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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

weltkarte

EVERY SINGLE PART IS HANDMADE AND ORGANIC

schuheinzelteile_2x

schuheinzelteile_2x_0001_Sohle
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0000_Einlage
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0002_Schn-rsenkel 
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0003_Leder-hell
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0004_Leder-dunkel
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0005_Schnur
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

161104_0000_640mobil_Teaser161104_desktop_teaserApproach & opening times

EKN & FRIENDS

  • 151217_Interview_sw_0004_Jesse_Boykins

    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.

  • _0003_DaveK

    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_2x

    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_2x

    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.

  • joanax2

    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 »
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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

weltkarte

EVERY SINGLE PART IS HANDMADE AND ORGANIC

schuheinzelteile_2x

schuheinzelteile_2x_0001_Sohle
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0000_Einlage
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0002_Schn-rsenkel 
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0003_Leder-hell
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0004_Leder-dunkel
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.

schuheinzelteile_2x_0005_Schnur
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

161104_0000_640mobil_Teaser161104_desktop_teaserApproach & opening times

EKN & FRIENDS

  • 151217_Interview_sw_0004_Jesse_Boykins

    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.

  • _0003_DaveK

    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_2x

    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_2x

    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.

  • joanax2

    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.