KEEN UNEEK 10th Anniversary
KEEN Inc are celebrating 10 years of their beloved UNEEK, the original open-air sneaker, a true groundbreaking style, renowned for its innovative design and enduring versality. The UNEEK’s journey all began when KEEN's Director of Innovation, Rory Fuerst Jr., set out to solve a problem. Traditional shoe construction relies on flat, 2D pieces of material faces a challenge: It is not feasible to create a single construction that fits all. These pieces are cut like puzzle pieces, sewn together, and shaped to form the uppers. However, attaining an ideal fit for a three-dimensional object such as a foot demands not only meticulous processes and materials but also flawless construction.
KEEN decided to challenge the norms of footwear manufacturing by examining the foot itself. They focused on how uppers were constructed, how they interacted with the foot, and how the upper materials were attached to the sole. The breakthrough came in the form of cords. By utilizing cords, KEEN was able to create a more form fitting upper. Taking it a crucial step further, they introduced a second cord and a junction point where the two cords intersected, making the upper work harmoniously with the foot.
Perfecting the prototype was no easy feat. No factory wanted to make it. It was so different from anything the industry was used to. As a result, Rory Jr. relentlessly pursued how to bring this to scale with countless trips to the factory to make it happen. And KEEN didn’t stop there: for 10 years, they have perfected the UNEEK and now house all production in KEEN family-owned factories – increasing efficiency: What originally took 57 minutes to make now takes just 15 minutes per pair.
““The UNEEK open-air sneaker is a product of years of research and development. I started with two problems to solve: defy industry standards for how a shoe is made and deliver an unencumbered fit. An amazing team around the world and I dedicated 3+ years of our lives to the development of this project, challenging the idea of what a shoe is and how it should fit. We used cords instead of sheets of material and worked with factories to create brand new ways of making shoes. It was a long journey, but the result is a shoe that truly feels like an extension of your foot.””
Today, customers get to experience the latest and most advanced features, which include:
• Adaptable and Original Fit: Free-moving, innovative two-cord upper with infinite points of adjustability so it conforms to the shape of your foot. Our Original Fit has generous space across the forefront for toes to spread out.
• Consciously Created Materials: Made of recycled P.E.T plastic cords and lace-lock system, plus pesticide-free and natural odor control to reduce our use of virgin materials and impact on the planet.
• Goes Everywhere Traction: Flexible rubber outsole crosses terrain, even water. Razor siping in the tread to channel water away for increased grip in wet conditions on UNEEK Original, UNEEK II Harvest, and UNEEK II Convertible.
• Breathable Comfort: Open-air breathability on top, athletic cushioning with arch support underfoot. The sneaker comfort feet love all day, every day.
The UNEEK style has become an industry favourite with previous collaborations that include Engineered Garments, Beams, End, Atmos and Loftman. The style also made an appearance as the exclusive footwear used within the SS24 runway show by Woolmark Prize winning fashion designer Saul Nash. For SS24, KEEN is hosting a series of global experiences in collaboration such as Mita Sneakers, Only NY and End, in Tokyo, New York, and London. In partnership with these collaborators, the UNEEK collection will be brought to life in key cities worldwide, ensuring a truly global launch at renowned retailers.
For 2024, KEEN will also introduce upcoming new variations of the UNEEK style, consisting of the UNEEK II convertible, UNEEK Flat and UNEEK O3.The KEEN UNEEK is available now at retailers including:The Hip Store, End, Couverture & The Garbstore. KEEK RRP - £105T
