Madhappy Just Gave Keen’s Classic Shanti Clog a Major Glow-up
Stacia Datskovska
Senior Commerce Writer for WWD
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Keen, beloved worldwide for its durable and high-performance footwear meant to get you everywhere in life — but especially as it relates to active, outdoors-based pursuits — has just teamed up with Madhappy, a Los Angeles-based and Gen Z–approved lifestyle brand that helps to promote optimism and mental health awareness through its apparel. The outcome? A shoe release that you won’t want to take off all spring and summer long, in the form of Keen’s Shanti Clog reimagined in two trendy colorways that will convince you to snag the item in multiples.
The Shanti Clog is the perfect footwear representative of the kind of Erewhon-shopping, workout class–attending L.A. lifestyle we all aspire to, even if living amidst drastically different environs. The shoe was first released by Keen in 2007 and is crafted for maximum support while on the move, thanks to its shock-absorbing foam cushioning and roomy toe box that helps your digits spread naturally without feeling constricted. Other perks that come with the purchase? The Shanti Clog is supremely washable, has a non-marking outsole, and is equipped with odor control that will make funky foot smells a thing of the past. It’s just the thing to slip on while speedwalking around the neighborhood or else recovering from a high-intensity workout class — when all your feet want, besides proper arch support, is to decompress.
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Showcased at the spring 2025 shows of fashion houses like Fendi, slip-on shoes are trending, with thong sandals, in particular, enjoying a spike in popularity. The consensus is that they’re summer’s must-have shoe, and during Paris Fashion Week last October, elevated interpretations were presented on runways by Chloé, Miu Miu, Issey Miyake, and beyond. Though the Keen x Madhappy All Gender Shanti Clog isn’t a true-blue thong sandal, the open-air construction makes it closely resemble one.
This collaboration shoe diverges from its original version in that it now comes in brown and pink hues — the former very much aligned with our collective adoration of chocolate brown at present, as well as Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, and the latter appearing just in time to mark Barbie’s upcoming 66th birthday.
By tapping zeitgeist-ey brands like Madhappy, Keen is embracing innovation despite having been in the shoemaking business for over 20 years. The brand was first put on the map thanks to its Newport Sandal, bearing quick-cinch bungee lacing for easy wear, a high-traction rubber sole, and a design practically begging to be put to the test in outdoor settings (read: tall mountains and thick forests). Keen prides itself in brand transparency — visible in their yearly accountability reports — as well as being PFAS-free since 2018, supporting local communities, and spearheading sustainability initiatives. As for Madhappy, which launched in 2017, it supports mental health research via the Madhappy Foundation and by donating a portion of sales to institutions and causes that are making waves in the space.
That being said, grabbing the fresh Keen x Madhappy shoe will make you feel good, look good, and do good by proxy of both brands’ social impact. Keen (no pun intended) on getting even more sporty styles from the footwear brand adored by serious outdoorsmen and casual consumers alike? Read on for additional bestsellers to shop today.
Shop More Bestselling Footwear From Keen
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on new footwear collaborations and trending shoe styles.
