In a fast-moving world, the idea of slowing down almost feels rebellious. But that’s exactly the energy behind the latest collab between KEEN and Germany’s renowned sneaker boutique AFEW — a drop that invites us to walk with purpose rather than rush to the next stop.
Titled ‘Past Forward,’ the collaboration is more than a design exercise — it’s a statement. KEEN, known for their hybrid outdoor footwear, and AFEW, famous for storytelling-led collabs, join forces to explore walking as a meditative journey. Not just about the destination, but about being present in the moment and reflecting on the past as you move forward.
The shoe at the centre of it all is the UNEEK WK, KEEN’s evolution of their original two-cord silhouette. For this drop, the UNEEK WK gets elevated with KEEN.CURVE — a tech combo that includes a forward-driving curved sole, embedded plate support, and plush energy-return cushioning. The result? A sneaker that looks laid-back but performs like it’s built for serious movement.
Visually, the AFEW x KEEN UNEEK WK ‘Past Forward’ pairs minimalist aesthetics with symbolic touches. Earthy, calming tones meet technical mesh layering and a seamless rubberised mudguard, offering both style and weather-ready functionality. Custom tassels and ribbed cord ends — subtle nods to meditation tools — bring an added depth to the shoe’s design language. It’s the kind of sneaker that fits just as easily into a nature trail as it does a city stroll.
But what really sets this release apart is the message. ‘Past Forward’ speaks to a mindset — one that values balance over burnout, and awareness over autopilot. It’s about walking not just to get somewhere, but to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
This isn’t just another collab for your rotation — it’s a quiet shift in how we move through life.
The AFEW x KEEN UNEEK WK ‘Past Forward’ is available now via KEEN’s official websites and AFEW Store, with a wider retail release dropping August 16 at select global partners. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive drops. For other SNEAKER features, click here.
