SPARTANBURG, S.C. — September 17, 2026 — Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand and 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 for technical innovation and performance.
Together, they have teamed up with Crocs to launch the new Tembo II RO, a fall/winter-ready shoe designed for everyday exploration. The new model builds on the Tembo silhouette by combining Crocs’ unmistakable design language and its iconic Crocs Comfort™ construction with a Vibram® rubber outsole and a fleece bootie powered by Polartec® Micro Series. The result is a warmer, more rugged take on the Tembo, with a slimmer profile that brings the silhouette closer to that of a traditional sneaker.
By bringing Polartec’s proven Micro Series fleece technology into the new silhouette, Crocs ensures lightweight warmth and soft comfort in colder weather without compromising the distinctive look and feel of the Tembo.
The Vibram® rubber outsole delivers excellent grip and durability, with Vibram® XS TREK EVO providing a versatile technical compound engineered for stability, comfort, and reliable multi-surface traction in a range of conditions. Furthermore, the Polartec® bootie can be removed for easy cleaning and secured back into place with a nylon ladder system. The result is a winter-ready evolution that takes the archival silhouette into new territory while maintaining the comfort and versatility Crocs is known for.
Behind Crocs’ innovative approach to off-road footwear is its trust in Vibram to create a custom outsole designed for premium traction and durability, and in Polartec to deliver proven fleece performance that extends well beyond traditional apparel. Together, Crocs, Polartec and Vibram bring three distinct areas of expertise to the Tembo II RO: an iconic and unconventional design, trusted warmth and breathability, and dependable grip underfoot. The combination nets a versatile product designed to deliver all-day comfort and performance both inside and out.
The partnership also reflects an opportunity to extend the role of the Crocs and Vibram alliance beyond traditional outdoor applications. Building on the performance and versatility of the current product portfolio, the two brands see potential to serve additional environments, including the hospitality business, where comfort, durability, easy cleaning and reliable traction are increasingly important.
“Crocs has always approached design in its own unmistakable way, and that makes this partnership particularly exciting for Polartec,” said Karen Beattie, Director of Product Management at Polartec. “The Tembo II RO shows how trusted fleece performance can take on a completely different role when it is placed in the hands of a creative partner. We’re proud that Crocs chose Polartec® Micro Series to bring warmth and comfort to this new silhouette.”
©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC.
Posted: September 19, 2026
Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company Brand
