OneDesign a shoe that you can play with in nature, that looks sporty and colorful, and that gives the foot a lot of freedom with a minimalist construction. That was the goal that Keen wanted to achieve with its new KNX collection for children. Last year, the outdoor shoe manufacturer presented the first KNX collection for adults. These shoes were presented as barefoot-inspired sneakers and, with their 4 mm heel drop, were somewhere between pure barefoot shoes and classic sneakers. They were intended to make an easier transition into the world of barefoot shoes, explained Rachel Treinen, Senior Product Merchandising Manager, in an interview with schuhkurier about a year ago.
A collection for children was also introduced this summer. And at first glance, this one stands out from the larger models due to its variety of colors. It stands out with its many variants, most of which are in delicate colors such as raspberry and granite. The shoes are available as Velcro types and with drawstrings. What they all have in common is that their barefoot-inspired design is intended to support the natural posture and gait of growing feet. To this end, they are equipped with a low drop and a minimalist design. A minimal foam and rubber outsole is intended to provide enough space for the child’s foot in the toe box.
Even though the shoe looks sporty, the brand’s roots as an outdoor specialist are reflected in the models. The shoes are designed to help children feel the ground beneath their feet and thus meet their need for movement when they spend a lot of time outdoors. That’s why Keen wants to appeal to outdoor specialists and shoe shops alike with the KNX shoes. The shoes are produced without perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and only with pesticide-free antimicrobials that keep feet fresh without harming the environment.