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OUR STORY
Over the past decades, the global footwear industry has been flooded with poorly fabricated synthetic shoes, harmful both to the environment and the people involved – fabrication workers and consumers. ekn footwear was founded as a viable alternative to this reality, meaning we are not afraid to take responsibility for everyone involved in the process and experience of making, shipping and wearing our products.
Our products are hand made by experienced portugese craftsmen, using biological materials from the highest quality suppliers. There are zero harmful chemicals used in manufacturing process. All our footwear is produced in limited quantity to ensure minimal environmental impact and maximum attention to detail.
WALK WITH US.
MADE IN
FRIENDSHIP
MADE IN PORTUGAL
EVERY SINGLE PART IS HANDMADE AND ORGANIC
Our Soles
For the majority of our shoe soles we shred and recycle waste products from the sole industry. This preserves natural resources and reduces pollution and emissions from us as well as from traditional sole manufacturers.
Our Insoles
Our insoles are made from vegetable tanned calfskin leather. This increases the comfort for the wearer, and is healthy because no harmful substances come into contact with skin. This is why ekn shoes can also be worn barefoot, if you like.
Our Shoe Laces
Most of our laces are made from bio-cotton and are available in variety of colors. This means that neither synthetic fertilizers, nor any other artificial substances potentially harmful to healthy farmland were used in the making of them.
Our Shoe Stitching
For the entire lining we use vegetable tanned calfskin leather. Not only this increases wearing comfort and is of exceptional quality, but it is also healthy, as no harmful substances come into contact with skin. This is why our shoes can also be worn barefoot if desired.
Our Leather
Our leather producers are true pioneers: among the first ones in Europe they started tanning leather without the use of chrome. To this day they continue meeting the highest environmental quality standards. As the matter of fact all the water, that remains after the manufacturing process is complete, has drinking quality.
Our Lining
Quality and sustainability is our first priority for all materials down to the stitching. This is why we use waxed seams and, if possible, recycled polyester that comes from Portugal.
STORE FRANKFURT
Approach & opening times
EKN & FRIENDS
-
JESSE BOYKINS III
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Exactly like ekn footwear Jesse also wants to change the world. Not with footwear or fashion, but with his Music. That is what this American singer, songwriter and producer from Chicago lives for.
Your first job:
Mongoose-catcher in Jamaica - I was pretty good with the slingshot
Your top 3 music influences:
Bob Marley, Andre 3000, Michael Jackson
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Velcro Strap Sandals and Penny Loafers
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Cedar Boot
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
Tumblr creeping
Your most unusual quality:
Going to the cinema alone and nocturnal culinary experiments in the kitchen
What is so sexy about sustainability:
Immortality and good feeling
Your insiders tip for L.A.:
Hazelnut Milk
Your favorite restaurant:
Coley’s Jamaican Restaurant
What's so remarkable about being an artist:
Dreaming about the fact that I really do not need sleep.
-
DAVE KINSEY
PAINTER & EKN COLLABORATOR
Dave is probably one of the most important graphic designers of our time. We at EKN love his works – for example the cover for N.E.R.D. or his Absolute Blank campaign. And we were so pround when Dave agreed to create papers for our shoeboxes. Thanks, Dave!
Your first job:
Do you really want to know that? I've sand blasted old engines at a rat-infested factory.
Your top 3 music influences:
At the moment for sure Father John Misty, Cesaria Evora and Julian Casablancas + The Voidz – the „Human Sadness“ Video
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Adidas Shell-Toe in in black with white stripes
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Cedar Boot in black – definitely my top favorite shoe
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
Hypebeast Magazine and booooooo.com
Your most unusual quality:
I possess secret personalities that only come out at night.
What is so sexy about sustainability:
It is the future!
Your insiders tip for L.A.:
Boyle Heights – the hot spot for the art scene
Your favorite restaurant:
Bread Lounge in downtown Los Angeles
What's so remarkable about living in the woods:
Everything has started here, has been bearing fruit - it has changed my life.
-
MAX HERRE
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Max Herre is like a spiritual brother for us. Even before we started working with the rapper and producer, it was absolutely clear that Max shares our values of style, quality, fair trade and environmental protection. It is truly so. We have the same idea of sustainable shoes and apply it from day to day.
Your first Job:
Human billboard, sweeper and worlds best babysitter, obviously.
Your top 3 music influences:
Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder und A Tribe Called Quest
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar High Top in all white
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Bamboo Runner
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
apartamento magazine
What is so sexy about sustainability:
The impressive thing about sustainability is a Wabi-Sabi-Concept. Also, that the true beauty of things unfolds with age…Keyword: patina!
Your insiders tip for Berlin:
The garden of the Max Liebermann House on Wannensee
Your favorite restaurant:
Manolis on the Greek island Sifnos
What's so remarkable about being a father:
That now I have to look up every time I speak.
-
JOY DENALANE
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Joy Denalane stands for authenticity like no other artist in Germany. Whether it is about her music or her style: Joy is true. And this is why we are especially proud that she supports our vision and us.
Your top 3 music influences:
Soul, Hip-Hop, Pop
Your all time favorite shoe model:
Adidas Allround
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Elm in black suede
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
apartamento magazine, freundevonfreunden.com with and about Juerg Judin
Your most unusual quality:
I love Latin language
What is so sexy about sustainability:
The combination of design and feeling – makes any conventional shoe look outdated
Your favorite restaurant:
Thaipark in Wilmersdorf
What's so remarkable about being a parent:
To see your children grow up.
-
JOANA
WORKER AT OUR FACTORY IN PORTUGAL
What would we do without colleagues like Joana?! Her experience, her personality and her passion help us a great deal to find new ways in shoe-production and to manufacture sustainable, handmade sneakers of highest quality. Obrigada, Joana!
First dayjob:
I remember as it was yesterday, the first time I worked in footwear, didn't know anything about it, however it became a passion to me. Footwear is an art form, that`s why I can gladly say that - I like and enjoy what I do!
Top 3 music Influences:
Music to me is like the air that I breathe, have to listen it every single day. I am interested in a range of musical styles from classical music to rock and roll. It`s difficult to me to point my music influences but i`ll try: Cranberries, Nine Inch Nails and Richard Jaar.
First favorite shoe:
All stars from Converse.
Favorite ekn shoe:
Argan low mint nubuck.
Recent magazine/blog you read:
To be honest I haven't had the time required to follow any blog, however occasionally I read the follow blog: http://traulitar.blogspot.pt/
Most uncommon habit:
Listening to a song over and over again until I get sick of it even thought I know this will happen.
Sexiest thing about sustainability:
Make it sexy! By sexy I mean, have fun, charming, be clever while doing sustainable projects. The world needs people increasingly aware of whats going on,willing to create new synergies. I`ve already started my part, at home I do recycling and I did make my sofa and bed with pallets.
Your secret insider tip in Porto:
The sun setting over the city, seen from the Serra do Pilar monastery.
Loading video... OUR STORY Over the past decades, the global footwear industry has been flooded with poorly fabricated synthetic shoes, harmful both to the environment and the people involved...
read more » Close window Loading video...
OUR STORY
Over the past decades, the global footwear industry has been flooded with poorly fabricated synthetic shoes, harmful both to the environment and the people involved – fabrication workers and consumers. ekn footwear was founded as a viable alternative to this reality, meaning we are not afraid to take responsibility for everyone involved in the process and experience of making, shipping and wearing our products.
Our products are hand made by experienced portugese craftsmen, using biological materials from the highest quality suppliers. There are zero harmful chemicals used in manufacturing process. All our footwear is produced in limited quantity to ensure minimal environmental impact and maximum attention to detail.
WALK WITH US.
MADE IN
FRIENDSHIP
MADE IN PORTUGAL
EVERY SINGLE PART IS HANDMADE AND ORGANIC
Our Soles
For the majority of our shoe soles we shred and recycle waste products from the sole industry. This preserves natural resources and reduces pollution and emissions from us as well as from traditional sole manufacturers.
Our Insoles
Our insoles are made from vegetable tanned calfskin leather. This increases the comfort for the wearer, and is healthy because no harmful substances come into contact with skin. This is why ekn shoes can also be worn barefoot, if you like.
Our Shoe Laces
Most of our laces are made from bio-cotton and are available in variety of colors. This means that neither synthetic fertilizers, nor any other artificial substances potentially harmful to healthy farmland were used in the making of them.
Our Shoe Stitching
For the entire lining we use vegetable tanned calfskin leather. Not only this increases wearing comfort and is of exceptional quality, but it is also healthy, as no harmful substances come into contact with skin. This is why our shoes can also be worn barefoot if desired.
Our Leather
Our leather producers are true pioneers: among the first ones in Europe they started tanning leather without the use of chrome. To this day they continue meeting the highest environmental quality standards. As the matter of fact all the water, that remains after the manufacturing process is complete, has drinking quality.
Our Lining
Quality and sustainability is our first priority for all materials down to the stitching. This is why we use waxed seams and, if possible, recycled polyester that comes from Portugal.
STORE FRANKFURT
Approach & opening times
EKN & FRIENDS
-
JESSE BOYKINS III
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Exactly like ekn footwear Jesse also wants to change the world. Not with footwear or fashion, but with his Music. That is what this American singer, songwriter and producer from Chicago lives for.
Your first job:
Mongoose-catcher in Jamaica - I was pretty good with the slingshot
Your top 3 music influences:
Bob Marley, Andre 3000, Michael Jackson
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Velcro Strap Sandals and Penny Loafers
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Cedar Boot
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
Tumblr creeping
Your most unusual quality:
Going to the cinema alone and nocturnal culinary experiments in the kitchen
What is so sexy about sustainability:
Immortality and good feeling
Your insiders tip for L.A.:
Hazelnut Milk
Your favorite restaurant:
Coley’s Jamaican Restaurant
What's so remarkable about being an artist:
Dreaming about the fact that I really do not need sleep.
-
DAVE KINSEY
PAINTER & EKN COLLABORATOR
Dave is probably one of the most important graphic designers of our time. We at EKN love his works – for example the cover for N.E.R.D. or his Absolute Blank campaign. And we were so pround when Dave agreed to create papers for our shoeboxes. Thanks, Dave!
Your first job:
Do you really want to know that? I've sand blasted old engines at a rat-infested factory.
Your top 3 music influences:
At the moment for sure Father John Misty, Cesaria Evora and Julian Casablancas + The Voidz – the „Human Sadness“ Video
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Adidas Shell-Toe in in black with white stripes
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Cedar Boot in black – definitely my top favorite shoe
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
Hypebeast Magazine and booooooo.com
Your most unusual quality:
I possess secret personalities that only come out at night.
What is so sexy about sustainability:
It is the future!
Your insiders tip for L.A.:
Boyle Heights – the hot spot for the art scene
Your favorite restaurant:
Bread Lounge in downtown Los Angeles
What's so remarkable about living in the woods:
Everything has started here, has been bearing fruit - it has changed my life.
-
MAX HERRE
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Max Herre is like a spiritual brother for us. Even before we started working with the rapper and producer, it was absolutely clear that Max shares our values of style, quality, fair trade and environmental protection. It is truly so. We have the same idea of sustainable shoes and apply it from day to day.
Your first Job:
Human billboard, sweeper and worlds best babysitter, obviously.
Your top 3 music influences:
Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder und A Tribe Called Quest
Your all time favorite sneaker:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar High Top in all white
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Bamboo Runner
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
apartamento magazine
What is so sexy about sustainability:
The impressive thing about sustainability is a Wabi-Sabi-Concept. Also, that the true beauty of things unfolds with age…Keyword: patina!
Your insiders tip for Berlin:
The garden of the Max Liebermann House on Wannensee
Your favorite restaurant:
Manolis on the Greek island Sifnos
What's so remarkable about being a father:
That now I have to look up every time I speak.
-
JOY DENALANE
MUSICIAN & EKN COLLABORATOR
Joy Denalane stands for authenticity like no other artist in Germany. Whether it is about her music or her style: Joy is true. And this is why we are especially proud that she supports our vision and us.
Your top 3 music influences:
Soul, Hip-Hop, Pop
Your all time favorite shoe model:
Adidas Allround
Your all time favorite shoe by ekn:
Elm in black suede
Your latest magazine / blog discovery:
apartamento magazine, freundevonfreunden.com with and about Juerg Judin
Your most unusual quality:
I love Latin language
What is so sexy about sustainability:
The combination of design and feeling – makes any conventional shoe look outdated
Your favorite restaurant:
Thaipark in Wilmersdorf
What's so remarkable about being a parent:
To see your children grow up.
-
JOANA
WORKER AT OUR FACTORY IN PORTUGAL
What would we do without colleagues like Joana?! Her experience, her personality and her passion help us a great deal to find new ways in shoe-production and to manufacture sustainable, handmade sneakers of highest quality. Obrigada, Joana!
First dayjob:
I remember as it was yesterday, the first time I worked in footwear, didn't know anything about it, however it became a passion to me. Footwear is an art form, that`s why I can gladly say that - I like and enjoy what I do!
Top 3 music Influences:
Music to me is like the air that I breathe, have to listen it every single day. I am interested in a range of musical styles from classical music to rock and roll. It`s difficult to me to point my music influences but i`ll try: Cranberries, Nine Inch Nails and Richard Jaar.
First favorite shoe:
All stars from Converse.
Favorite ekn shoe:
Argan low mint nubuck.
Recent magazine/blog you read:
To be honest I haven't had the time required to follow any blog, however occasionally I read the follow blog: http://traulitar.blogspot.pt/
Most uncommon habit:
Listening to a song over and over again until I get sick of it even thought I know this will happen.
Sexiest thing about sustainability:
Make it sexy! By sexy I mean, have fun, charming, be clever while doing sustainable projects. The world needs people increasingly aware of whats going on,willing to create new synergies. I`ve already started my part, at home I do recycling and I did make my sofa and bed with pallets.
Your secret insider tip in Porto:
The sun setting over the city, seen from the Serra do Pilar monastery.
