The beauty of the Internet is that news and events can circulate globally in a matter of minutes. The bad news about the Internet is news and events can circulate globally in a matter of minutes. Just ask Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX) about the latter statement. The stock has suffered over an Associated Press article that is frankly -- a crock.

The gist of the AP article was that Crocs harmed a few children on escalators. As a father of five and a grandfather of two, I get kids. I also get kids' accidents. I have spent my fair share of time in emergency rooms with sports-related and household type injuries with my children! The AP article strongly suggested that the Crocs shoes worn by little children was the cause of their unfortunate accidents by catching their toes or feet in the teeth of the escalator. Some have required medical attention including suturing wounds or a broken foot.

To outright blame the Crocs shoes for these accidents is both unfair and pretty easy to do. It certainly has caught the attention of the concerned parents of the world and will cause some to rethink a possible purchase. Everyday life carries risks and of course, as parents, we strive to minimize those risks. If not Crocs shoes, then whose shoes are absolutely, guaranteed safe and escalator proof? None.

The 2005 IPO of Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) was the "most successful ever in the footwear industry in terms of raising money," notes quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian.

Indeed, says the editor of The Forbes Growth Investor, "The company has turned 'ugly' into a favorable feature that along with their reputation for comfort have helped boost sales by 236% in the latest quarter."

He notes that the company's tremendous success is due to the popularity of its clog-like sandals with their distinctive air holes and toe-box ventilation system. He explains, "Made from Croslite, a proprietary closed-cell resin that molds to the contours of the feet, these shoes offer an exceptionally comfortable fit."

Croslite, he points out, is lightweight, waterproof, and slip and odor resistant. The shoes became a hit with beachgoers and boaters despite their unusual look, he notes. Further, he adds, "Sales growth exploded as they gained popularity with the fashion conscious and then the mass market."

Janjigian notes, "Their unique appearance, which some call ugly, made them easily identifiable and probably added to their appeal." The shoes, he notes are now available at more than 10,000 locations in the U.S. and can be purchased in more than 8,000 locations in 80 other countries.