https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ ekn footwear - Blog en-gb Thu, 30 Jul 2026 23:21:11 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/650-euros-for-a-pair-of-shoes.-and-what-s-behind-it. https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/650-euros-for-a-pair-of-shoes.-and-what-s-behind-it. Why many luxury sneakers are made in the same Portuguese factories as ours. Blog Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/vegan-but-responsible https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/vegan-but-responsible Vegan sneakers represent a conscious approach to resources. This has been an important topic for us for many years. At the same time, we are witnessing a development that is rarely discussed openly. Many vegan upper materials have noticeably declined in quality. Blog Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/special-drop-2-here-s-our-tassel-loafer https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/special-drop-2-here-s-our-tassel-loafer We present the story behind our next special drop: the Tassel Loafer Fig. Elegant. Sporty. Green. Blog Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/quince-the-story-behind-our-special-drop https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/quince-the-story-behind-our-special-drop Can a leather shoe be classic AND futuristic? As I begin to become more interested in more elegant shoes in 2022, the sneaker designer in me inevitably asks this question. The ekn design philosophy is characterized by retro futurism – the imagining of a future as conceived in ... Blog Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/mediterranean-monk-seal-population-is-recovering https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/mediterranean-monk-seal-population-is-recovering Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the Mediterranean monk seal, once threatened by extinction, is no longer endangered. Blog Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/design-your-own-sneaker-with-ekn-and-voeslauer https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/design-your-own-sneaker-with-ekn-and-voeslauer What happens when eco-sneakers meet eco-soda? A collaboration that tastes nice, looks great and makes something very special possible. Blog Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/mushroom-ingredient-prevents-deadly-flu-infections https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/mushroom-ingredient-prevents-deadly-flu-infections A new study reveals that beta-glucan, found in all fungi like mushrooms, yeast, and grains like oats and barley, can reprogram immune cells to protect against deadly flu infections. Blog Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/surprising-benefits-of-whale-urine-for-the-oceans https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/surprising-benefits-of-whale-urine-for-the-oceans Scientists have revealed that whale urine is an important part of marine fertilization, as the animals transport and distribute vital nutrients this way. Blog Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-friendship-bench-makes-therapy-more-accessible https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-friendship-bench-makes-therapy-more-accessible In 2006 Dr. Dixon Chibanda created the Friendship Bench after a patient died due to a lack of access to mental health care in Zimbabwe. Therefore he began to train grandmothers as community listeners to offer free talk therapy. Blog Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/from-barren-wasteland-to-thriving-ecosystem https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/from-barren-wasteland-to-thriving-ecosystem The Linnunsuo wetland in Finland was severely damaged by peat extraction, but through joint efforts life has now returned. Blog Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/from-food-waste-to-fine-dining https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/from-food-waste-to-fine-dining With the help of the fungus Neurospora intermedia, discarded food can be turned into new delicacies through fermentation. Blog Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/dungeons-dragons-social-skills-autistic-players https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/dungeons-dragons-social-skills-autistic-players Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is more than just a pop culture phenomenon; a recent study shows it can benefit autistic individuals by fostering social connections. Blog Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/one-of-the-rarest-cats-no-longer-endangered https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/one-of-the-rarest-cats-no-longer-endangered The Iberian lynx, once on the brink of extinction, has been reclassified from "endangered" to "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Blog Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/this-ocean-fungus-eats-plastic https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/this-ocean-fungus-eats-plastic Marine scientists have found a new species of fungus named Parengyodontium album (P.album), which is capable of breaking down plastic. This finding marks the fourth known marine fungus with this ability. Blog Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-rheinmain-im-blick https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-rheinmain-im-blick In a recent episode of „Im Blick“ by Rhein-Main-TV our sales manager Jascha gave a very interesting interview about what we do differently in order to produce sustainable sneakers. Blog Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-ntv-startup-magazin https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-ntv-startup-magazin Our Creative Director Marek was interviewed for the latest episode of ntv Startup Magazine about sustainable approaches in the sneaker industry. Blog Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/indigenous-leaders-grant-whales-personhood https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/indigenous-leaders-grant-whales-personhood Indigenous leaders from New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Cook Islands have signed a groundbreaking treaty, granting legal personhood to whales. Blog Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/recap-workshop-sneaker-nrw-forum-duesseldorf https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/recap-workshop-sneaker-nrw-forum-duesseldorf What a fun evening! Thank you to everyone who came to our workshop about sustainable sneaker design at NRW Forum. Blog Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/help-fish-travel-safely-using-the-fish-doorbell https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/help-fish-travel-safely-using-the-fish-doorbell The Fish Doorbell is a unique initiative from the Netherlands, that helps fish migrate through an underwater livestream and a simple digital button. Blog Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/aloe-vera-plants-can-be-used-to-store-energy https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/aloe-vera-plants-can-be-used-to-store-energy Researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology have discovered that aloe vera plants, which are traditionally known for their nourishing properties, can also be used to store energy. Blog Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/all-you-need-to-know-about-cedar-boot-brown-olive https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/all-you-need-to-know-about-cedar-boot-brown-olive We love a nice versatile boot! That´s why Jascha from our team is telling you all you need to know about the Cedar Boot Brown Olive. Blog Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/larch-the-retrofuture-sneaker-for-every-style https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/larch-the-retrofuture-sneaker-for-every-style The Larch combines the classic with the modern. Aesthetics from the first sneaker era and a new design language define this timeless sneaker. Blog Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-alder-white https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-alder-white Wanna know why the Alder White has always been one of our favourites? Check out what Jascha from our team has to say about this classic model and find out what makes it so popular. Blog Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/last-wild-river-in-europe-now-protected-forever https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/last-wild-river-in-europe-now-protected-forever Albania has taken a historic step by declaring the Vjosa River Europe's first wild river national park and placing it under protection. Blog Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/sustainable-boots-comfy-robust-handmade https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/sustainable-boots-comfy-robust-handmade We don't compromise when it comes to our premium boots. Every boot is 100% handmade in Portugal to ensure the highest possible quality and durability. Whether modern, minimalist or functional, there is something for every sustainable style. Blog Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/changing-lives-and-bringing-people-together https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/changing-lives-and-bringing-people-together Ebru Baybara Demir, a chef based in Mardin, Turkey, embodies a culinary journey that extends far beyond the art of cooking. Blog Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/daisy-old-school-cool-with-sustainable-values https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/daisy-old-school-cool-with-sustainable-values The Daisy is our own version of a modern retro trainer, combining several elements of popular classics. Blog Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/proposed-fracking-site-now-produces-clean-energy https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/proposed-fracking-site-now-produces-clean-energy Das Dorf Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire war einst ein Zentrum der Proteste gegen Fracking im Vereinigten Königreich, da es große Bedenken wegen Umweltschäden und der Förderung fossiler Brennstoffe gab. Letztendlich führten diese Proteste jedoch zum Erfolg, als das Fracking... Blog Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/kamthala-among-10-best-creative-projects-germany https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/kamthala-among-10-best-creative-projects-germany Almost a year after the release of the Larch Kamthala, we can now proudly look back on a number of prizes and honorable mentions. The great success of the shoe at various award ceremonies of the creative industry has now even led to the project making it to 8th place in the Ge... Blog Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/alder-gyms-of-the-past-streets-of-today https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/alder-gyms-of-the-past-streets-of-today The Alder takes us back to the gyms of the 90s, with a sporty rubber sole and a design inspired by typical indoor sports such as handball. Blog Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/soap-to-treat-skin-cancer https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/soap-to-treat-skin-cancer A 14-year-old middle school student named Heman Bekele from Annandale, Virginia, has been recognized as „America‘s top young scientist“ for his innovative project aimed at treating melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma affects around 100,000 people in the United Sta... Blog Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/this-enyzme-can-produce-electricity-from-thin-air https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/this-enyzme-can-produce-electricity-from-thin-air Researchers at Monash University have uncovered a groundbreaking discovery related to an enzyme known as Huc which is produced by bacteria that are often found in soil. The team led by Dr. Rhys Grinter, Ashleigh Kropp, and Professor Chris Greening discovered that this enzyme h... Blog Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-x-bstn-interview-about-skating-sustainability-and-more https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-x-bstn-interview-about-skating-sustainability-and-more We are very happy that our shoes are now available in the BSTN store! To mark the occasion, our CEO Noel talks to BSTN for their "Speak ya Clout" interview series about his roots in hip-hop and skateboarding, building a sustainable shoe brand, collaborations and more. Blog Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-first-zero-waste-island-in-the-world https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-first-zero-waste-island-in-the-world Tilos, a small Greek island located between Rhodes and Kos, has undergone a remarkable green revolution, achieving energy self-sufficiency and becoming the world‘s first zero-waste island. With just 745 residents, Tilos has set an inspiring example of sustainable living and en... Blog Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/soil-a-vegan-innovation https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/soil-a-vegan-innovation Soil is not just a new fabric or colorway, for us it marks a huge step forward. For the first time in the history of ekn footwear we get to encorporate a fully biodegradable material into our shoes! Blog Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-besser-so-sneaker https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-besser-so-sneaker In der neuesten Folge von "Besser! So?" beschäftigt sich Moderatorin Celine Fries mit dem Thema, wie man Sneaker besser behandeln kann. Dafür hat sie uns in unserem Laden in Frankfurt besucht und mit unserem Geschäftsführer Noel ein interessantes Gespräch darüber geführt, wie ... Blog Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/adc-webbies-co-larch-kamthala-collecting-awards https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/adc-webbies-co-larch-kamthala-collecting-awards After the overwhelming feedback that the Larch Kamthala has received from the community, we can now also celebrate a whole series of awards and prizes. Blog Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/fusing-inclusion-and-circularity https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/fusing-inclusion-and-circularity Founded in autumn of 2022 with support from the city of Ansterdam and clothing brand Patagonia, United Repair Centre is a company worth talking about. Set up as a for-profit social enterprise they manage to bring together inclusion and circularity in a meaningful way. Blog Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-hidden-potential-of-mosses https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/the-hidden-potential-of-mosses In a recent study, scientists have made an astonishing discovery about the remarkable capacity of moss to absorb carbon dioxide. The research highlights that moss can store six times more CO2 than other plant species, positioning it as a vital player in combating climate change. Blog Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/bungalow-vol-one-recap https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/bungalow-vol-one-recap Now that was one for the books! Huge thank you to everyone who came to our first Bungalow event and made this one a Saturday to remember! Blog Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/rare-butterfly-species-is-no-longer-extinct https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/rare-butterfly-species-is-no-longer-extinct Having been recognized as a British species since the time of King Charles II, the black-veined white was declared officially extinct in Britain in 1925. Nevertheless, to the surprise of naturalists and other observers, they have recently made an appearance in their preferred ... Blog Sun, 18 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-suede-sneakers https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-suede-sneakers Suede is very popular because of its fine look and texture. At the same time, however, it is also easily stained. Using our Daisy Lightgrey as an example we show you how to get your suede shoes sparkling clean again. Blog Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/retro-futurism-in-movies https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/retro-futurism-in-movies Retrofuturism is a recurring theme in our sneakers and a great influence on our design process. But how can it be described? The explanation is actually in the term itself - the image of the future that prevailed in the past and how we look at it from today‘s perspective. Blog Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-natural-rubber-sole https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-natural-rubber-sole How to clean your natural rubber sole! It's a beautiful organic material: no use of mineral oil, reacts with the outside temperature, has a soft cushioned feeling while walking - but is a bit of a pain to clean. Here's how we do it! Blog Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-gumsole https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-to-clean-your-gumsole Had enough of dirty soles? Here’s how you clean them! Blog Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-staff-picks-part-1 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-staff-picks-part-1 Since the whole ekn footwear team is very passionate about music, we have decided to finally collect all our hidden gems, bangers and guilty pleasures in one playlist. Each member of our team will regularly contribute a few songs they‘re listening to, and you can enjoy the eve... Blog Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/making-music-with-mushrooms https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/making-music-with-mushrooms Who knew mushrooms could be so musical? Trained biologist Tarun Nayar has devised a technique that uses the electrical signals generated by mushrooms to create a unique form of music. Blog Sun, 14 May 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/introducing-spring-summer-2023 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/introducing-spring-summer-2023 Discover the natural beauty of the tropics with the latest collection from ekn footwear. Blog Sun, 16 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/press-comments-larch-kamthala https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/press-comments-larch-kamthala The Larch Kamthala is the largest and most meaningful collaboration we have realized so far. This collaboration at eye level between two completely different sides of our planet has come a long way with various ups and downs. We are all the more delighted that the project has ... Blog Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-footwear-x-sichtexot https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-footwear-x-sichtexot The established hip-hop label from Mainz is teaming up with the sustainable sneaker label ekn footwear from Frankfurt. The result is a timeless T-shirt with the collab print "WALK THE TALK". Blog Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-das-gleiche-in-gruen-sneakerr https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/ekn-on-tv-das-gleiche-in-gruen-sneakerr In the recent episode of "Das Gleiche in Grün", a German TV show about sustainability, host Donya Farahani explores the topic of eco-friendly sneakers. For her research she visited us in Frankfurt to talk to our CEO Noel and Creative Director Marek about how we at ekn develop ... Blog Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/what-exactly-is-crepe https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/what-exactly-is-crepe When we read the term „crepe“, most of us probably think of a very thin pancake garnished with sugary delicacies, that you can get at the fair. With the German way of spelling „Krepp“, a roll of masking tape or a selfmade school cone will manifest itself before the inner eye o... Blog Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/interview-with-robert-winter https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/interview-with-robert-winter Robert Winter is a travel- and music photographer based in Cologne. For about a year now, he’s been doing photoshoots for ekn. In this interview, he tells us about his beginnings in the hip hop scene, working for big agencies, personal idols, and his indie magazine called Pass... Blog Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-many-shoes-do-you-actually-need https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/how-many-shoes-do-you-actually-need Whether trainers, ballet shoes, boots, sandalettes, loafers or high heels: the Germans love shoes, and they love buying shoes. Every German owns an average of around 15.25 pairs of shoes. This was calculated in 2017 by a survey on behalf of TextilWirtschaft – not including spo... Blog Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/robert-winter-larch-argan-alder-pear-willow https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/robert-winter-larch-argan-alder-pear-willow Photographer Robert Winter has shot our classics Larch, Argan Mid, Alder, Pear and Willow in their natural habitat. Here you will see where the shoes feel the most comfortable, combined with some useful information about the models. Blog Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/robert-winter-palm-larch-lychee- https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/robert-winter-palm-larch-lychee- Photographer Robert Winter has shot our summer essentials Palm and Larch Lychee in their natural habitat. Here you can see how he imagines a sunny day with our shoes, combined with some useful information about the models. Blog Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/meltdown-walking-clean-in-a-dirty-world https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/meltdown-walking-clean-in-a-dirty-world Our lookbook for the summer of 2021. Blog Thu, 24 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/an-interview-with-vraeter https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/an-interview-with-vraeter Producer, DJ, graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, designer and coffee drinker – Martin, aka. V.Raeter, is all this and more. The all-rounder from Berlin designed the “Mascot” T-shirt for us. In an interview, he talks about inspirations and how he works, about his inne... Blog Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/an-interview-with-noel-if-you-want-to-make-a-difference-you-have-to-take-action-yourself https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/an-interview-with-noel-if-you-want-to-make-a-difference-you-have-to-take-action-yourself Noel Klein-Reesink – our boss. He founded ekn back in 2012 as a passion project. But his passion for style and sustainability goes back long before then. In this interview, he talks about the first pair of shoes he bought, hedonistic sustainability and his work experience at t... Blog Mon, 03 May 2021 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/everyday-luxury https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/everyday-luxury EVERYDAY LUXURY Blog Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/explore-your-own-city https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/explore-your-own-city With ALDER and PEACH Blog Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0200 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/ecofashion-vs.corona https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/ecofashion-vs.corona Ecofashion vs.Corona Blog Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/throwback-ekn-footwear-x-highsnobiety-x-soto-store https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/throwback-ekn-footwear-x-highsnobiety-x-soto-store One of our very first collabs with HighSnobiety and Soto Store Blog Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0100 https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/meet-our-production-agents-in-portugal https://www.eknfootwear.com/en/blog/meet-our-production-agents-in-portugal Meet our production agent in Portugal Blog Wed, 23 Aug 2017 01:00:00 +0200