Crocs—yet another big biz borne out of ele’s hometown: Boulder, Colorado.

The name of this style* says it all—Santa Cruz. These shoes are all about taking your dog out for a pee (something I get to do rain or shine, four times a day) without breaking your couch potato stride. These shoes (get a darker color) will pass for elegance at the office, or (get wasabi, as did I) make you feel like you spent a weekend at the beach even if all you did (like me) is ride to your fave cafe and email folks about work stuff. Ultimate test: they’re comfy yet just structured enough to play a half-court game of pickup bball sans socks (now that’s lazy—perfect for most guys come summertime).

One minor caveat—these are made in China, which is a complicated issue, and even my idol Patagonia and other progressive businesses make much stuff in China, which is un-ecological but keeps things affordable for consumers who put price first.

Speaking of: $49.95, go get ’em.

* (yes, they do make more than the famous color-brite bubbly soft clogs that made their name and fortune)