Well, I’ve thrown in the proverbial towel. My Crocs Cayman shoes have arrived, and I’m wearing them now — in the office (no meetings this afternoon).

The sample size of the Are Crocs Hideously Ugly? survey was too small for statistical significance, but the general sentiment of the limited sample was consistent: Crocs are ugly but look to be comfortable.

Unfortunately, the appearance of the Crocs is growing on me, and they are unequivocally light, airy and extremely comfortable. I’m heading to Vegas for the World Series of Poker tomorrow, and I imagine these Crocs will be the perfect shoe for the summer heat and for maximum comfort while grinding away at a table for hours on end.

But, please, if you see me wearing them in the office again or out and about on an evening, please push me in front of a bus or something.

Are Crocs hideously ugly? I think so. Yet I am seeing them more and more frequently around town and even at the office. And, I daresay, I am tempted to get a pair. Just yesterday, at R.E.I., I resisted the temptation.

I grew up in L.A. and went to school in the Bay Area. When I moved to Chicago, I was shocked at how frumpy and out of shape the people were. When I returned to the Bay Area, I thought people dressed so much better than Chicagoans and were in much better shape. Now, when I visit L.A. or New York, I am reminded what a bunch of crunchy granola slobs we Bay Area residents are.

I’m fearful a purchase of Crocs would irrevocably slide me further down the path towards whatever is the antithesis of sartorial splendor. I already own 3 pairs of Birkenstock‘s, so it may be too late already.

What do you think of Crocs? Take the “What do you think of Crocs?” Survey. I’ll report the results.