WETHERSFIELD, Connecticut — Doogie Sandtiger has made headlines by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Crocs, amassing more than 3,500 pairs of the popular footwear. This remarkable achievement was officially recognized in November 2024, marking a significant milestone in Sandtiger’s unique journey.
The collection began as a personal endeavor linked to Sandtiger’s upbringing in the foster care system. He shared, “Part of the foster care system that people don’t realize is, there’s a lot of things that kids don’t get taught or miss along the way.” One of those lessons was learning how to tie his shoes, a skill he felt too embarrassed to ask others for help with during his childhood. This experience led him to discover Crocs, shoes he found easy to wear and ultimately embraced.
Sandtiger’s fascination with Crocs transformed into a goal-setting exercise. Initially, he aimed to collect 366 pairs, one for each day of the year, including leap years. After surpassing that target, he set his sights on achieving a Guinness World Record. He learned that a minimum of 1,000 pairs was necessary to qualify and dedicated himself to reaching that number.
In a statement about his journey, Sandtiger noted, “Break or set a Guinness World Record and be in the Guinness Book — which are two separate processes.” With determination, he connected with Guinness World Records, officially attaining the record for the largest collection of Crocs in a ceremony held at a museum in his hometown of Wethersfield.
The announcement of his record was made public this week, in accordance with Guinness World Records’ protocols. Sandtiger plans to donate his World Record plaque to the museum, further cementing his legacy within the community.
Sandtiger estimates that he has invested several hundred thousand dollars into his collection and envisions expanding his passion into a dedicated space he calls the “Crocsium.” He stated, “Crocs are fun for everybody,” emphasizing his desire to share this joy with others.
As the self-proclaimed “Croc King,” Doogie Sandtiger’s story illustrates how a personal hobby can evolve into a remarkable achievement, inspiring others to pursue their passions with the same enthusiasm and dedication.