KEEN’S NO. 1 KIDS SANDAL GOES BACK-TO-SCHOOL WITH THE NEWPORT SHOE THIS FALL
Iconic Design Now Available Year-Round Inspiring Kids to Explore Outside
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PORTLAND, Ore. (June. 17, 2021) – KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), the footwear brand on a mission to make outside inclusive and accessible to all, today introduced the Newport Shoe, an evolution of the brand’s iconic Newport Sandal, the number one summer sandal for kids encouraging outdoor play. National studies of American elementary school kids confirmed what watchful parents already know. Children today spend approximately 10 minutes a day playing outside compared to approximately five hours per day using electronic devices. The KEEN Newport Shoe was created to encourage outside adventures all year round. The new style will be available in stores and on www.keenfootwear.com, priced at $55.00 for Toddlers, and $65.00 for Little Kids and Big Kids.
“Outdoor play promotes problem-solving and creativity in children,” said Katrina Hartwell, general manager of KEEN kids. “We have seen the rise in participation in outdoor activities during the past year – especially for families. Our mission is to nurture this trend and make it easy for parents and kids of all ages to enjoy the benefits of fresh air together, regardless of location — in cities, suburbs or the countryside.”
KEEN has taken the best parts of the Newport H2 Sandal and made a versatile shoe for year-round, all-season wear. The Newport Shoe features KEEN’s respected performance attributes that fans know and love, e.g. the protective KEEN toe bumper to protect kids’ feet from slips and stumbles, an easy-on bungee closure for convenience and adjustable fit for growing feet. The functional, durable design gives the shoe year-round versatility with the addition of a fully enclosed, breathable design that’s perfect for the backcountry or the blacktop. In addition, it combines performance mesh with environmentally preferred premium leather from a leather working group- certified tannery.
“Parents have been asking us for a shoe version of our iconic summer sandal for years,” continued Hartwell. “We answered their call with a shoe that stands up to kids’ rough and tumble play; now they can take the carefree freedom of summer into the entire school year.”
About KEEN:
Driven by a passion to make the outside and trades accessible for all, KEEN is a values-led, family-owned footwear brand from Portland, Oregon committed to creating original and versatile products, enhancing lives, and inspiring adventures outside. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the industry with the debut of the Newport adventure sandal. It continues to launch game-changing products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design while actively working to Detox the Planet. The brand formalized its values commitment under the banner of The KEEN Effect. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com
Media Contact:
Morgan Lang
mlang@fwv-us.com
919.637.0990
