Cleaner shoes for a better planet

To all outdoor enthusiasts and friends of sustainable fashion, we are pleased to announce that the Keen brand is now available in our range. Keen is known worldwide for its high-quality, innovative and environmentally friendly shoes and accessories. We are proud to welcome this exceptional brand to our range and would like to tell you more about why we chose Keen and what you can expect.

Keen stands for quality, sustainability and innovation - values ​​that are also very important to us as a business. Keen is an American brand that was founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst. The idea for their own brand came from a simple but revolutionary concept: a sandal design with toe protection. This innovative design manifested itself in the so-called Newport sandal, which quickly became known for its robust workmanship and the distinctive rubber bumper over the toes, even before the Keen company was founded. This sandal was not only an instant success, but also set new standards in the field of outdoor footwear.

With the success of the Newport sandal, Keen quickly expanded its product range. In addition to other outdoor shoes, casual shoes, work shoes and accessories were also added to the range. This expansion was supported by the consistent application of high quality standards and the introduction of new technologies such as KEEN.DRY, a waterproof, breathable membrane, and KEEN.WARM, a special insulation for cold conditions. These innovations underline Keen's commitment to functionality and comfort.

In 2005, Keen moved its headquarters to Portland, Oregon on the Pacific Northwest coast, a city known for its vibrant outdoor culture and commitment to sustainability. This move enabled Keen to further pursue its vision of environmental protection and social responsibility and to implement it with the local community. The brand was an early adopter of sustainable practices by using environmentally friendly materials and optimizing production processes to minimize its ecological footprint. The brand was also involved in numerous social and environmental initiatives, including supporting nonprofit organizations through the "Hybrid.Care" program. Keen publishes the " Keen Impact Report " on its website every year, in which it presents its commitment and sustainability efforts.

Over the years, Keen has established itself not only as a manufacturer of outdoor and work shoes, but also as a pioneer in sustainability and social responsibility.

The brand has secured a firm place in the market through continuous innovation and a clear vision to protect the environment and support communities. Keen products are now available in over 60 countries worldwide and are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.

But the striking shoes have also found their place in the fashion world. In recent years it has become clear that comfort no longer has to be a style killer. What "athleisure" (sporty everyday fashion) did for everything above the ankle, sandals, mules, slides and shoes with enormous cushioning have done for the shoe world. The days when you could only walk comfortably and stylishly in sneakers are long gone.

Previously a distinguishing feature for old hippies, geography teachers and health food shop power shoppers, the classic Birkenstock sandal in particular has become a symbol for fashion-conscious trend experts. The popularity of mules and clogs, i.e. slippers with closed toes, has also increased rapidly. Both have one huge advantage: they are super comfortable! Especially in summer, you don't want to lock your feet in stuffy sneakers or lace-up shoes for hours. But in some scenarios, such as the office or a nice dinner, you don't want to look like you've just stepped out of the outdoor pool.

Keen's UNEEK range combines the comfort of a breathable sandal with a unique design that has a clear practical use, but also allows for more muted and minimalist style variations.

The toe section, made of bungee cord, holds the foot securely in place and visually conceals the foot, but is open and therefore air-permeable and breathable. The cushioned footbed imitates the natural shape of the foot and thus offers support for the arch of the foot, which relieves pressure on the feet and offers long-lasting walking comfort. Muted color variations ensure that the sandals go with any outfit. We love the combination of a pair of UNEEKS with simple, wide linen trousers or shorts. You can't spend the summer more comfortably and stylishly at the same time.

But even when the temperature drops, these shoes can be worn with socks for quite a while longer – if sandals with socks, then like this.

We want to do the same as Keen, because we also care about our community, we also want to bring people together who share the same values ​​and interests. Because we also love going out, being in nature, no matter where and what kind, and we want to do our part to make consumption more conscious and sustainable. Because we also love fashion - an industry and a hobby that, as we know, doesn't always have the cleanest of reputations.

However, we believe that these are two interests that do not have to be mutually exclusive and we are happy to bring together people who think alike, can learn from each other and share a common passion for style and the mindset for responsible shopping.

Sign up for our newsletter and receive the latest information about the launch of Keen in the Waterkant range.