ICYMI: Adidas, Nike, Puma & more ditch kangaroo leather from football boots

Image credit: John Torcasio / Unsplash

Thanks to the tireless efforts of animal lovers, the global sportswear industry has seen a major shift in recent years. Many of the world’s top brands have now ended the use of kangaroo leather in their football boots. Here are some of the major names leading the way towards a more wildlife-friendly future.

Adidas

Adidas officially committed to stop using kangaroo leather in their football boots this year, finally catching up with their competitors and responding to years of advocacy from animal welfare groups.

Asics

Asics committed to ending the use of kangaroo leather in all athletic footwear by the end of 2025, becoming the latest major brand to distance themselves from this cruel trade.

Puma

Puma led the charge by replacing K-Leather with K-Better, a high-performance, animal-free material used in their iconic KING football boots in 2023.

Nike

Nike followed suit, phasing out kangaroo leather in their Tiempo line in 2023 and introducing a cruelty-free alternative that maintained elite performance standards.

New Balance

In 2023, New Balance updated their sourcing policies to eliminate kangaroo leather entirely, taking a compassionate step that aligns with growing consumer demand for cruelty-free products.

Bol.com

After more than 18,500 supporters signed our petition, Dutch e-commerce giant Bol.com pledged to stop selling kangaroo products in 2021 and updated their animal welfare policy accordingly.

Viking

In 2022, Dutch skate brand Viking also committed to ending their use of kangaroo leather – joining a growing list of brands rejecting kangaroo suffering.

Kangaroos in Australia are being hunted and brutally killed during night-time hunts to meet the industry's demand for k-leather. Data suggests around 40% of the shots fired are not immediately fatal, leaving them to die a slow, painful death or be permanently maimed.

This growing movement is a powerful victory for our national icons and a clear sign that fashion and sport can thrive without animal suffering.