A Unique Structure Makes It Adhesive-Free! The Innovation Behind KEEN's "UNEEK 360"

Defining "anywhere without a ceiling" as the outdoors, the outdoor footwear brand KEEN offers innovative hybrid footwear made with methods that reduce environmental impact. Since its founding in 2003, the brand has developed durable, comfortable, and protective hiking shoes, boots, and sandals, aiming to help people connect more deeply with nature.

The “UNEEK,” born in 2014, is another of the brand's signature masterpieces. This open-air sneaker, crafted from two cords and a single sole, has become a long-time bestseller, acclaimed for its distinctive design and comfortable fit.

Now, a new model bearing the “UNEEK” name has arrived: the “UNEEK 360.” It's said to be a shoe with an extremely small environmental footprint, using no adhesives at all. So, what kind of technology is hidden inside? We spoke with Yasuhiro Aoki, a merchandiser at Keen Japan G.K., to find out.

Inheriting the Distinctive and "UNEEK" Design

With its many variations, the “UNEEK” has become one of KEEN's icons. It debuted in 2014 as an open-air sneaker that hybridized the comfort of a sandal with the feel of a sneaker, and it quickly became a popular model.

Its development began by questioning the idea of covering the foot—a three-dimensional part that varies in shape and size from person to person—with flat materials like fabric or leather. After a process of trial and error, they arrived at the concept of constructing the upper from two cords. This led to the birth of an innovative piece of footwear that fits diverse foot shapes and complex movements while providing just the right amount of hold and excellent breathability.

“The UNEEK, made with a completely new manufacturing process unlike anything before, is an invention in itself—a sensational shoe. The UNEEK 360 inherits that DNA, evolving the iconic two-cord design.”

The name “UNEEK” comes from reversing the brand name, KEEN, and adding a 'U' at the beginning. As its model name suggests, it's a very unique piece of footwear. The design of the “UNEEK 360,” which inherits this DNA, is also incredibly distinctive.

A Modular Structure That Secures Parts with Cords, Not Adhesives

KEEN champions “the world's cleanest shoemaking,” aiming to create footwear without harmful chemicals. Through its “Detox the Planet” project, which began in 2014 (identifying and removing hazardous substances from the supply chain, replacing them with safe and effective alternatives, and promoting manufacturing that minimizes environmental impact), the company has reportedly invested $1.2 million toward the complete elimination of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a general term for man-made organofluorine compounds).

As a result, 95% of KEEN's footwear products were made PFAS-free by 2018, and by 2024, all products had achieved PFAS-free status.

In addition to PFAS used for waterproofing and water-repellent treatments, KEEN has also eliminated substances of concern for health and the environment from its manufacturing, such as BPA found in plastic products. The brand has also worked to reduce the use of solvents (chemicals commonly used in shoe adhesives), and the “UNEEK 360” is the brand's first shoe to achieve a completely adhesive-free (zero-solvent) design.

“The UNEEK also uses very little adhesive, making it an eco-friendly shoe with a low environmental impact, but for the UNEEK 360, we've taken the two-cord concept of the UNEEK a step further, adopting a modular structure that secures parts with cords to achieve an adhesive-free design.”

The “UNEEK 360” consists of a removable knit upper, an adjustable cord system, and a sole unit, achieving its adhesive-free design through a modular structure. This design also makes it easy to separate the components after their life cycle.

The engineered knit upper and the cords are made from recycled P.E.T. (polyethylene terephthalate). Like other KEEN shoes, it features a natural, odor-control function that doesn't rely on harmful biocides. It is footwear with an exceptionally low environmental impact and a model that symbolizes KEEN's ongoing “Detox the Planet” project.

A Truly Unique Style with Supreme Comfort

While the original UNEEK's sole unit is made of PU (polyurethane), the UNEEK 360 features an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) sole unit for superior cushioning and a softer feel. The engineered knit upper fits like a sock, and the dynamic cord system, which moves with your foot, ensures a comfortable and secure hold.

You'll experience a brand-new sensation—it's like you're wearing shoes, yet it feels like you're not. Just like the original UNEEK, the cords are designed to move, allowing the shoe to easily adapt to any foot shape for 360 degrees of comfort.

 The 'UNEEK 360' employs a unique modular structure to achieve its adhesive-free design. Symbolized by the cord that interlaces the sole and upper, it boasts a one-of-a-kind style unlike any other shoe. This sophisticated design, a testament to functional beauty, is a major part of the 'UNEEK 360's' appeal.

 This footwear also truly embodies the spirit of KEEN. The brand's very first model, the 'NEWPORT,' was born from a simple question: "Can we create a sandal that protects the toes?" In the same vein, the 'UNEEK 360' presents a new paradigm: a shoe made without adhesives.

This approach is also evident in other models like the 'WK400,' a walking shoe designed to make walking more efficient and enjoyable than ever. Proposing innovative footwear that breaks free from conventional thinking to solve problems is a hallmark of the KEEN brand.

 When you actually slip on the 'UNEEK 360,' you'll immediately notice its incredibly soft, foot-hugging fit. The highly cushioned sole is also flexible, making it a breeze to walk in. It allows for natural foot movement without any restriction, ensuring exceptional comfort. The adhesive-free 'UNEEK 360' is poised to become a milestone in the history of footwear.