FEATURE | KEEN’s ‘UNEEK’ Open Air Sneaker Celebrates Ten Years of Innovation
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of its ‘UNEEK’ footwear silhouette, KEEN and eye_C cast a unique lens on the model and highlight how it has transcended its origins to become a highly versatile piece of design.
As a brand synonymous with authenticity and innovation, KEEN has garnered a cult-like following among outdoor enthusiasts and style-conscious individuals from all corners of the globe. What sets KEEN apart is its bold approach to experimentation and exploration of manufacturing methods, delving into avenues that may seem unconventional in the footwear industry but hold significant merit to those in the know. The UNEEK model, whose name is an amalgamation of ‘KEEN’ and the letter ‘U’, is a testament to KEEN’s commitment to revolutionary fit and design, something we will explore further when we look into the shoe's construction.
Introduced in 2014, the UNEEK silhouette, KEEN’s open-air sneaker epitomises their commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to their roots. Since its launch, the UNEEK has remained an authentic product and an integral member of KEEN’s lineup that refuses to falter to passing trends. This unwavering commitment to innovation without compromising their core ideals attracts customers regardless of their allegiance to a particular style set.
Outdoor footwear, like the UNEEK, which is originally geared towards performance is increasingly being adopted by those living in cities and more built-up areas for its versatility and looks. Traditionally, though, outdoor-oriented shoes were not aesthetically pleasing, but styles like the UNEEK have changed the perception of that. Sporting a versatile and slightly unconventional, by footwear standards, open-air design that consists of a two-cord construction, the UNEEK resonates with customers globally, transcending mere footwear to become a symbol of form and function.
At the heart of UNEEK's design lies its unique cord construction, which moulds to the wearer's foot, ensuring an adaptive fit. This not only helps enhance comfort but also conserves materials. This intentional design choice reflects KEEN's conscious approach to product development, where functionality and responsible design converge seamlessly, but also a tenacity to venture beyond where footwear designers have gone before.
While the UNEEK was originally conceived with several function-focused details in mind, it has been adopted in a lifestyle context by individuals looking for a hybrid product that combines the best of both worlds: outdoor-inspired features that can easily be adapted for a metropolitan context. For example, the anatomical footbed contours to the shape of the wearer's foot offering long-lasting comfort, while a rubberised outsole provides greater traction on wet or unstable surfaces.
KEEN's consciously created approach to the UNEEK underscores its commitment to mindful materials and design. From utilising recycled P.E.T. plastics in the cords to implementing intentional cord construction that wraps around the wearer’s foot for a custom fit, every aspect of UNEEK’s creation aligns with KEEN’s ethos of minimising environmental impact without compromising on the performance or aesthetics of the shoe. This is part of KEEN’s wider ‘Consciously Created’ programme to streamline footwear production and reduce the global impact that the industry has on the planet.
Since its release, the UNEEK has been adopted across the globe, speaking volumes about its universal appeal. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the fashion capitals of London and New York City, the UNEEK has captured the attention of consumers worldwide, aided by collaborations with the likes of HYKE, Engineered Garments and Noir Kei Ninomiya, to name a few, solidifying its position in the fashion landscape. Partnering with such designers and brands has allowed KEEN to reinvent the UNEEK while staying true to its core principles.
It’s hard to count many brands that truly marry the two polar worlds of performance and consciously created design, but KEEN does it with one product alone. As the UNEEK enters its tenth year, it serves as a reminder that timeless design can endure the test of time. KEEN’s unwavering dedication to innovation and originality has paved the way for it to become an honest case study of form meets function.
For Spring/Summer '24, KEEN is partnering with END., Only NY, and Mita Sneakers to enhance global celebrations and bring external energy to UNEEK 10. These select styles will be available both in-store and online at limited retailers starting in March.
www.keenfootwear.com
Imagery, styling, direction and production by catalyst.
Text: Ali George Hinkins
