The all American outdoors footwear brand, Keen, has confirmed in a recent statement to its partners that it won’t be increasing its prices for 2025 because of Trump’s tariffs.
It’s been just over a month now since Donald Trump introduced his reciprocal tariffs which sent sneaker & sportswear company stock tumbling. With levels of uncertainty across the footwear & apparel industry like nothing seen before, the news has caused a global headache for brands who manufacture in Vietnam or China and sell in the USA. adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden has already said the German sportswear brand is focusing on the other 80% of its business outside of the USA having rerouted Chinese manufactured adidas goods that were bound for the USA to other markets. There’s also plans already in place to bring down its Chinese manufactured goods to the US to zero. A logistical nightmare, the question for many footwear & apparel brands now is who will absorb the tariff costs? The American footwear brand, Keen, have confirmed in a recent statement to its partners that it won’t be increasing its prices for 2025.
Originally founded back in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, Keen rose to prominence through its ranges of adventure ready footwear like the Newport Sandal. Now based out of Portland, Oregon the all American outdoors brand saw a huge surge in demand during the global pandemic, as well as the whole Gorpcore trend, and have previously collaborated with the likes of KITH, Engineered Garments & more recently Gramicci with their trail ready Jasper Zionic silhouette. The family owned business stated that it wanted to stick by its core beliefs which was showing up for the people that matter the most (their customers) when things get tough. Keen’s diversified supply chain, which includes their own manufacturing hub in the USA means the brand is fortunate to be in a position to absorb the impact of Trump’s tariffs without passing them onto their consumers. Also don’t forget to subscribe to Sneaker Jobs & follow @sneaker_jobs to keep up to date with all the latest industry news.
We recognize this is not a simple or easy choice in today’s climate—but it’s the right one. We believe it’s our responsibility to support our retail partners and fans through this period of uncertainty. By holding our prices steady, we aim to help you maintain strong consumer relationships and continue delivering the value and quality people expect from Keen.
Rory Fuerst – Co-Founder and CEO Keen
