As top brands seek new exposure, we see more and more co-branding arrangements. In these scenarios, companies that compete in completely different markets find they can help each other bring new eyeballs to their brands with some wacky combinations. Crocs are often the butt of jokes, but face it, they have their dedicated fans. Here are a couple of their recent ventures. You may not think footwear and food go together, but maybe that's what makes these two partnerships work.
Crocs remains one of the savviest brands around when it comes to partnerships, and food has long been one of its major sources of inspiration. Earlier this year, the beloved shoemaker revealed two new drops, one created with Kellogg’s, the other with Pringles.
Fans of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops – or perhaps more accurately, their mascots Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam – could rep their breakfast of choice with a limited-edition shoe collection by Crocs starting in June. The launch campaign included cereal boxes with QR codes to claim free Jibbitz shoe charms (with proof of cereal purchase, of course).
The Frosted Flakes Cozzzy Sandal features orange-and-white faux fur lining, with Tony’s signature red bandana as one of the sandal straps. The Froot Loops Classic Clogs feature stripes in the rainbow hues of Sam’s beak, plus a winged outer strap and several cereal-inspired charms. The mascots have adorned T-shirts and other merch before, but they are new to the shoe game.
Crocs also teamed up with Pringles for a “Croc-Tail Party,” creating flavor-inspired versions of its classic clogs and slides – as well as a new version of its boots – plus a variety of charms. The brand’s mascot, Mr. P – aka Julius Pringles, whose face itself resembles a potato chip – features prominently in the collection.
An all-new version of the Classic Crush Boot comes complete with a pop of Pringles red on top of an ankle pocket perfect for keeping a can of the salty snacks close at hand. A limited number of boot buyers will also receive a can of the exclusive Crocs-inspired Pringles flavor, which will not be available in stores (for now, anyway) and is a blend of tangy lime and sweet watermelon with a hint of spicy chili.
The Pringles Classic Clogs feature Mr. P’s iconic mustache as the strap. They are available in four mix-and-match colors, so fans can match their style to their favorite flavors. The black-and-white Pringles Classic Slides also feature the mustache prominently.
The collection also includes five Jibbitz charms: a classic Mr. P with red bowtie, a puffy winking Mr. P, a Pringles crisps and two different cans of Pringles.
~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
