ASICS has become the latest major sportswear brand to pledge an end to the use of kangaroo leather in its products, following closely behind a similar announcement by adidas. The move marks another significant milestone in the growing campaign against the commercial harvesting of kangaroos for leather, a practice that has drawn increasing international criticism.
Image source: sneakerfreaker.com
Over the last five years, major industry players, including Nike, PUMA, New Balance, and Diadora, have all transitioned away from using kangaroo leather, embracing more ethical and sustainable alternatives. Now, ASICS is formally joining that movement.
Ethical Campaigns Drive Industry Change
This growing wave of reform can be largely credited to persistent activism led by organizations like the Center for a Humane Economy. Through investigative work, public protests, and strategic awareness campaigns, most notably the Kangaroos Are Not Shoes initiative, the organization has spotlighted the animal welfare concerns associated with the trade.
Image source: @animalwellnessaction
Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, hailed the recent decisions from adidas and ASICS as pivotal moments in the industry.
"The foreign markets for kangaroo skins are collapsing, and that can only mean good news for the iconic marsupials of Australia."
Decline in Kangaroo Leather Trade
Australia has long been the center of the kangaroo leather trade, with close to two million animals killed annually to meet global demand. However, recent efforts from animal advocacy groups have made a noticeable impact. Since the Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign, the number of kangaroos killed for their skins has dropped from nearly two million to 1.3 million per year.
High-Performance Alternatives in Development
ASICS' commitment was shared via a statement from a member of the brand's sustainability department, addressed to both Animal Wellness and the Center for a Humane Economy.
"We would like to share with you that, as we have successfully developed high-performance alternatives to kangaroo leather, we are moving toward ending the production of products using kangaroo leather by the end of 2025," the representative said.
Image source: Animal Wellness Action
A Turning Point for Ethical Sportswear
ASICS' decision adds further momentum to a growing movement within the sportswear industry, signalling that high-performance innovation and animal welfare are no longer mutually exclusive. With top brands stepping away from kangaroo leather, the future of ethical footwear appears to be on more humane and sustainable ground.
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What is Kangaroos Are Not Shoes?
Kangaroos Are Not Shoes is an awareness campaign led by the Center for a Humane Economy. It aims to end the use of kangaroo leather in footwear by exposing the cruelty behind the trade and encouraging brands to switch to humane alternatives.
Why is ASCIS ending the use of kangaroo leather?
ASICS is phasing out kangaroo leather to support animal welfare and sustainability. The company has developed high-performance alternatives and plans to fully discontinue products using kangaroo leather by the end of 2025.
What other brands have stopped using kangaroo leather?
Several major brands, including adidas, Nike, PUMA, New Balance, and Diadora.
