Keen’s reputation as a hiking shoe brand was cemented in the early-’00s when it effectively invented a new category of footwear with its Newport hybrid sandal. While the Newport is easily the Oregon-based company’s most popular model for outdoorsmen, the Uneek model has become more of a darling in the realm of streetwear, opening the door to collabs with the likes of Kith, Engineered Garments, and END.
Earlier this year, Keen put out the Uneek Loafer, cashing in on the sneaker-loafer trend with a black rendition that sold out very quickly. Well, the silhouette is back once again, this time with a brown Cordovan colorway that looks even better.
A Decade of Uneek Innovation
Since 2014, the Uneek has been one of Keen’s most unconventional designs. The whole thing started when innovator Rory Fuerst Jr. challenged the team to create a shoe built from just two cords and a sole — no flat panels of material, just braided uppers that conform to your foot. Factories couldn’t figure out how to make it at first, so Keen had to develop its own manufacturing process from scratch.
Fast forward to 2025, and the brand has taken that same DNA and reworked it into something you could feasibly wear to the office. The Uneek Loafer WK strips back the sandal’s signature cord construction and reimagines it through a formal lens, borrowing from minimalist city loafers while keeping Keen’s outdoor performance intact.
Cordovan Details
This new Cordovan drop maintains all the handcrafted details that made the black version sell out in 48 hours. The premium leather upper is ethically sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, with hand-stitched and woven cord detailing across the toe box and collar — a subtle nod to the original Uneek sandal. Each pair is individually numbered, which adds a bit of exclusivity.
The construction here features Gold Keen branding that sells the dress shoe vibe, and the rich brown leather with a worn-in quality you’d expect from a classic loafer.
Performance Underneath
Keen built the loafer on its KEEN.CURVE tooling, which is specifically designed for walking and natural motion. The high-rebound foam midsole delivers constant forward momentum with its curved geometry, while the contoured footbed provides serious cushioning. The outsole features a low-profile lug pattern that gives you grip without adding bulk or ruining the refined aesthetic.
There’s also Eco Anti-Odor technology using natural probiotics, which is a nice touch for a shoe you’ll likely wear sockless at some point.
Spec Sheet
Model: Uneek Loafer WK “Cordovan”
Upper: Premium ethically sourced leather (LWG-certified tanneries)
Construction: Hand-stitched and hand-woven
Midsole: KEEN.CURVE with high-rebound foam
Outsole: Low-profile lug pattern, high-traction rubber
Features: Eco Anti-Odor, individually numbered, gold Keen logo
Price: $200
Pricing & Availability
The Uneek Loafer WK in Cordovan releases December 18 at Keen’s website and select retailers. At $200, it’s a limited release, so you’ll want to move quickly if the black version’s sellout speed is any indication.
Recap
Keen Uneek Loafer WK Cordovan
Keen’s bringing back its sold-out Uneek Loafer in a rich brown Cordovan leather that somehow makes their signature woven sandal aesthetic work in a dress shoe.
