After years of hopping around the issue, Adidas ends use of kangaroo leather—and no, it wasn’t a publicity stunt.
At the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Germany, CEO Bjørn Gulden casually dropped the bomb: they’ve already ditched kangaroo leather. Apparently, Adidas pulled the plug months ago and didn’t even brag about it. Modesty, in 2025? Shocking.
Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, made the plea. But let’s be honest, Adidas probably saw the writing on the wall. The “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign has been gaining traction since 2020, and Adidas didn’t want to be the last brand clinging to kangaroo hide like it’s 1983.
Brands like Nike, PUMA, New Balance, and Diadora already ditched the roo. So Adidas finally joined the cool, cruelty-free club. No more joeys left motherless for a pair of overpriced cleats. Sounds like progress, right?
Activists from TheirTurn, the Animal Justice Party, and the International Kangaroo Protection Alliance all celebrated like it was an animal-rights Super Bowl. And honestly, they earned it.
With the top five athletic shoe brands now kangaroo-free, all eyes turn to ASICS and Mizuno. Your move, Japan. Try not to be that guy at the sustainability party.
In conclusion, the world didn’t end without kangaroo leather—and neither did sneaker culture. Turns out compassion looks good on everyone.
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