PUMA to ‘phase out’ kangaroo leather and replace it with animal-free leather

PUMA has redesigned its iconic KING football boots, previously worn by legendary players including Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona.

The sportswear giant recently unveiled the redesigned shoe featuring K-Better: a new non-animal based upper material* containing 20 percent recycled nylon microfiber.

It says the cruelty-free alternative ‘outperforms’ Kangaroo leather in both ‘comfort and durability’.

As a result, PUMA has confirmed it will stop producing football boots with kangaroo leather altogether this year.

‘The next level’

“The PUMA KING is PUMA’s most iconic franchise in football and has always stood for using the best materials and the latest in innovation. Over the years we have seen the boot evolve and become ingrained in on-pitch and off-pitch football culture, from the pitches to the terraces,” said Peter Stappen of TeamSport Footwear.

“The new KING takes the franchise to the next level and offers a super-soft upper with optimal stretch resistance for ultimate touch and control benefits.”

PUMA on sustainability

Back in 2020, PUMA partnered with First Mile to debut a clothing collection made from recycled plastic bottles.

First Mile is a network that supports low-income communities in Haiti, Honduras and Taiwan by collecting plastic bottles that would have otherwise continued to pollute the streets, canals, and landfills of those communities to produce recycled polyester.

Using this sustainable yarn, PUMA and First Mile created a line consisting of shoes, and apparel featuring ‘utility pockets and outdoor elements’.

*PUMA has not confirmed whether the new KING football boots are 100% vegan. Vegan Food & Living has contacted PUMA for comment.

Want to improve your sporting performance? Get inspired by these vegan footballers.

Featured image credit: PUMA