New limited-edition Newport Retro sandal made with hemp for a lighter footprint on the planet.
Portland, Oregon—KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), which launched its revolutionary hybrid sandal, the Newport, over
20 years ago, is teaming up with outdoor culture pioneer Gramicci on a retro hemp version of its
bestselling adventure icon.
Part water sandal, part hiking shoe, the KEEN Newport has become both an icon of adventure and an icon
of slow fashion. Its disruptive, enduring design transcends generations and terrain – from rugged trails to
fashion runways. KEEN’s original hybrid sandal is built to last with a protective toe bumper, rugged, siped
sole and durable hemp upper, using one of the most sustainable fabrics on the planet. A hemp version of
the Newport was first launched in 2008 and again in 2018 for the sandal’s 15th anniversary.
“Newport in hemp is a masterpiece that has been released a few times in the past and was a big hit,
especially in Japan,” says Kohei Yamazaki, chief designer at KEEN’s Tokyo Design Center. “It’s even more
special now to bring it back with Gramicci as part of their HEMP capsule collection. We’re both dipping
into our archives, looking back to take a step forward for the planet.”
Gramicci leaned into its history and southern California counterculture vibes for design inspiration. In the
‘90s, Gramicci made its iconic climbing pant, the G Pant, in 100% hemp because of the fiber’s strength
and durability. The hemp webbing of the Newport will incorporate Gramicci’s signature zig-zag mountain
stitching, which was also used in last year’s KEEN x Gramicci Jasper Zionic sneaker collab.
Like all KEEN shoes, the Newport Retro sandal is Consciously Created without forever chemicals. It’s
PFAS- and antimicrobial-free. Other key features include:
About KEEN
KEEN is a shoemaker with purpose. Family-owned and values-led for over 20 years, KEEN has been
consciously making unapologetically comfortable, innovative footwear that lasts and using its business
to do good. In 2003, KEEN started a revolution with the introduction of the original hybrid sandal, the
Newport. As revolutionary, thoughtful shoemakers, KEEN is on a mission to make the world’s cleanest
shoes. They’ve been PFAS free since 2018 and envision a shoe industry that has a net positive impact on
lives. To get there, they’re sharing their sustainable innovations to do more good together. Learn more at
keenfootwear.com.
About Gramicci
Since 1982, Gramicci has been making functional clothing for life in the great outdoors. Built for
movement, and loved by countless cultural movements. What started out in a garage in Ventura,
California, has traveled to the streets of Tokyo and beyond. Learn more at gramicci.com.
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