Nike follows Puma’s lead, ends use of kangaroo skins for shoes in 2023
Nike joins Puma in ditching controversial kangaroo leather for new synthetic material
Nike has announced that it will no longer use kangaroo skins for its shoes starting this year, following a similar move by its German rival Puma. The sportswear giant will debut its new Tiempo Legend Elite football boots made with a proprietary synthetic material, while its Tiempo Premier line launching this summer will also forgo kangaroo skin. The decision comes after Nike ended its partnership with its only kangaroo leather supplier in 2021.
Animal rights activists, who have long campaigned against the use of kangaroo leather, welcomed the news as a major win for wildlife protection. The Center for a Humane Economy, which spearheaded the “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign, hailed Nike’s announcement as a “seismic event” that would send tremors all over the world, particularly in Australia where the commercial slaughter of kangaroos is rampant.
The move by Nike and Puma is also a nod to the growing demand for more sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry, especially from younger and environmentally conscious consumers. Other major brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Canada Goose have already banned the use of animal fur in their collections in recent years.
The decision by Nike to drop kangaroo leather is also significant given that California has banned the sale and import of kangaroo products since 1971. By opting for synthetic materials, Nike and Puma are not only aligning with the latest sustainability trends but also setting a new standard for responsible and humane fashion practices.
