Fashion’s Favorite Climbing-Inspired Sneaker Has an American-Built Update
As the inaugural model of the KEEN Made Originals, an innovation-focused, US-built line, the Jasper KM Lite is lighter on foot and on the planet.
The KEEN Jasper KM Lite has arrived with an American build that’s both responsibly made and lightweight by design. First introduced in 2008 as the brand’s climbing-inspired outdoor sneaker, the Jasper now has a refreshed look that delivers sleek style without compromising on comfort or quality. Most noticeably, the uppers have been smoothed with discreet stitching while the heel counter is satisfyingly streamlined into the midsole. It’s a subtle shift, but one that quietly ushers the Jasper from trail staple to a pair that’s just as at home in the city as it is off-grid.
For men, the Jasper KM comes in three versatile colorways: Canteen/Black; Khaki/Birch; Black/Steel Grey, while for women, colorways include Granite Green/Black; Cameo Rose/Black; Plaza Taupe/Bitch; Brindle/Birch. Furthermore, the women’s model will be joined by a Mary Jane-inspired variant, the Jasper KM Lite MJ. The dynamic lineup provides options that expand how the silhouette can be worn, from day-to-day utility to more styled, expressive looks.
As a follow-up to the KEEN Made Classics collection unveiled in April, KEEN Made Originals arrives this May, dialing in on one of the brand’s most beloved silhouettes. With collaborative variants emerging from Engineered Garments, Hiking Patrol, 18 East and Gramicci in recent years, the Jasper has slowly but surely taken up a spot among gorpcore favourites, and it’s only getting better.
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While KEEN has been producing pairs in the US via its Oregon factory since 2009, the footwear label recently made a conscious decision to move to a new facility in Kentucky, granting it more robust distribution capabilities and — more importantly — expanding its responsible production initiatives. It was the opening of this new Kentucky hub that planted the seed for KEEN Made, a new sneaker line offering consciously sourced materials and forward-thinking construction not only for greater durability, comfort, but also a lighter environmental impact.
With thoughtful specs, the Jasper KM Lite is far more than meets the eye. Each model coming from the new series features Trampoleen cushioning underfoot, KEEN.FUSION technology binding the sole and upper without harmful chemicals, and materials recommended by the Better Cotton Initiative and gold-rated LWG-certified tanneries. Together, it’s a build that signals a more considered approach to how the shoe is made and how it feels on foot.
“Owning our own factories keeps us closer to what we love, consciously creating versatile footwear that lasts,” KEEN’s Senior VP of Product and Innovation, Scott Labbe, shared. “Here in our Kentucky factory, shoemaking is revived as an art form—by a community of local, talented workers dedicated to premium craftsmanship.”
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As the centerpiece of the KEEN Made Originals collection, the Jasper KM Lite is set for release on May 1 at keenfootwear.com, KEEN Garages, and select retailers.
