To mark its 50th anniversary, Microsoft has surprised fans with an unexpected collaboration: a pair of limited-edition Crocs inspired by the iconic Windows XP operating system and its legendary “Bliss” wallpaper. It’s a nostalgic nod that blends geek culture with smart marketing.
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The design pays direct homage to the XP desktop. The sole is bright green, echoing the rolling hills, while the upper is sky blue, just like the clear California skies captured in Charles O’Rear’s famous 1998 photograph. Once considered the most-viewed image in history, “Bliss” now makes the jump from screen to streetwear.
Each pair comes with a set of six Microsoft-themed Jibbitz: Clippy the assistant, the Internet Explorer icon, the MSN butterfly, a file folder, the recycle bin, and a classic mouse cursor. The collection also includes a matching backpack featuring the “Bliss” image, completing the retro look.
This isn’t Microsoft’s first foray into fashion. The brand has previously had fun with ugly Christmas sweaters featuring Windows designs, as well as a Crocs x Minecraft collection that extended into virtual shoes for the game itself.
By tapping into Windows XP, a fan favorite among operating systems, Microsoft is engaging both nostalgic tech lovers and collectors of quirky merch. The collaboration bridges hardware, pop culture, and fashion, creating a conversation piece that’s as Instagrammable as it is collectible.
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Priced at $80, the Crocs are currently available for pre-order exclusively to Microsoft employees through the internal store. A global launch is planned, though no official date has been confirmed yet.
