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We did it. In a landmark victory for kangaroos and compassionate consumers, Adidas and ASICS have both confirmed they will no longer use kangaroo leather in their footwear products.
This moment marks a major shift in the global movement toward ethical fashion — and it’s thanks to the relentless efforts of advocates, activists, and everyday Australians who refused to stay silent.
What’s Changed?
In May 2025, Adidas announced at its Annual General Meeting that it had officially ended the use of kangaroo-derived materials in its shoes. The company confirmed this decision was made months earlier, following sustained public and organisational pressure.
Just days later, Japanese sportswear brand ASICS followed suit — declaring it would phase out kangaroo leather from all products by the end of 2025, citing high-performance synthetic alternatives already in use.
These decisions mean that two of the world’s largest sportswear brands are no longer fuelling the commercial slaughter of Australia’s native kangaroos.
The Animal Justice Party Was on the Frontlines
The Animal Justice Party led the charge against the commercial kangaroo industry in Australia — organising powerful nationwide protests, launching targeted campaigns, and mobilising thousands of supporters.
Our Victorian team played a key role in building momentum through:
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Protests in Melbourne and across regional Victoria
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Petition campaigns and direct advocacy targeting Adidas' leadership
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Ongoing collaboration with local rescue groups and wildlife defenders
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Participation in and promotion of key events such as monthly kangaroo outreach sessions and the Global Day of Protest Against Adidas
Together with national and international allies, we helped turn global attention toward a brutal industry that has operated in the shadows for too long.
Why This Matters
Each year, approximately 2 million wild kangaroos are killed for their skins, many of them mothers with dependent joeys. This practice has long been a source of concern for animal welfare advocates, who have highlighted the cruelty and environmental impact associated with the kangaroo leather trade.
The decisions by Adidas and ASICS to phase out kangaroo leather represent a significant step towards ending this practice and promoting more ethical alternatives in the fashion industry.
What Led to These Outcomes?
The turning point in the fight against kangaroo leather came through years of relentless advocacy and grassroots pressure.
The “Kangaroos Are Not Shoes” campaign, launched by the Center for a Humane Economy in 2020, played a central role in raising global awareness about the cruelty behind kangaroo leather. Through sustained campaigning, the initiative successfully convinced major sportswear brands — including Nike, Puma, New Balance, and now Adidas and ASICS — to discontinue the use of kangaroo skins in their products.
This monumental shift wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of animal protection organisations such as In Defense of Animals (IDA) and the Center for a Humane Economy, alongside growing consumer demand for cruelty-free alternatives.
A special shoutout must also go to local heroes on the ground:
💜Victorian Kangaroo Alliance
💜 Collective Fashion Justice
💜 Defend the Wild
💜 Kangaroos Alive
...and many other grassroots organisations that have campaigned for years to end the commercial slaughter of kangaroos.
Their dedication, persistence, and community mobilisation made this global victory possible.
What’s Next?
While the decisions by Adidas and ASICS are commendable, the fight for animal welfare continues. Other brands, particularly Japanese manufacturers like Mizuno, still use kangaroo leather in their products. Advocacy groups are now focusing their efforts on urging these companies to follow the lead of Adidas and ASICS and adopt cruelty-free alternatives.
What You Can Do
💜 Support Brands That Use Cruelty-Free Materials: Choose products from companies that have committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
💜 Advocate for Change: Join campaigns and initiatives that aim to raise awareness and promote the protection of wildlife.
💜 Stay Informed: Keep up to date with developments in the fashion industry and support policies that protect animals.
The Animal Justice Party Victoria stands in solidarity with all efforts to promote kindness and compassion towards animals. We encourage our supporters to continue advocating for ethical practices in all industries. Together, we can drive positive change and create a more compassionate world for all beings.
For more information on how you can get involved and support animal welfare initiatives, visit the Animal Justice Party Victoria website.
