If you’ve ever thought Crocs’ divisive aesthetic was a bit too funky for your everyday look, you might actually be into this new collaboration with fashion favorites END. Clothing and And Wander.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, British retailer END. has tapped the techwear know-how of Japanese firm And Wander to reimagine Crocs’ most rugged silhouette, the Trailbreak 2, as a wetsuit-inspired boot that feels part trail runner, part water shoe, and somehow incredibly stylish.
COASTAL INSPIRATION
Part of END.’s 10-piece “North Sea” anniversary collection, the Trailbreak collab draws heavily from the retailer’s North East England roots, channeling the region’s rugged coastline. While Crocs’ evolution from medical footwear to fashion statement is common knowledge by now, their outdoor offerings have remained relatively under the radar.
TECHNICAL UPGRADE
As for the standard Trailbreak 2, it’s already something of an outlier in Crocs’ lineup as one of their few proper sneakers with legit trail capability. This collaboration takes that foundation and quite literally elevates it with a neoprene bootie construction (with TPU overlays) that completely transforms its vibe to make it almost look like a hiking boot of sorts.
Fans of And Wander will see the Japanese brand’s identity all over the shoe. Aside from changing the entire visual aesthetic of the shoe, the high-cut neoprene sock also serves the practical purpose of keeping your feet warm and protected in wet conditions, much like a proper wetsuit boot would. For getting inside easier, the protective tape-sealed zipper closure keeps you snug inside, while the quick-toggle bungee-style lacing system ensures you can dial in a secure fit on the go. Swapping the utilitarian colors of the basic Trailbreak, the “North Sea” variant is decked out in all black for a stealthier look.
We should also mention that co-branding comes in the way of And Wander’s triangular logo on the collar, while END.’s emblem is shown on the heel tab.
TRAIL TO TIDE
What makes this collaboration particularly intriguing is how it essentially pushes the envelope of the hybrid hiker category. Most trail shoes become nightmares to walk in when waterlogged and, conversely, dedicated water shoes often lack the structure and grip for serious hiking. Many hybrids on the market focus on drainage but the Trailbreak “North Sea” prevents water intrusion instead.
While similar sneakers simply integrate a GORE-TEX membrane to keep out moisture, these opt for the watersport-favorite neoprene as a primary fabric. And the neoprene only elevates Crocs’ already-proven grippy thermoplastic outsole with anti-slip pattern to create a specialized shoe, whether you’re trekking through the woods, scrambling over slippery rocks, or embarking on a coastal exploration.
SPEC SHEET
Model: END. x and wander x Crocs Trailbreak “North Sea”
Upper: Neoprene bootie construction with protective taped zip closure
Lacing: Bungee-style toggle system
Outsole: Rugged thermoplastic with Crocs’ anti-slip pattern
Colorway: All-black
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Price: $140
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Priced at $140, the END. x And Wander x Crocs Trailbreak “North Sea” will come out on May 9. The limited-edition boot will be available through END.’s website via a drawing system, with limited quantities also available in-store at END.’s London and Milan locations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Recap
End. Clothing x And Wander x Crocs Trailbreak “North Sea”
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, END. Clothing teams up with And Wander for a reimagined take on the Crocs Trailbreak, adding a wetsuit-inspired neoprene to keep out water.
