The news is doing the rounds among Microsofties and former Microsofties on LinkedIn, who shared screenshots accessed from the company store, but has yet to be officially confirmed by the software giant. However, judging by the company's desire to show off its quirky side through promotions including its line of "Windows Ugly Sweaters," a hook-up with the footwear manufacturer, which is not averse to the odd collaboration (for example, the Minecraft-themed line of foam sandals), seemed inevitable.
The shoes in the screenshots are decorated with a simulacrum of the Windows XP Bliss desktop background with "Jibbitz," including Clippy, the Internet Explorer icon, and a mouse pointer. Jibbitz are decorations that can be clipped to the ventilation holes on the shoes and are a popular method of customizing the footwear.
The price? Apparently $80, and the dwindling staff at Microsoft have been given the first opportunity to grab a pair ahead of a worldwide launch. Considering the ongoing rounds of layoffs at the company, there could well be more than a few pairs left over. After all, "you get to keep your job, want some Crocs?" might not be the great incentive it seems.