FAQ: Does KEEN Make Vegan Shoes?

FAQ: Does KEEN Make Vegan Shoes?

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Every so often, we get phone calls and emails from fans looking for vegan shoes; i.e. products without animal products (wool, leather, silk, down/feathers, or fur).

To start with—we never use fur, silk, or down. However, there’s a lot of nuance to labeling something as vegan-friendly. Shoes can have up to 40 components that all need to be verified as vegan, and the sources of these components can change season to season. For us, our glue source is usually in flux, and we cannot always guarantee the glue is not free of animal products.

That being said, we do have many wool-free and leather-free shoes, sandals, and boots. Here’s an overview of our fan-favorite non-leathers for women, men, and kids. (Please note that some styles listed below may not be available on our website due to fluctuating inventory.)

Top Leather-Free, Wool-Free Picks

The Newport Collection

Many styles of our iconic adventure sandal are made with a washable polyester webbing upper. This includes most of our water-friendly styles and our kids’ styles. Leather versions will be clearly marked in the materials section.

Newport styles to check out:
• Newport H2 sandal
• Newport Retro sandal
• Newport Slide

Shop Newport

The UNEEK Collection

The tagline is, “two cords and a sole,” and the majority of our UNEEK collection are built with just that: polyester cord, micro-fabric upper, and a super comfortable PU midsole. These may become your go-to shoe. The collection offers endless color combinations and a variety of styles, including slide, sneaker, and more. Leather versions will be clearly marked.

UNEEK styles to check out:

  • UNEEK Sneaker
  • UNEEK Canvas
  • UNEEK Astoria Sandal
  • UNEEK NXIS Shoe
  • UNEEK II Open Toe
  • UNEEK II Slide
  • UNEEK II Convertible
Shop UNEEK

Top Picks in Women's Sizing

The Elsa Lite Sneaker

While there is an upcycled car seat leather version of this classically comfy sneaker, the canvas version uses a glue-free, KEEN.FUSION construction so it's even more vegan-friendly.

The Terradora Collection

This collection of breathable hikers with knit fabric uppers were built specifically for a woman's foot, which means a better fit. They come in tons of colours and multiple leather-free styles, including low and mid-height waterproof hiking sneakers (Terradora II Waterproof Shoe, Terradora II Waterproof Boot), and waterproof hiking sneakers with built-in flex (Terradora Flex Waterproof Shoe). Leather versions will be clearly marked.

More women's leather-free, wool-free styles:

  • 450 Dirt hiking shoe
  • Astoria West sandals
  • Clearwater CNX sandal
  • Drift Creek H2 sandal
  • Elle Backstrap Sandal
  • Howser III Slide (quilted versions)
  • Hyperport H2 sandal
  • NXIS EVO Waterproof hiking boot & shoe
  • WK400 & WK450 walking shoes
  • Rose Sandal
  • Whisper sandal
  • Versacore Speed & Waterproof Shoes
  • Yogui sandal
  • Zionic waterproof & speed shoes
  • Zerraport II sandal

Top Picks in Men's Sizing

Zionic

This is a light, fast hiker with a waterproof mesh upper (also available in a non-waterproof Speed version). The springy cushioning and luggy traction keep you moving fast with confidence.

Clearwater CNX sandal

This extra-minimal sandal is a fave for water-based adventures and everywhere on land, too. Low-profile CNX soles with razor-siped grip give you the protection you need without sacrificing the flexy, barefoot-like feeling.

More Men's leather-free, wool-free styles:

  • 450 Dirt hiking shoe
  • Drift Creek H2 sandal
  • Howser III Slide (quilted versions)
  • Hyperport H2 sandal
  • NXIS EVO waterproof hiking boot and shoe
  • NXIS Speed hiking shoe
  • Shanti sandal
  • SOLR sandal
  • WK400 walking shoe
  • WK450 walking shoe
  • Versacore Waterproof shoe
  • Versacore Speed shoe
  • Yogui sandal
  • Zerraport II Sandal