Adidas and Asics end use of kangaroo leather in sports shoes

The decision marks a major shift in industry practices and follows growing public concern over the commercial killing of kangaroos.

Adidas confirms end to kangaroo leather use

Adidas has confirmed it has stopped sourcing kangaroo skins for its athletic shoes, including football boots and trainers.

The company is now increasing its use of recycled synthetic materials and exploring bio-based alternatives.

However, it has not yet disclosed what materials will directly replace kangaroo leather.

This move builds on mounting pressure from animal protection groups and follows growing scrutiny of the industry's involvement in fuelling wildlife exploitation.

Previous research has shown that millions of kangaroos shot for football boots, exposing the brutal reality behind this trade.

Asics latest brand to drop kangaroo leather

Just days after Adidas' announcement, Asics confirmed it too will phase out the use of kangaroo leather in all footwear production.

The company now joins the growing list of major sportswear brands turning away from wildlife-derived materials in favour of more ethical alternatives.

Global sports brands drop kangaroo leather in response to public pressure

The recent decisions by Adidas and Asics complete a remarkable run of policy changes from the world's leading athletic brands.

Diadora, Puma, Nike, and New Balance have all taken similar steps, driven in part by the Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign led by the Center for a Humane Economy.

This international campaign, and other organisations growing public awareness for exploited kangaroos, has helped shine a spotlight on the suffering behind kangaroo leather and shift corporate policies as a result.

Kangaroo leather trade fuels cruelty and wildlife exploitation

Millions of wild kangaroos are shot each year to supply skins for the fashion and sporting goods industries.

Many are female, killed while carrying joeys, who are then often bludgeoned, abandoned or killed.

Kangaroos are sentient animals who suffer immensely in this industry.

These latest announcements represent vital progress, but more work is needed to ensure wildlife is no longer treated as a commodity.

What's next: transparency and wildlife-friendly alternatives

While Adidas has stated it is increasing the use of recycled synthetics and exploring bio-based materials, we urge the company to disclose what will directly replace kangaroo leather, and to ensure the shift does not lead to further animal exploitation.

This is a critical moment for brands to prioritise innovation that benefits animals and the environment - not to swap one form of cruelty for another.