Are Keen Work Boots Good? Should You Buy Them!

Searching for a brand that can bring you an exceptional range of work boots which have the potential to keep all the injuries and discomforts out of the way? Well, your search ends here because the brand is none other than Keen!

With its roots in Portland, Keen has emerged as a major producer for a massive range of work and hiking boots. Infact, this brand grabbed the label of “Launch of the Year ” in the year 2003 and since then it is exceeding its own quality standards with every release. But why Keen?

Let me tell you one thing, Keen is a brand that strives to satisfy their customers and for this particular reason, they manufacture products that are both high quality and light on your pockets!

The brand offers newer styles release after release and their construction focuses on one and the only thing which is the protection of your feet. Keen has something for all seasons and for all terrains which make this a perfect amalgamation of versatility and utility!

In this article, I have put together all the information that will clear all your doubts regarding Keen. I have also listed some of the best features and products of Keen which you can wear at work to make it smoother than ever. 

Why Should You Choose Keen?

Keen produces it’s every work boot with honest work ethics and this quality is visible in each one of their products. But here are some of the reasons which will make you fall in love with this brand.

1.) Comfort

As soon as you put on these boots, the first thing you notice is they feel as good and comfortable as any running shoe. This is mainly because of the presence of a unique right and left asymmetric toe box which gives enough room for your toes without being too loose.

The not so squishy footbed with its dual density will automatically fit just perfect in your feet. If you are tired of wearing thick socks in order to compensate for the lack of comfort or fit in other boots then just chill because you won’t need to do that with Keen.

The presence of shank for midfoot support and relatively low heel will make your walking experience really enjoyable.    

2.) Protection

These work  boots are different from other boots as they are designed according to the specified safety standards. Keen knows that your topmost priority at the workplace is your protection and that is why it promises to protect your feet from protruding edges, hazardous chemicals, falling and sharp objects. Not just this, the boots offer safety from electrical shocks, slippage, trauma and what not.

The boots meet the ASTM standards for impact and crush protection and have got a tough, abrasion-resistant material which is generally wrapped around the heel. Not just this, the entire construction despite being water resistant is breathable so that your feet don’t get too sweaty and you can feel fresh all day long!

3.) Performance

With a great traction to offer on hard and wet surfaces, Keen has got an extraordinary performance. The lock notch and speed laces keep the boots from unraveling. Trust me, you can kick hard on a shovel all day long and won’t feel a thing because of it’s super tough sole.

Lastly, all this comes without burning a deep hole in your pocket. The boots are within your budget for the top of the line footgear. I consider Keen a solid value!

Features of Keen Utility Boots

Here is a list of features carried by Keen which makes Keen different from others:

1.)  The boots are certified slip resistant and are tested on Kennedy granting and scaffold boards in dry and wet conditions to make sure that they are safe.

2.) The boots prevent static build up since they are protected against electric hazards.

3.) Keen use 400-600g of warm insulation which makes them insulated against cold.

4.) The boots are manufactured using advanced manufacturing techniques and incorporate metal-free, lightweight design which enhances comfort and strength.

5.) Presence of toe and metatarsal guard save your foot from falling objects or compression injuries.

6.) You can also bid a goodbye to muscular fatigue which can come as a result of excessive standing through the orthotic friendly design of these boots.

7.) The boots have a puncture resistant metal plate between the outsole and insole which  protects you from sharp objects.

8.) Keen boots meet OSHA and ASTM standards.

9.) The boots have got two layers of stitching which makes it easy to replace the soles and add safety features like the puncture-resistant metal plate.

Use of Keen Work Boots

Keen work boots are useful for following people

1.) Keen’s high boots which are called waders extend upto the hip and are worn by anglers.

2.) If you are a steelworker then there are Keen boots which can protect you against injury from pools of molten metal and a variety of chemical exposures.

3.) The insulated and inflatable boots are perfect to be used in snow and wet environments. Keen has also got special boots for summer so you can choose accordingly.

Top 3 Keen Utility Boots

1.) Keen Utility Men’s Detroit Mid Steel Toe Work Boot

This work boot is a mid-rise shoe with lacework that holds your foot like a glove. Made of 100% nubuck leather upper and and a rubber sole, the Detroit boot has got a spacious steel toe box and a supportive fit. Impressively these boots have got a reflective safety feature that can make you visible in the dark.

The shaft of these boots measures 5 inches from sole to the top of the shoe and the mid-rise shank offers torsional stability to the foot. Upper of these boots has got a left and right symmetrical toe made of steel which offers great protection. The inner lining of these boots makes the boot breathable and waterproof.

Furthermore, the Dry-Lex lining has got two-zone technology that is hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Not just this, the boot has dual density EVA footbed which makes it oil and slip resistant. And yes, the boots have got CleanSport NXT for odor protection.

Talking about protection, the boots meet ASTM F1677-96Mark II and AST, F2913 SATRA standards which makes you stand sturdy on dry and wet surfaces. 

Pros:

• • • Metatomical PU footbed
    • Dual density compression EVA midsole

Cons

• • • Feel apart in a week

2.) Keen Utility Men’s Tacoma Waterproof Work Boot

Looking for heavy-duty, hardworking boots which have got a composite toe for safety? Well, these Tacoma can be a perfect choice for you! The composite toe in these boots will give you a steel like strength while putting minimal impact on weight. Made of full grain leather, these boots are waterproof and have got a slip-resistant sole which make these boots ideal for wet and dry surfaces.

The non marking outsole is oil and slip resistant so if you are working in industries which makes them ideal for slippery surfaces. The boots have got 100% non metallic construction with inbuilt Cleansport NXT which perfectly controls odor. You will also find a Goodyear welt construction in these boots which boasts 90 degree heels.

If you are worried about the protection then let me tell you that the boots have a molded rubber toe on the outside which increases the protection double fold. Not just this the boot exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11I/75 C/75 EH and ASTM F1677-96 Mark II standards. For stability and torsional control, there is Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shank.

Even with all these features, Tacoma is as strong as steel and as light as feather. The metatomically designed footbed offers excellent arch support which makes them an ideal outdoor shoe.

Pros:

• • • Composite toe box
    • Waterproof

Cons:

• • • The tread sometimes gets detached from the sole.

3.) Keen Utility Men’s Detroit XT Waterproof Work Boot 

These boots are crafted using Keen Dry breathable and waterproof membrane and have got supportive and flexible fit with a spacious steel toe. Interestingly, the hiking boot inspired design comes with safety features that will make you visible in dimly lit areas.

The boots have steel toes in both the feet’s and are enhanced with Keen Key. Stability in these boots comes with Tech Flex contoured footbed which also offers structure in them. The boots meet the non-slip tests and electrical hazard protection test which makes them ideal for saving you from almost all kinds of hazards.

Lastly, the boot has a Cleansport NXT which results in a non-toxic healthy and natural odor control.

Pros:

• • • Meet ASTM standards 
    • Asymmetrical spacious toes
    • Natural odor control
    • Waterproof leather upper
    • Metatomical footbed

Cons:

• • • For some users there may be sizing issues.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a comfortable, insulated and stylish work boot then Keen can be your automatic choice. Keen’s design team set the company apart from the rest which can be seen in their every product as they have got a unique approach to the design. With great design, the boots also offer better protection comparable to other leading companies. That is why Keen is my choice and it can be yours too!