Afew Store and KEEN’s ‘Past Forward’ UNEEK WK Sneaker is Designed For Mindful Walking

Summary:

• KEEN and Afew Store co-create the “Past Forward” UNEEK WK sneaker to promote intentional walking and a slower daily rhythm.
• The sneaker features KEEN.CURVE technology and minimalist aesthetics that merge functional footwear with purposeful design.
• It drops at KEEN and Afew Store starting August 2.

Afew Store has joined forces with KEEN to unveil a thoughtfully designed, limited-edition sneaker – the “Past Forward” UNEEK WK – in a collaboration that bridges Eastern meditation practice with contemporary tech innovation, encouraging wearers to embrace a slower, more intentional rhythm while walking.

Founded over 20 years ago in Oregon, KEEN has consistently prioritized footwear that “does more,” crafting pieces around purpose-driven design and durability. In today’s fast-paced world, carving out time for mindful slowness is increasingly rare. Yet as utilitarian function and fashion continue to intersect, KEEN is teaming up with the German-based Afew Store to co-design a sneaker that celebrates movement as mindfulness, hoping to encourage a conscious and unhurried mindset.

The silhouette is based on KEEN’s original two-cord design and features KEEN.CURVE technology that delivers a seamless curve from toe to heel, promoting forward motion. Aesthetically, the design is finished with a calming, minimalist color palette, rugged rubberized mudguard, and thoughtful details like a custom tassel and ribbed cord – all subtle nods to walking meditation practices. With this sneaker, the two brands  invite the wearer  “to rediscover walking as a conscious ritual, to move with presence and to value the journey itself.”

The “Past Forward” UNEEK WK launches August 2 exclusively via KEEN and Afew Store.