Asics Bids Farewell to Kangaroo Leather in Latest Ethical Shift

Japanese sportswear giant Asics has announced it will completely stop using kangaroo leather in its footwear lines by the end of 2025. This move puts Asics alongside industry leaders like Adidas, Nike, and Puma, all of which are moving away from animal-based materials in favor of sustainable, high-performance alternatives.

A Clear Step Toward Ethical Innovation

Asics shared that its design and engineering teams have successfully developed synthetic materials that meet or exceed the performance of traditional kangaroo leather. As a result, the brand will eliminate its use of wildlife-based leather in all upcoming models.

Joining a Global Movement

Asics' decision reflects a growing global movement in the athleticwear industry. Over the past few years, brands such as Nike, Puma, New Balance, and Adidas have already made the switch — motivated by both ethical considerations and advancements in material technology.

Advocacy Making an Impact

Animal rights advocates have long campaigned for companies to stop using kangaroo leather, citing inhumane practices associated with the harvesting process. Asics’ commitment is being welcomed as a significant victory by organizations that have worked for years to highlight the environmental and ethical costs tied to wildlife-derived materials.

A Win for Wildlife

Kangaroos have historically been hunted in large numbers to meet global demand for leather. This often results in young joeys being orphaned or killed in the process. With companies like Asics moving away from these practices, the pressure on kangaroo populations is expected to decrease significantly.

Mizuno Under the Spotlight

With Asics joining the list of brands stepping away from kangaroo leather, the spotlight now turns to Mizuno, one of the last major sportswear companies still using these materials. Industry observers and advocates alike are urging them to follow suit and embrace more humane, innovative alternatives.