KEEN EXPANDS JASPER LINE WITH ZIONIC MODEL

Keen

Keen

Keen

Keen

Keen

Keen

Summary:

• KEEN releases Jasper Zionic, an updated version of its 17-year-old Jasper sneaker that adds lightweight hiking technology to the original climbing-inspired design
• The Energy Pack collection for fall/winter 2025 features three seasonal colors designed to work together, priced between €130-160
• The shoes include high-traction rubber soles, premium suede from Leather Working Group certified sources, and natural probiotic odor control

Portland-based footwear brand KEEN has introduced the Jasper Zionic, a redesigned version of its Jasper sneaker that has been part of the brand's lineup since 2008. The new model combines elements from the original climbing-style shoe with structural features borrowed from KEEN's Zionic hiking boot, which was developed for fast-paced trail activities.

The original Jasper featured toe-to-tongue lacing, brushed suede, and color schemes inspired by approach shoes used by climbers. The design stayed largely the same for 17 years. The Zionic version maintains these visual elements while incorporating a lighter, more responsive midsole structure.

"Our customers engage in various outdoor activities to improve mental wellbeing, from city trips and music festivals to nature outings after work. They want performance, function, and style that works all day without switching shoes", says Blaine Conrad, Vice President of Product at KEEN.

The brand positions the shoe as a solution for people who move between different environments throughout their day. According to Jeroen Meijer, Senior Marketing Manager, the Zionic represents "climbing roots meeting contemporary culture. It's outdoor DNA viewed through a lifestyle lens."

For fall/winter 2025, KEEN will release the Jasper Zionic Energy Pack, which includes three color options designed to coordinate with each other. The launch campaign was photographed by climber Teo Giovanni Poggi in northern Italy. The images follow a group moving between Bergamo's trains and climbing routes in Val di Mello.

The Jasper Zionic includes several technical features. The outsole uses high-traction rubber with aggressive lugs for grip on varied surfaces. The upper consists of soft suede leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, an organization that evaluates leather production facilities for environmental and social practices.

The shoe has a contoured fit with full lacing from toe to ankle. The sole wraps around the heel to absorb impact during movement. KEEN uses what it calls Eco Anti-Odor technology, which relies on natural probiotics rather than pesticides to control smell.

KEEN frames versatility as part of its approach to environmental responsibility. The company suggests that shoes suitable for multiple contexts reduce the total number of pairs a person needs to buy.

The brand was founded in Portland in 2003 by craftspeople and designers focused on outdoor activities. In 2005, KEEN redirected $1 million from a planned advertising campaign to aid people affected by the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

NaturalLook, based in Bolzano since 1974, distributes KEEN products throughout Italy. The company was founded by Ewald Pitschl and brought Birkenstock to the Italian market. Frowin Pitschl, Ewald's son, has led NaturalLook since 2022.

The Jasper line, including the Zionic Energy Pack, will be available starting September 2025 through select retailers and on keenfootwear.it. The shoes come in men's and women's sizes with prices ranging from €130 to €160. Multiple color variations will be offered across both the original Jasper and the new Zionic model.