Kangaroos Are Not Shoes
The Issue
Every year, as many as two million wild kangaroos are killed in the largest commercial slaughter of land-dwelling mammals on Earth. The primary driver? The demand for kangaroo leather used in high-end soccer cleats. When adult females are shot, their joeys — still in the pouch — become collateral damage. Under the Australian Commercial Code, shooters are instructed to decapitate or bludgeon the joeys to death. These numbers exceed the worst years of baby harp seal slaughter in Atlantic Canada.
Even in the wake of ecological devastation — over a billion animals lost in Australia’s wildfires — kangaroo killing continues with government approval. Meanwhile, kangaroo meat is exported for pet food and human consumption, adding to the toll on this iconic species.
The Business Case
The market for kangaroo leather is rapidly shrinking. Consumer awareness, ethical concerns, and technological innovation are driving brands toward alternatives.
- Puma and Nike announced in 2023 they would eliminate kangaroo leather from their lines.
- New Balance added kangaroo leather to its restricted materials list, effective 2024.
- Adidas — though slow to act — has recently joined the shift.
- However, brands like Mizuno, ASICS, and Lotto continue using kangaroo skins. They are now the focus of our campaign.
The facts are clear:
- Synthetic materials are lighter, more durable, and sustainable, often made from recycled plastics.
- California, the largest U.S. market for soccer cleats, bans the sale of products made from kangaroo leather.
- At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, more than 95% of goals were scored by players wearing non-kangaroo-based cleats.
This is not just an animal welfare issue — it’s a reputational and economic liability for brands that continue to rely on cruelty.
The Solution
The Kangaroo Protection Act would ban the import and sale of kangaroo parts in the United States, eliminating one of the last major markets supporting this trade. As the United States helps close the door on this outdated industry, the global transition away from kangaroo-derived products can be completed.
We are leading this charge to ensure that no brand profits from the commercial slaughter of kangaroos. The time has come to end this inhumane and unnecessary industry — for the animals, for consumers, and for a more humane economy.
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A big thanks from Australia: Kangaroos Are Not Shoes!
Kangaroo leather shoes are being sold in California illlegally
Read More About Our Campaign
Actions to Take
Visit the Center's microsite for a timeline of our Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign.
Read our investigation into the illegal trade of kangaroo parts in California
Use our Cleat Cheat Sheet when shopping – the first no-buy-list of kangaroo skin soccer shoes.
*Current as of 2021 – not an exhaustive list and some models no longer available