Adidas has officially ended its use of kangaroo leather in athletic footwear, marking a powerful shift in the global conversation around animal welfare in fashion. The announcement came after a direct appeal from the Center for a Humane Economy, whose president urged Adidas leadership to take a stand during the brand’s annual general meeting.
This move places Adidas alongside other major sportswear brands like Nike, Puma, and New Balance, all of whom have halted the sourcing of kangaroo skins. More than a million kangaroos are killed annually in Australia, often leaving behind injured or orphaned joeys. With Adidas now stepping away from this trade, advocates are calling it a major victory for animal protection worldwide.
The decision follows years of pressure from activists, including the “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign, which spotlighted the suffering behind the industry. Adidas’ exit from the trade is now being hailed as a milestone moment that could accelerate similar changes across Asia. Advocates say this proves that global compassion and consumer power can lead to meaningful change.