Some of the biggest names in sportswear have decided to stop using kangaroo leather in their football boots.
After receiving criticism from activists for animal rights and facing a crackdown in the United States, major shoe companies like Nike and Puma have decided to switch to synthetic materials for their uppers.
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After being shown graphic images of animals being slaughtered for his kangaroo-skin boots, former England captain David Beckham stopped wearing them in 2006.
Last week, Nike, the American sportswear giant, announced that it would stop using kangaroo leather in all of its products by the end of the year.
Their Tiempo line, worn by celebrities like Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, will reportedly switch to a different synthetic fabric in the future.
A few weeks ago, German company Puma announced that they would stop using kangaroo leather.
Nike’s recent announcement has been hailed as a “seismic event for wildlife protection” by Wayne Pacelle, president of animal welfare organization the Centre for a Humane Economy.
The group’s “Kangaroos are not shoes” video was a jab at Nike.
