Croc: How I Invented the World’s Most Popular Shoe, Became a Massive Success, and Nearly Destroyed Myself in 15 Easy Lessons

Lessons on life and business you are guaranteed to find nowhere else.

The true, larger-than-life story of George “Boe” Boedecker, his fire to succeed, his “don’t just break the rules but make up new ones” attitude, his partners, his light bulb moment, the ridiculous origin story (of both shoe and man), and then the explosion (in more ways than one) of Crocs.

This is a modern-day ‘Big Fish’ tale of lovers and haters, rivals and thieves, the hard partying, the strongest man in the world and the Mexican police, the fender bender with Fleetwood Mac and the enterprising way into the hearts of the San Francisco 49ers, the little boy lost and Superman, the millions made and just given away, and how it nearly destroyed him.

Boe helped create the clunkiest – many would say ugliest – looking shoe in the world, which also became the best-selling non-sneaker brand on the planet. Everyone considered it a fad when he went public almost two decades ago – and it’s bigger now than it’s ever been, with billions and billions on feet in every corner of the world. More hated, more loved, never out of fashion. Ugly is beautiful…

We’re not talking about the shoe anymore.

In Croc, Boe tells his wild story through lessons on life and leadership that you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else. Strap in because it’s going to be a crazy ride, and you may be surprised at what you learn in the end. Funny, twisted, touching, exuberant. Sample lessons include:

• Do Not Listen to Anyone • When to Not Follow the Rules • Avoid Bosses • You Never Know When Opportunity Will Present Itself • If You Threaten to Kill Your Brother-in-Law, Do Not Provide Time and Place. • Ugly is Beautiful

© 2026 HarperCollins Leadership (Audiobook): 9781400255535

Release date

Audiobook: 15 September 2026