KangaROOS

KangaROOS is an American sneaker brand first produced in 1979, created by architect and runner Bob Gamm. It is famous for trainers with a small zippered pocket for keys and money.

What is KangaROOS?

KangaROOS is a sneaker brand from the United States. Its defining feature is a small zippered pocket on the shoe, originally designed to carry keys and money.

History

The shoes were designed by Bob Gamm, an American architect and jogging enthusiast who disliked pockets in his light running clothes, and were first produced in 1979. Demand grew rapidly in the early 1980s, and athletes including Clyde Drexler, Walter Payton and Ozzie Smith wore the brand.

In the mid-1980s KangaROOS introduced the patented Dynacoil energy release system, designed by Ray Tonkel and Al Gross. The shoes became popular with casual athletes and schoolchildren, but popularity faded by the end of the decade and they were withdrawn from the market, before a nostalgic revival began in the late 1990s.

Products and positioning

Originally a range of performance shoes for running, training, football and baseball, KangaROOS has shifted towards lifestyle footwear. Some newer models carry the pocket as a side pouch at ankle level for a small wallet.

Distribution

KangaROOS is sold in more than sixty countries, with recent growth in Central and South America and Asia.

Why it matters

KangaROOS shows how a distinctive product feature can carry a heritage sneaker brand into a second life as a lifestyle label.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded KangaROOS?

KangaROOS shoes were designed by Bob Gamm, an American architect and jogger, and first produced in 1979.

Why do KangaROOS shoes have a pocket?

Gamm added a small zippered pocket so runners could carry keys and money without needing pockets in their clothing.

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