KEEN has released the Jasper KM Lite, the first model in its new US-built KEEN Made Originals line. The lightweight, responsibly produced sneaker updates the brand's classic climbing-inspired design for both urban and outdoor use. It became available on May 1 at keenfootwear.com, KEEN Garages, and select retailers.
The Jasper KM Lite arrives as KEEN's inaugural offering in the KEEN Made Originals collection, following the KEEN Made Classics unveiled in April. Originally introduced in 2008 as a climbing-inspired outdoor sneaker, the refreshed version features smoothed uppers with discreet stitching and a streamlined heel counter integrated into the midsole. This design shift makes it suitable for city streets as well as trails, building on its popularity in gorpcore fashion through collaborations with brands like Engineered Garments and Gramicci. Men's colorways include Canteen/Black, Khaki/Birch, and Black/Steel Grey, while women's options feature Granite Green/Black, Cameo Rose/Black, Plaza Taupe/Black, and Brindle/Birch. A Mary Jane-inspired variant, the Jasper KM Lite MJ, joins the women's lineup for more expressive styling. KEEN produces the sneakers at its new Kentucky factory, a move from its Oregon facility since 2009 that enhances distribution and responsible production. The shoes incorporate Trampoleen cushioning, KEEN.FUSION technology for chemical-free sole binding, Better Cotton Initiative-recommended materials, and leathers from gold-rated LWG-certified tanneries. These features aim for greater durability, comfort, and reduced environmental impact. “Owning our own factories keeps us closer to what we love, consciously creating versatile footwear that lasts,” said Scott Labbe, KEEN’s Senior VP of Product and Innovation. “Here in our Kentucky factory, shoemaking is revived as an art form—by a community of local, talented workers dedicated to premium craftsmanship.”