We don’t like using the word “sustainable.”
Because the most sustainable choice would be to not make anything at all. But products make it possible to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, connect with the world and each other, and do some good while doing all that. And we believe in all of those things, too.
So, for us, it’s about being more conscious of all the choices that go into making a shoe and doing everything we can to minimise our impact on the planet. It’s rethinking the way things are usually done and acting on our values by doing things differently. Even when it isn’t the easiest path to take.
That’s what we mean when we say our shoes are “Consciously Created.”
Behind every KEEN shoe are dozens of responsible choices. Some of these choices are small, like using recycled aluminium eyelets or webbing made from recycled plastic bottles, or harvesting the waste from one shoe to make something new. And sometimes those choices are big, like building our own factories. We’ve been on a detox journey to eliminate everything that shouldn’t end up in our products and to do things better.
Every step is a step closer to “sustainable.” A few of our favourite milestones along the way include:
- Harvest Materials: We try to take less from the planet by harvesting waste and upcycling it into comfortable KEEN footwear. Fewer resources, less garbage.
- Source Ethically: We’ve put people and the planet first from the start. Creating a lighter footprint and a safer environment for all involves every step in the shoemaking process.
- Detox The Planet: We’ve been PFAS-free since 2018, but eliminating these “forever chemicals” was just the start. Our goal is simple: Create footwear that is free of all toxic chemicals.
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Make for Life: As shoemakers, we’ve always believed that the more durable, comfortable, and versatile a shoe is, the less you’ll need to replace it. Good for you, good for the planet.