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KangaROOS Brand

As a result of the brand's unique and functional design features, KangaROOS gained popularity in the 1980s thanks to its running shoes and sneakers with signature pockets.

KangaROOS continues to innovate on classic designs with new silhouettes featuring lightweight materials, memory foam insoles, and sock-like construction.

They offer a wide range of colours, patterns, and materials to suit various lifestyles as well.

DYNACOIL Technology

KangaROOS Originals and Made in Germany models include DYNACOIL shock absorption and energy recovery systems. NASA developed the basic material and used it in astronaut boots during the Apollo missions to absorb shock.

DYNACOIL is a woven fabric made up of five coils of elasticated, interlocked nylon threads. It is lightweight, extremely strong, and returns to its original shape after each impact.

The heel is cushioned with polyurethane, which hugely minimises shock on ankle, knee and hip joints, and the spinal cord and discs.

Sneaker Design

The KangaROOS sneakers not only have a practical design, but they also have functional elements.

One of the most distinctive features of the brand is the KangaROOS Pocket, a small zippered pouch located on its tongue.

In pockets like this, wearers can easily store items like keys, coins, and other essentials.

With designs that cater to a variety of tastes and needs, KangaROOS sneakers often feature cushioned midsoles, padded collars, and durable outsoles.

The History Of KangaROOS

kangaroos vintage poster

1979

Founded by American architect and runner Bob Gamm, KangaROOS is named after Australia's iconic animal. 

Bob had the idea to make a sports shoe that had a small 'pocket' in it that would fit a key and a small number of coins.

kangaroos 1980 poster

1980

The brand releases its first sneaker model, the KangaROOS 'COMBAT', which has a side pocket for holding a key or money.

Runner Bill Rogers wins the Boston City Marathon wearing the 'COMBAT', helping the brand to grow rapidly in the American sports market.

kangaroos coil r1

1981

The KangaROOS Coil R1 model is released, also featuring the small zippered pocket on the side of the shoe.

Bold colour combinations helped the sneaker become fashionable in the 80s, and the original Coil R1 is now a sought-after collector's item among those who appreciate classic styles.

kangaroos skywalker

1983

The brand presented the KangaROOS 'SKYWALKER' in 1983, entering the basketball sport and, thanks to NBA legend Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, became the sneaker of desire of the 80s.

kangaroos drexler

1984

In collaboration with professional basketball player Clyde Drexler, KangaROOS launches the "KangaROOS Drexler" basketball shoe.

university of illinois

1985

Gamm works with a 10,000-square-metre testing facility at the University of Illinois called the KangaROOS Laboratory & Gymnasium, allowing for the development of the brand's sneakers for many different sports including basketball, hockey, tennis and more.

kangaroos dynacoil

1986

Collaborating with NASA engineers, the brand develops the 'Dynacoil' technology, which is a 3D woven coil fabric technology now used in KangaROOS sneakers.

The 'Invader' model is also released, featuring a grooved rubber sole for improved traction, and an upper made from soft suede.

kangaroos rage

1990

KangaROOS Rage, a running shoe known for its futuristic design and technological innovations, is introduced. Featuring the Dynacoil technology, the model had a huge impact on early 90's sneaker culture.

43einhalb store

2008

In collaboration with German sneaker retailer 43einhalb, KangaROOS releases the Limited Edition "43einhalb x KangaROOS Coil-R1".

kangaroos peanut butter coil r1

2014

German-brand AFEW collaborates with KangaROOS for the first time on the Coil R1 in a limited edition release of only 100 pairs. The 'Peanut Butter' sold out immediately.

They go on to collaborate two more times, in 2016 and 2018, on the Omnicoil II 'Jelly' and the Coil R1 'Mighty Forest'.

kangaroos voltera ultimate

2017

Reissued from the 1980s, the "KangaROOS Ultimate" gains popularity among sneaker collectors.

KangaROOS Today

In recent years, KangaROOS has continued to design sneakers that combine functionality with style. KangaROOS has introduced new models and collaborations that have gained popularity among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors. It often collaborates with renowned designers or brands in order to create unique and limited-edition releases.

Moreover, KangaROOS' sneaker offerings have been updated with new materials and technologies, as well as updated versions of classic designs. Although KangaROOS sneakers remain distinguished by their pocket feature, the brand now offers a broad range of styles to suit a wider audience.

A few famous collaborations include Jägermeister's first sneaker collaboration, Sneakerness' 'Green Bridges' Ultimate model, and Tommy Triggah and Morprime's 'The Inside Job' Racer Hybrid collaboration.

With a distinctive and nostalgic appeal, the brand has carved out a niche in the sneaker market through innovation and practicality. Sold in more than 60 countries, the Coil R1 and R2, Invader, and Ultralight are known as the signature KangaROOS models.

Did you know?

Roos Pockets became a signature design element of KangaROOS sneakers since they were introduced as one of their earliest sneaker designs. This unique feature allows wearers to conveniently carry small items, such as keys, coins, or other small essentials, while on the go.