in-store at both our Boston and Los Angeles locations on a first come, first served basis.
