Microsoft hoping to knock users' socks off with Windows XP Crocs

Microsoft has delivered its found a way to make Crocs even uglier by using some of its own software.

Earth’s premier software company leaked news of the Crocs in August. On Wednesday the company confirmed their existence and said its customized Crocs are “inspired by some of the brand’s most recognizable moments, including Windows XP.”

Here they are.

If you have not averted your eyes, the image above depicts a pair of Crocs styled to resemble the “Bliss backdrop”, the photograph of a green hill and blue sky that was the standard desktop wallpaper for Windows XP.

Crocs corporation calls the icons on the shoes “Jibbitz charms”, little plastic charms that the footwear company sells as add-ons to those who want to personalize their footwear.

These Jibbitzes reproduce icons for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser, the Windows Recycle Bin, and the Office Assistant ...