Our Story

Our Story

Tarkine was founded by Australian runners Sam Burke and Ross Johnson alongside a team of experienced industry veterans.

We were fed up with the state of the shoe industry. Full of fads and disinformation, highly wasteful to the environment, and dominated by multi-billion dollar stock listed companies. We decided it was time to show that a startup out of Australia was capable of changing the game, setting new standards, and creating shoes that rival and exceed those of its massive competitors.

Our focus on eco-friendly materials and a comprehensive recycling program is designed to force the industry to step up, cease its wasteful practices, and take real responsibility for its carbon footprint.

We are confident that we have created truly high-end running shoes and apparel, and done so in an eco-friendly way. Our products are built for:

Serious and elite runners. Everyday joggers and walkers. Lifestyle wear. Those who want to support a small Australian company instead of multinational stock listed corporations. Those who care about the environment and only want to wear eco-friendly products.

Importantly, we hope the success of this business will help to protect many of the world's most wild places, including Australia's largest temperate rainforest, the Tarkine. It is a special place, a wild place, full of old growth Gondwanan rainforest. We owe at least that much to the next generation.

Proud Supporter

1% of every Tarkine sale goes to the Bob Brown Foundation to help protect the takayna/Tarkine Rainforest. The Bob Brown Foundation is one of Australia's most respected environmental organisations, dedicated to defending wild places through peaceful direct action, advocacy, and community campaigns. They operate with full annual reporting, transparency, and accountability. We work closely with the BBF and have its full blessing and support. Revenue is reported monthly.