The KEEN WK400 is the newest walking shoe by the family-owned maker of original hybrid footwear for outdoor work and play, and it features all-new, patent-pending KEEN.CURVE Technology. This new footwear design is said to have been created "specifically to make walking more enjoyable and fun," and it acknowledges that more people are walking than ever and experiencing the benefits of this activity.
Four years ago, KEEN's Global Product Innovation Creative Director, Rory Fuerst Jr., experienced a traumatic skiing accident that left him unable to walk for months. During his recovery, he rediscovered the joy of walking and began appreciating it as more than just a way to get around.
This new shoe differentiates itself from running shoes and it includes constant curve geometry, underfoot plate technology and a high-energy midsole to create comfortable forward momentum.
Curved Walking Shoes
The KEEN WK400 Was Specifically Created to Make Walking More Fun & Enjoyable
Trend Themes
1. Curved Walking Shoes - Footwear brands can capitalize on the growing demand for comfortable and enjoyable walking experiences by creating shoes with designs that prioritize forward momentum and constant curve geometry.
2. KEEN.CURVE Technology - Introducing innovative technologies, like KEEN's patent-pending KEEN.CURVE, can launch a company to the forefront of the walking shoe market by making its products stand out from traditional athletic and casual footwear.
3. Rediscovering Walking - Brands can leverage the trend of individuals rediscovering the joy of walking and highlight the physical and mental health benefits of walking regularly to attract consumers who prioritize wellness in their shoe purchases.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Established and emerging footwear brands can utilize the demand for comfortable and fashionable walking shoes to expand their product portfolio, increase sales, and create a loyal customer base.
2. Fitness and Wellness - Focusing on the physical and mental health benefits of walking regularly can create opportunities for gyms, fitness apps, and other wellness-oriented businesses to delve into the walking shoe market through partnerships with shoe brands or launching their own shoe line.
3. Outdoor Recreation - Outdoor recreation companies can market the benefits of walking as a way to explore nature and get exercise, and create branded walking gear to appeal to consumers who prioritize outdoor activities and sustainability.