Polartec®, creator of the world’s first synthetic fleece, and Vibram®, a global leader in high-performance rubber soles, are two of the world’s leading ingredient brands in the fields of technical innovation and performance. The two brands have collaborated with Crocs to launch the new Tembo II RO, footwear designed for the autumn/winter season and built for everyday exploration.
The new model evolves the Tembo silhouette by combining Crocs’ distinctive aesthetic language and iconic Crocs Comfort™ construction with a Vibram® rubber sole and a fleece lining featuring Polartec® Micro Series technology. The result is a warmer, more robust version of the Tembo, distinguished by a sleeker profile that brings the silhouette closer to that of a traditional sneaker.
Polartec Micro Series for warmth and comfort
Incorporating Polartec® Micro Series fleece technology, the Crocs Tembo II RO offers lightweight warmth and soft comfort during the cold season, without compromising the distinctive look and fit of the Tembo silhouette.
Vibram XS TREK EVO for grip and durability
The Vibram® rubber sole ensures grip and durability thanks to the Vibram® XS TREK EVO compound—a technical, versatile solution developed to provide stability, comfort, and reliable traction across various surfaces and a wide range of conditions.
The Polartec® lining can also be easily removed for cleaning and then reattached using a nylon locking system. The result is a winter-ready evolution that takes an archival silhouette into new settings, while maintaining the comfort and versatility that made Crocs famous.
Crocs, Polartec, and Vibram: three technologies for the Tembo II RO.
At the heart of Crocs’ approach to off-road footwear is a collaboration with Vibram to create a custom sole designed for superior traction and durability, and with Polartec to integrate the proven performance of fleece beyond traditional apparel.
Together, Crocs, Polartec, and Vibram bring three distinct areas of expertise to the Tembo II RO: an iconic and unconventional design, reliable warmth and breathability, and secure underfoot grip. This combination creates a versatile shoe designed to deliver all-day comfort and performance, whether indoors or outdoors.
A collaboration that looks beyond the outdoors
The partnership also reflects the potential to extend the scope of the alliance between Crocs and Vibram beyond traditional outdoor applications. Based on the performance and versatility of their current product portfolios, the two brands are identifying potential applications in other sectors—such as hospitality—where comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, and reliable traction are increasingly in demand.
“Crocs has always approached design with a personal and distinctive style, making this collaboration particularly exciting for Polartec,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “The Tembo II RO demonstrates how the proven performance of fleece can take on a whole new role when placed in the hands of a creative partner. We are proud that Crocs chose Polartec® Micro Series to bring warmth and comfort to this new silhouette.”
