The world is full of things that don’t last. But there’s an antidote. Something different. Something time-tested. It’s why we venture outside: to be inspired, to create things like art and memories that last. Meet six makers who live these values, and learn how KEEN footwear benefits from the same spirit.
The surprising intersection between adventure, art, and iconic hiking boots
Consciously Created
Building anything authentic, sustainable, and durable starts with intention. Intention to apply a planet- and people-first philosophy that acts as a north star for any endeavor, from making art to designing products. KEEN calls it Consciously Created. It’s our way of reimagining the way gear gets made so that it supports both humanity and the environment from start to finish.
That’s no small challenge—after all, hundreds of decisions go into making even a single pair of shoes. So Consciously Created became KEEN’s motto—a way of consciously thinking about the effects of each product, each ingredient, each step. It means making each shoe right the first time. It means building products that are durable, made of ethically sourced materials, and free of toxic chemicals.
Committing to Clean
About a decade ago, KEEN launched its Detox Journey. Gear manufacturing is notorious for its use of hazardous chemicals, and KEEN was determined to make sure no aspects of its own systems were causing harm—to KEEN employees, customers, or the planet.
Holistic Approach
PFAS-free boots that will never delaminate? Revolutionary. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On top of these innovations, KEEN has switched to recycled materials and eco-conscious leathers in many of its shoes, eliminating leather sources from Brazil that are harmful to the Amazon Biome and using only tanneries that have committed to environmental and social best practices. It’s also switching to renewable energy, reducing its emissions, and investing in the community all at the same time. That’s consciously created.
Eliminating Forever Chemicals
That was a big decision, because at the time KEEN started its Detox Journey, PFAS (“per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances” or “forever chemicals”) were pervasive in outdoor gear. They’re extremely waterproof, but they take hundreds of years to break down.
In 2018, KEEN officially eliminated PFAS from every single one of its products. Today, KEEN is also free of five of the six most harmful chemicals in manufacturing, and is actively working to eliminate the sixth—solvents—through innovations such as KEEN.FUSION.
A Bond That's Better for the Planet
KEEN.FUSION is a new construction method that directly fuses a shoe’s sole and upper, eliminating chemical glues and ensuring that your shoe will never delaminate, or peel apart, over time. Since delamination is the number-one cause of shoe failure, KEEN.FUSION ensures more durable shoes, which keeps them out of the landfill, so they’re more sustainable too. That’s why KEEN says the Targhee IV Waterproof Boot is the last hiking boot you’ll buy.
The last hiking boot you’ll ever buy.
Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
Eco-Friendly Materials: 100% recycled plastic laces and ethically sourced leather tanned at Leather Working Group-certified tanneries.
Comfortable Fit: Generous space across the forefoot allows toes to splay while your heel stays stable and secure.
Always Rugged: The KEEN.RUGGED outsole is twice as abrasion-resistant as rubber, so traction lasts longer.
Everlasting Construction: The glue-free KEEN.FUSION bond is lighter on the planet and guaranteed not to delaminate. It’s 3x as strong as glue.
Endlessly Cushioned: The air-injected Luftcell midsole feels springy and resists compression over time, lasting twice as long as EVA foam.
PFAS-Free Waterproofing: KEEN eliminated forever chemicals from all of its shoes in 2018. The KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane inside and PFAS-free water repellency outside keep feet dry.
Meet two artists who want you to be a maker too.
The WATERCOLORIST MAx ROMEY
Painting, Max says, is the epitome of conscious creation. It’s a timeless medium with no shortcuts. To make accurate brush strokes, you have to slow down. To mimic the lines and shapes around you, you have to look and really see your surroundings.
That’s why Max is so passionate about sharing the art form. He launched a watercolor tutorial series online and became KEEN’s Chief Watercolor Officer—creating much of the brand’s vibrant art, playful videos, and environmental education content.
“I really do think the world would be better off if everyone painted,” Romey says. “You just need a couple little tools and then you have this excuse to sit and stare at the world. And if you look long enough, you see some amazing things.”
Max Romey is a man of big dreams. The latest: Get a million people painting in the next three years. “It’s kind of terrifying, to be honest,” he says of the goal. But Max has done plenty of terrifying things before. Over the years, the Alaska-based trail runner, filmmaker, and environmental educator has made critically acclaimed documentary films, completed 100-mile endurance races, and chased the world’s best ultrarunners across the Alps with a camera and sketchbook.
Max credits his grandmother for first putting a paintbrush in his hands when he was just a few years old. “I’m dyslexic. School was frustrating at times,” he says. So he went outside, and watercolor became a medium for recording what he learned.
The Crafter Connor Lamoureux
Growing up, Connor Lamoureux never thought of himself as an artist. One of his brothers became a singer and musician. The other became a painter with gallery shows. But Connor? He wasn’t sure where he belonged.
“I had so many creative interests. I did woodworking, photography, video creation,” he says. But to be a “real artist,” he wondered, would he need to have a strong, singular focus? No. About a year ago, Connor left his marketing job to create full time—and to inspire others to be more creative in their own lives. Today his Instagram feed is filled with playful, accessible DIY projects and crafts, many of which involve upcycling everyday household objects.
Part water sandal, part hiker. The original hybrid shoe does it all.
Newport
These two water lovers show how adventure and stewardship go together.
10-point fit: Quick-cinch bungee lacing for an instant secure fit.
Roomy toe box: Generous space across the forefoot for toes to spread out.
Water-ready upper: Washable webbing and quick-dry lining are made to get wet.
Goes-everywhere traction: Grippy, siped outsole is as happy cruising on trails as it is exploring rocky river beds.
Hike faster, farther, and funner with speed, stability, and comfort.
ZIONIC
Fast and Easy and Secure: A two-finger webbing loop on the heel makes for easy pull-on, and speed hooks add fast and secure lace adjustment.
PFAS-Free Waterproofing: KEEN eliminated forever chemicals from all of its shoes in 2018. The KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane inside and PFAS-free water repellency outside keep feet dry.
Nimble Traction: The aggressive, lower-profile lug pattern is designed for better ground contact, so you can hike faster with confidence.
Springy Cushioning: A lightweight, high-energy foam midsole and full-length stability plate work together to create a springboard effect. It’s bouncy.
Athletic Fit: A more contoured, athletic fit with a secure heel provides better support while moving fast.
Go fast. Do more. These two light-footed adventurers show how.
“I can’t sit still. I’ve got no chill. So it’s really nice to have a shoe that’s super durable as well as really comfy. I know I can just keep charging and I’m not going to wear them out. They also feel surprisingly lightweight for such a durable boot. The traction is great. I used them on rock, snow, and steep switchbacks this spring, and I felt secure on all of it.”
CONNOR'S
FIELD TEST
PRESENTED BY
“I want people to know that they don’t have to buy fancy art materials,” Connor says. “You can do a lot with a hammer and some wood you find on the side of the road. Buy paint brushes from the dollar store. Use materials you find in nature.”
Upcycling also has another benefit. Instead of sending old junk to the landfill, Connor inspires his followers to give those items new life. And he teaches viewers how to craft with care. That way, their new lamp, chair, or wall hanging will be sturdy enough to stand the test of time. “If I can encourage more people to find ways to be creative, that’s a win,” he says. “Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just focus on having fun.”
KEEN.PROTECT toe protection: The rubber toe bumper that’s been keeping toes safe since 2003.
MAX'S
FIELD TEST
MISSION: INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE MORE CREATIVE
Wearing: Targhee IV
MISSION: GET A MILLION PEOPLE PAINTING
Wearing: Targhee IV
“They’re really comfortable. No break-in—they just fit,”
says Max. “I’m also excited to have a shoe that’s going to stay with me. During my work in Alaska, cleaning up marine debris and ocean plastics, we find a lot of shoes on beaches. The best way to avoid waste is to not make it. The Targhee IVs don’t delaminate, which means they’ll stay out of the landfill for much longer than the average hiking boot.
”And they’re versatile, says Max’s partner, Eve. “The Targhee IV has the stability of a hiking boot without the weight. Perfect for getting up a mountain carrying my 22-pound toddler!”
PFAS-Free: KEEN eliminated forever chemicals from all of its shoes in 2018.
The Shaper Ryan Harris
Ryan used the eco-resins to sculpt custom boards, adding color and details with the care of an artist. Today, he also upcycles old boards, makes new boards from salvaged marine plastic, and runs the Educational Center for Sustainability in Surf to share his skills. He’s also pioneering new ways to turn plastic waste into durable furniture and planking.
Of course, Ryan still makes time to catch a few waves as well. “Not only do I go to the water and get immersed in Mother Nature to calm and center myself, but it’s also super inspirational to what I’m doing,” Ryan says. The movement of the water gives him ideas for new shaping elements, and the colors and patterns inform his designs.
“I still think of myself as an artist first,” he says. “The surfboard is just my canvas.”
At 22, Ryan Harris thought he’d landed his dream job as a product designer at a big firm. But the corporate culture made the gig more like a nightmare, so Ryan moved to Los Angeles to start over. Shortly after, a close friend took him surfing. Ryan fell head over heels for the sport—and immediately realized that he was too tall for most of the boards available. So, he decided to make his own.
And that led him to a life-changing epiphany. “Surfboard manufacturing is pretty hypocritical. We wouldn’t have surfing without the ocean. And yet the boards are very toxic,” he says. “We’re poisoning the thing we rely on.” Ryan started speaking up, advocating for the use of eco-friendly resins and recycled materials in the surf industry, and following his own version of the Consciously Created ethos.
“The ocean is my church and my sanctuary. I’m in it daily. So I feel good about wearing these sustainable sandals to the beach—in and out of the water. I love the protected toe feature, especially when hiking or slip-sliding across rocks, and the adjustable drawstrings work great for cinching them up tight.”
RYAN'S
FIELD TEST
The Sculptor Hannah Tizedes
MISSION: CLEAN UP THE GREAT LAKES
Wearing: NEWPORT
Around 2015, she started arranging the plastic pieces to make mosaics and sharing the images on a social media account. Her message wasn’t just about upcycling. She wanted people to know about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, America’s largest source of freshwater, and show that something could be done about it.
“I realized that if I wanted to make my life my passion, I had to tell people,” Hannah says. She started speaking up and launched a nonprofit to help clean up the lakes, rivers, and communities in Michigan. Her work resonates with people, and not just because it’s beautiful. Instead of doom-and-gloom, she takes a playful approach to plastic waste. Her work combines the time-tested, traditional method of mosaic-making with a colorful, modern twist.
“You can make an impact wherever you are,” she says. “Get involved, and make it fun.”
When Hannah Tizedes tells people she makes art out of trash, they usually frown with skepticism. Then she shows them her work—bright, playful mosaics made of colorful microplastics—and watches those expressions transform.
Hannah, a Michigan-based artist and environmental advocate, grew up near the Great Lakes. Like other kids, she splashed in the water and camped on the shore. And ever since she can remember, she’s roamed the beaches, amazed by all the unique stones, shells, and plastic treasures. “All this color was literally washing up on the shore,” she says.
“They combine the best of a water shoe and a hiking shoe. They let me tackle all the different types of terrain in one trip without having to pack multiple pairs of shoes. They’re so lightweight and breezy, and the Aquagrip makes me feel really sturdy and safe when walking along wet surfaces. I’ll definitely be wearing these shoes on beach cleanups so I can walk along slippery rocks and access trash in hard-to-reach places.”
HANNAH'S
FIELD TEST
MISSION: MAKE SUSTAINABLE SURFBOARDS
Wearing: HYPERPORT
The rUNNER ABI LAFLEUR
MISSION: Make everyone feel welcome outdoors
Wearing: ZIONIC
Abi ran that 50-miler—and then went on to run more. Today, the mountains remain her greatest source of inspiration, both for her professional work and for her personal goals. One of those goals: improving the visibility of historically marginalized groups outside through her timeless art.
“When I first started in the outdoor industry, there weren’t a lot of people in the industry or in outdoor media who looked like me,” says Abi, who was raised in Florence, Colorado, by her Mexican-Spanish-Indigenous mother and grandparents. (Her father’s side is French-Polish.) Since then, Abi has used her camera to capture the stories and personalities of a diverse range of subjects.
“That’s always been part of my work,” she says. “I want people to know there’s space for everyone here.”
For years, Abi LaFleur refused to run. A successful adventure photographer, she had always been active outdoors, but she laughed at the idea of running. She never expected that, one day, running would transform her life. Everything changed a few years ago when her long-term relationship became abusive and dissolved. Abi found herself diagnosed with PTSD and her self-confidence nearly shattered. “Something had chemically altered inside of me, but I couldn’t understand it,” she said. “I had panic attacks.” Then a friend asked her if she wanted to train for a 50-mile trail race. Abi rolled her eyes—until she saw photos of the trail. The scenery caught her photographer’s eye, and she started training. One day, Abi was on a high alpine trail and suddenly realized: her mind was blessedly empty. No flashbacks. She finally felt free. Running helped her find the confidence that she had lost.
“I loved chasing my dogs around when wearing the Zionics, they’re waterproof—ideal for walking through snowmelt and for creek crossings. I really like how lightweight they are, but they still have plenty of cushion and are super grippy. And like all of KEEN’s shoes, they’re free of forever chemicals. Plus, I’m loving this tangerine color!”
ABI'S
FIELD TEST
The WANDERER Emi Matsushima
MISSION: Inspire others to live authentically
Wearing: ZIONIC
In 2018, she finally broke free and quit, and two years later she moved to California—just before the pandemic hit. With the world on pause, she started exploring the outdoors, climbing mountains, and taking timeless photographs—all things she’d loved as a kid.
“I find a sense of calm outdoors. But it’s also a place of action—of self-discovery and self-expression.”
She fell back in love with movement—and with her body. She started a new career in outdoor lifestyle modeling. Climbing, hiking, and photography have become staples in her life. “I used to feel like I was chasing something, but now, I feel like I’ve finally found balance,” she says. “At 37, I feel like I have this reinvented version of myself.” And she’s living proof that anyone can do the same.
Everyone should get a chance to reinvent themselves. That’s the lesson Emi Matsushima wants to share.
The daughter of a German mother and Japanese father, Emi—who’s now a photographer and outdoor industry model—grew up in half a dozen countries. By the fourth grade, she’d attended school in four different languages.
Emi moved back to Japan at age 16 and fell into modeling. For a while it was fun, but it didn’t stay that way. “I developed all these complexes,” she says. “By the time I was 29, that turned into dieting and losing weight.” Emi developed body image issues. Agents stopped booking her. Her mental health deteriorated. She knew something had to change.
“For me, being fast and light means flexibility and spontaneity. I’m all about chasing your curiosity and learning to adapt along the way. This shoe can be used for urban exploration, hiking trails, or navigating through diverse landscapes—I feel like they really mold to whatever your adventure might be. They're super light and agile, but they have such a solid grip.”
EMI'S
FIELD TEST
Consciously Created
Building anything authentic and sustainable—anything that will stand the test of time—starts with intention. Intention to apply a planet- and people-first philosophy that acts as a north star for any endeavor, from making art to designing products. KEEN calls it Consciously Created—a way of reimagining the way gear gets made so that it supports both humanity and the environment from start to finish.
That’s no small challenge—after all, hundreds of decisions go into making even a single pair of shoes. So Consciously Created became KEEN’s motto—a way of consciously thinking about the effects of each product, each ingredient, each step. It means making each shoe right the first time. It means building products that are durable, made of ethically sourced materials, and free of toxic chemicals.
The Crafter Connor Lamoureux
MISSION: INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE MORE CREATIVE
Wearing: Targhee IV
“I want people to know that they don’t have to buy fancy art materials,” Connor says. “You can do a lot with a hammer and some wood you find on the side of the road. Buy paint brushes from the dollar store. Use materials you find in nature.”
Upcycling also has another benefit. Instead of sending old junk to the landfill, Connor inspires his followers to give those items new life. And he teaches viewers how to craft with care. That way, their new lamp, chair, or wall hanging will be sturdy enough to stand the test of time. “If I can encourage more people to find ways to be creative, that’s a win,” he says. “Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just focus on having fun.”
Growing up, Connor Lamoureux never thought of himself as an artist. One of his brothers became a singer and musician. The other became a painter with gallery shows. But Connor? He wasn’t sure where he belonged.
“I had so many creative interests. I did woodworking, photography, video creation,” he says. But to be a “real artist,” he wondered, would he need to have a strong, singular focus? No. About a year ago, Connor left his marketing job to create full time—and to inspire others to be more creative in their own lives. Today his Instagram feed is filled with playful, accessible DIY projects and crafts, many of which involve upcycling everyday household objects.
“I can’t sit still. I’ve got no chill. So it’s really nice to have a shoe that’s super durable as well as really comfy. I know I can just keep charging and I’m not going to wear them out. They also feel surprisingly lightweight for such a durable boot. The traction is great. I used them on rock, snow, and steep switchbacks this spring, and I felt secure on all of it.”
CONNOR'S
FIELD TEST
Meet two artists who want you to be a maker too.
The WATERCOLORIST MAX ROMEY
MISSION: GET A MILLION PEOPLE PAINTING
Wearing: Targhee IV
Max Romey is a man of big dreams. The latest: Get a million people painting in the next three years. “It’s kind of terrifying, to be honest,” he says of the goal. But Max has done plenty of terrifying things before. Over the years, the Alaska-based trail runner, filmmaker, and environmental educator has made critically acclaimed documentary films, completed 100-mile endurance races, and chased the world’s best ultrarunners across the Alps with a camera.
Max credits his grandmother for first putting a paintbrush in his hands when he was just a few years old. “I’m dyslexic. School was frustrating at times,” he says. So he went outside, and watercolor became a medium for recording what he learned.
“They’re really comfortable. No break-in—they just fit,”
says Max. “I’m also excited to have a shoe that’s going to stay with me. During my work in Alaska, cleaning up marine debris and ocean plastics, we find a lot of shoes on beaches. The best way to avoid waste is to not make it. The Targhee IVs don’t delaminate, which means they’ll stay out of the landfill for much longer than the average hiking boot.
”And they’re versatile, says Max’s partner, Eve. “The Targhee IV has the stability of a hiking boot without the weight. Perfect for getting up a mountain carrying my 22-pound toddler!”
MAX'S
FIELD TEST
The Crafter Connor Lamoureux
MISSION: INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE MORE CREATIVE
Wearing: Targhee IV
“I want people to know that they don’t have to buy fancy art materials,” Connor says. “You can do a lot with a hammer and some wood you find on the side of the road. Buy paint brushes from the dollar store. Use materials you find in nature.”
Upcycling also has another benefit. Instead of sending old junk to the landfill, Connor inspires his followers to give those items new life. And he teaches viewers how to craft with care. That way, their new lamp, chair, or wall hanging will be sturdy enough to stand the test of time. “If I can encourage more people to find ways to be creative, that’s a win,” he says. “Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just focus on having fun.”
Growing up, Connor Lamoureux never thought of himself as an artist. One of his brothers became a singer and musician. The other became a painter with gallery shows. But Connor? He wasn’t sure where he belonged.
“I had so many creative interests. I did woodworking, photography, video creation,” he says. But to be a “real artist,” he wondered, would he need to have a strong, singular focus? No. About a year ago, Connor left his marketing job to create full time—and to inspire others to be more creative in their own lives. Today his Instagram feed is filled with playful, accessible DIY projects and crafts, many of which involve upcycling everyday household objects.
“I can’t sit still. I’ve got no chill. So it’s really nice to have a shoe that’s super durable as well as really comfy. I know I can just keep charging and I’m not going to wear them out. They also feel surprisingly lightweight for such a durable boot. The traction is great. I used them on rock, snow, and steep switchbacks this spring, and I felt secure on all of it.”
CONNOR'S
FIELD TEST
Ryan used the eco-resins to sculpt custom boards, adding color and details with the care of an artist. Today, he also upcycles old boards, makes new boards from salvaged marine plastic, and runs the Educational Center for Sustainability in Surf to share his skills. He’s also pioneering new ways to turn plastic waste into durable furniture and planking.
Of course, Ryan still makes time to catch a few waves as well. “Not only do I go to the water and get immersed in Mother Nature to calm and center myself, but it’s also super inspirational to what I’m doing,” Harris says. The movement of the water gives him ideas for new shaping elements, and the colors and patterns inform his designs.
The last hiking boot you’ll ever buy.
Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
10-point fit: Quick-cinch bungee lacing for an instant secure fit.
Roomy toe box: Generous space across the forefoot for toes to spread out.
Water-ready upper: Washable webbing and quick-dry lining are made to get wet.
Goes-everywhere traction: Grippy, siped outsole is as happy cruising on trails as it is exploring rocky river beds.
KEEN.PROTECT toe protection: The rubber toe bumper that’s been keeping toes safe since 2003.
PFAS-Free: KEEN eliminated forever chemicals from all of its shoes in 2018.
Part water sandal, part hiker. The original hybrid sandal does it all.
THE NEWPORT
These two water lovers show how adventure and stewardship go together.
The WATERCOLORIST RYAN HARRIS
MISSION: MAKE SUSTAINABLE SURFBOARDS
Wearing: NEWPORT
Ryan used the eco-resins to sculpt custom boards, adding color and details with the care of an artist. Today, he also upcycles old boards, makes new boards from salvaged marine plastic, and runs the Educational Center for Sustainability in Surf to share his skills. He’s also pioneering new ways to turn plastic waste into durable furniture and planking.
Of course, Ryan still makes time to catch a few waves as well. “Not only do I go to the water and get immersed in Mother Nature to calm and center myself, but it’s also super inspirational to what I’m doing,” Harris says. The movement of the water gives him ideas for new shaping elements, and the colors and patterns inform his designs.
At 22, Harris thought he’d landed his dream job as a product designer at a big firm. But the corporate culture made the gig more like a nightmare, so Harris moved to Los Angeles to start over. Shortly after, a close friend took him surfing. Harris fell head over heels for the sport—and immediately realized that he was too tall for most of the boards available. So, he decided to make his own.
And that led him to a life-changing epiphany. “Surfboard manufacturing is pretty hypocritical. We wouldn’t have surfing without the ocean. And yet the boards are very toxic,” he says. “We’re poisoning the thing we rely on.” Ryan started speaking up, advocating for the use of eco-friendly resins and recycled materials in the surf industry, and following his own version of the Consciously Created ethos.
“The ocean is my church and my sanctuary. I’m in it daily. So I feel good about wearing these sustainable sandals to the beach—in and out of the water. I love the protected toe feature, especially when hiking or slip-sliding across rocks, and the adjustable drawstrings work great for cinching them up tight.”
RYAN'S
FIELD TEST
The Sculptor Hannah Tizedes
MISSION: CLEAN UP THE GREAT LAKES
Wearing: NEWPORT
“I realized that if I wanted to make my life my passion, I had to tell people,” Hannah says. She started speaking up and launched a nonprofit to help clean up the lakes, rivers, and communities in Michigan. Her work resonates with people, and not just because it’s beautiful. Instead of doom-and-gloom, she takes a playful approach to plastic waste. Her work combines the time-tested, traditional method of mosaic-making with a colorful, modern twist.
“You can make an impact wherever you are,” she says. “Get involved, and make it fun.”
When Hannah Tizedes tells people she makes art out of trash, they usually frown with skepticism. Then she shows them her work—bright, playful mosaics made of colorful microplastics—and watches those expressions transform.
Hannah, a Michigan-based artist and environmental advocate, grew up near the Great Lakes. Like other kids, she splashed in the water and camped on the shore. And ever since she can remember, she’s roamed the beaches, amazed by all the unique stones, shells, and plastic treasures. “All this color was literally washing up on the shore,” she says.
Around 2015, she started arranging the plastic pieces to make mosaics and sharing the images on a social media account. Her message wasn’t just about upcycling. She wanted people to know about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, America’s largest source of freshwater, and show that something could be done about it.
“I can’t sit still. I’ve got no chill. So it’s really nice to have a shoe that’s super durable as well as really comfy. I know I can just keep charging and I’m not going to wear them out. They also feel surprisingly lightweight for such a durable boot. The traction is great. I used them on rock, snow, and steep switchbacks this spring, and I felt secure on all of it.”
HANNAH'S
FIELD TEST
