In a world driven by speed and instant gratification, KEEN and AFEW Store have come together to offer an intentional pause. Their latest collaboration, titled Past Forward, challenges our relationship with walking, reframing it not simply as a means to an end, but as mediative practice rooted in presence, reflection and a deeper connection with one’s surroundings.
A New Chapter for the UNEEK WK
The cornerstone of this collaboration is KEEN’s UNEEK WK, a forward thinking reinterpretation of their iconic two-cord sandal. The updated silhouette features KEEN.CURVE, a three-part innovation made up of a curved sole shape, plate reinforcement, and high-rebound midsole cushioning.
Designed to create a sensation of forward momentum, the sneaker encourages movement. The technology adds a dynamic energy, making walking feel lighter. This blend of engineering and experience fits perfectly with AFEW Store’s ethos.
A Meeting Point Between East and West
Inspiration for this collaboration flows from the acient to the modern, the spiritual to the technical. The Past Forward concept borrows from Eastern walking meditation, where each step is taken with intention and a form of awareness. By incorporating these ideas into the design, the sneaker becomes a tool for mindfulness. Every component of the shoe, from the build to the colourway, aims to create a balance, encouraging wearers to slow down and reconnect with the simple act of moving through spaces.
This philosophy is expressed through considered design choices. The translucent, seamless mudguard gives the shoe a clean and contemporary finish. Muted tones reflect the calming nature of walking without urgency, drawing from natural elements and mediative environments.
Symbolism Woven into Every Detail
The attention to detail in the design is a direct reflection to the values behind the project. Custom tassels and ribbed cord ends subtly reference prayer beads and meditation tools, embedding spiritual significance into functional elements. These additions might seem modest at first glance, but they speak volumes about the thought process behind the collaboration, nothing is decorative and everything has meaning.
