No More Roo for You: adidas Hop Away From Kangaroo Leather

have announced they will cease using kangaroo leather in their products, aligning with a growing movement among major sportswear brands to eliminate the material due to ethical concerns. The decision follows similar moves by and who have all committed to phasing out kangaroo leather in favour of synthetic alternatives.

Kangaroo leather, prized for its lightweight and durable qualities, has been a staple in high-performance soccer cleats, including adidas' Copa Mundial line. However the sourcing of the material has come under intense scrutiny from animal welfare organisations. Critics highlight the methods used in kangaroo culling, pointing to the killing of joeys and the lack of effective monitoring during hunts in remote areas.

In response to mounting pressure, adidas stated that the proportion of kangaroo leather used in its products is now well below 0.5% and that they source the leather exclusively from suppliers monitored and certified by the Australian government to ensure animal welfare and species protection.

The company's shift away from kangaroo leather reflects a broader trend in the industry toward more sustainable and ethical materials. Advancements in synthetic alternatives have made it possible to maintain performance standards without relying on animal-derived materials.

adidas' decision marks a significant step towards addressing animal welfare concerns, and aligns the brand with a growing consumer demand for cruelty-free products. As the sportswear industry continues to evolve, such moves are likely to influence other companies to reevaluate their material sourcing practices.

‘The mass killing of kangaroos has been driven by exports, mainly for kangaroo skins,’ said Wayne Pacelle, the president of the Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. ‘With adidas exiting the trade, we have shut down sourcing of skins by the world’s top five athletic shoe brands. We now will redouble our efforts to secure similar pledges from Japanese companies and , and end this trade once and for all.’