KEEN Utility Arvada Work Sneaker

Keen Utility Arvada Work Sneaker

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Keen Utility
Model number: 1027656
Price: 120.00
Weight: 19.08oz / 541g

Keen uses a proprietary mid-sole compression-resisting technology the call KEEN.ReGEN. Keen typically uses this technology on their more athletic style footwear [i.e., Red Hook, Pittsburgh Energy, Arvada] and they claim it returns up to 50% energy with every step.

Wearing the Arvada

While I can’t attest to returning 50% energy, I can tell you that the Arvada has a sneaker-like mesh upper that is breathable and don’t make my feet sweat. Additionally, the sneaker is so comfortable that I forget that it has a carbon-fiber safety toes, and they are lighter than my low-rise leather work shoe with a steel toe.

Another feature I like on the Arvada is the rubber outsole. Keen uses am EH-rated oil-and-slip-resistant rubber outsole.
The Arvada is the first pair of Keen Utility work shoes that I’ve worn that did not seem to need to be “broken in.” They were comfortable day1 and have amazing arch support. For me arch support is important and after a 10-hour day standing, kneeling, and climbing step ladders my arches did not ache at the end of the day.

After wearing the Arvada to work for three weeks, Im impressed and would categorize the Arvada as a light duty construction show. If I were framing or outside in bad elements I’d choose a heavier duty work boot. Having a super comfortable workshoe for interior job site work, and light duty exterior work has been a game changer for me.

Features

• Left and right asymmetrical, non-metallic carbon-fiber toes offer unobtrusive fit and are 15% lighter than steel.
• Reflective webbing for additional safety and visibility
• Nylon shank for midfoot support
• Electrical hazard (EH) or Electric Shock Resistant (ESR) footwear provides a secondary source of protection in case accidentally encountering live electrical circuits.
• Abrasion-resistant synthetic upper
• Mesh liner provides breathability to help keep feet cool in warm environments.
• Removable metatomical PU footbed
• KEEN.ReGEN: A lightweight, compression-resisting midsole providing 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam.
• Oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole

Safety Information

• Meets ASTM F3445-21 and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH standards.
• Meets ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards.
• Meets ASTM SATRA TM31 material abrasion testing standards.
• Outsole and midsole meet ASTM D471-06 903# oil and isooctane chemical resistance standards.

Price and Where T0 Buy

The Keen Utility Arvada work sneaker comes in four color schemes, and sells online here, Keen Utility Arvada, for approximately $120.

KEEN Utility Arvada Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

KEEN Utility Detroit XT Work Boots – Built for Comfort and Safety

The very first day I wore my new KEEN Utility Detroit XT work boots to work, I had two different workmen stop me and ask me about my boots. I  never knew I was a trend or fashion setter! In addition, they took out their smartphones, took pictures of the KEEN boots and asked where they could buy them. I directed them to the Keen website: www.keenutility.com.

I have never had that experience before with any footwear or work clothes. Anyway, I spent the next few minutes telling them about the reasons I liked these work boots and why I considered them one of the right tools for my job. This review will cover those same reasons.

KEEN Utility Detroit XT Steel Toe Work Boot Features

• Left and right asymmetrical steel toes
• DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
• KEY-TECH FLEX: contoured underfoot support provides structured stability and comfort
• Contoured heel lock
• Reflective webbing for additional safety and visibility
• Detroit XT Meets ASTM F1677-96 MARK II non-slip testing standards
• Boots Meet ASTM F2913 SATRA non-slip testing standards
• Meets ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
• Cleansport NXT for natural odor control

All Day Comfort Is Critical In the Office & On the Jobsite

My job as a construction project executive takes me into very different environments during the course of the workday. For one minute, I am in the construction site office. The next I may be on the job site looking at site-specific issues and problems. I do not want to or have time to change footwear when I am needed somewhere else. What I am looking for is a work boot that serves me well under changing conditions. Also, I want one that is comfortable enough to wear all day long.

I’ve gone back and forth between traditional work boots and hiking boots, trying to find the right balance between comfort and safety. For my wide foot, more traditional work boots, especially with steel toes,  were always stiff and uncomfortable. They cramped up my toes. While much more comfortable and form fitting, the hiking boots just were not durable. Hiking boots are not safe enough for the construction environment. However, after wearing the KEEN Utility Detroit XT boots for the last month, I think I have finally found that balance. The Detroit XT boots are a comfortable, professional grade, work boot that combines comfort and safety features into a construction-ready work boot. My foot comfort and safety makes these boots as critical a tool for me as any of the others I use every day.

Not My First Pair of KEENs

I have owned other KEEN footwear – most notably my blue sandal “Rock Hoppers” as my kids call them. These sandals have the characteristic rounded and over-scaled toe protection. They remind me of the shoes Elmer Fudd wears in the Looney Tunes cartoons.

This feature was the invention of Martin Keen, an avid sailor who preferred to wear sandals on deck. He came up with the idea in 1999 after growing sick of stubbing his toes while boating. The rubberized, rounded toe protection became a key design concept for the company he founded and for many future KEEN products.

Safety – Without Giving up Comfort

Safety is critical part of my everyday responsibilities. When I talk to workers about the importance of proper safety gear, the subject of toe protection is often one of our topics. Often, they choose to have comfortable feet over having protected feet. Many steel-toed work boots are simply uncomfortable to wear.

KEEN Utility Detroit XT boots provide both comfort and safety. They have asymmetrical left and right steel toes that provide a large protective shell and allow for toe movements. I have a EE wide foot and my toes have ample room to move in the Detroit XT boots. No cramped or pinched toes here. The KEEN work boots are so comfortable I don’t even know they are work boots even though I know they have a safety toe!

All day comfort is largely derived from this KEEN.KEY-TECH FLEX technology, which offers contoured TPU torsion stability from the heel to the forefoot. A three-part interlocking midsole system give the foot stability while helping to reduce foot fatigue on uneven surfaces like, say, walking over gravel in job sites. Additionally, the system offers increased flexibility at crucial flex zones in the forefoot for easier, more comfortable knee-down work.

In addition to the toe protection, these boots also feature reflective webbing for additional safety and visibility and an oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking, EH-rated rubber outsole that meets Mark II and SATRA non-slip testing standards for traction in wet or dry environments.

Comfort – Without Giving up Safety

Ultimately, these boots feel better because they use lots of great technology in the work boots. To keep your foot dry, KEEN developed KEEN.DRY.  As a result, this waterproof and breathable membrane allows water vapors to escape from the boot interior while keeping external moisture out of this water-proof boot.

I can attest to having submersed these boots numerous times and I did not wet my socks or see any sign of water infusion. These boots also feature footbed that provides excellent arch support that cradles the natural contours of the wearer’s foot.

I cannot attest to the impact of the footbed design feature because I have very high arches. However, one of the other more-flat-footed TBB crewmembers told me that the KEEN boots he uses daily make a big difference in his foot fatigue.

A Surprise Feature

I never thought I would fall in love with this KEEN feature – the laces! I have never seen laces that are wrinkled/ribbed like these. This feature makes all the difference in keeping these boots tied up. What makes the KEEN laces different is that they have a slight recessed twist in them giving them a ribbed profile. The ribs work incredibly well. They fit into the friction catches at the top of the boot and they do not come free. Tying the laces may be an extra step as the lace ribs are already captured. In my experience, the laces stay tight for the whole day. Every boot needs laces and catches like these KEEN boots have.

The Decision Is Easy

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is to buy great quality tools that help me be more productive, safer, and more profitable. Buying boots should be no different especially when you consider the amount of time you spend in them. As a result, once you try on a pair of KEEN Detroit XT Work Boots the decision to buy them will be very easy.

Which Boot Is Right For You? …. The Boot Finder!

It is worth mentioning that KEEN makes the decision as to which of their boots will meet your needs and preferences. For your convenience, KEEN provides an online Boot Finder application, https://www.keenfootwear.com/utility-boot-finder.html. Logging onto this easy-to-use application will get you to the KEEN boot that fit you best.

After wearing these boots on and off the job for the last month, I can tell you they are the most comfortable work boots I may have ever worn. Check them out on the KEEN web site.

Keen Utility Detroit XT Work Boots is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Keen Utility Roadshow

Keen Utility are great boots. As far as work boots go, it’s all I wear. Before I got my first pair I was really leery of them. They weren’t carried in any local stores and while they looked great online, it was impossible to tell how they fit without getting them on my feet. The Keen Utility Roadshow is looking to solve this and bring the boots to you.

Boots Are Personal

Wellingtons are in the upper left.

As anyone knows, boot/shoe preference can be a pretty personal thing. We all have differently shaped feet and what may work for one, may not work for another. When I got my first pair of Keens, the brand was still in their infancy. I had only done a few reviews here and wasn’t working full time in construction yet. They were holding an online contest and I ended up winning a pair of Dallas Wellingtons.

Wellingtons are a no lace, high cuff boot. You slip them on and off using the loops on either side of the top of the cuff. Think rain boot. Anyway, I won a pair of wellingtons so I ordered my normal size in tennis shoe. Well, being that they didn’t have laces, my foot wasn’t as secure as I had hoped. I needed a half size smaller. I was afraid I would have to pay return shipping in order to get the right size. Those are the fears with ordering shoes/boots online… especially with a brand you’ve never worn. Thankfully, their return policy was very forgiving at the time (it still is) and it was no issue returning and getting the right size.

Boots On The Ground

At the time I won the wellingtons, Keen Utility wasn’t offered in any brick and mortar stores near me. Fast forward almost a decade and Keen Utility is being offered in a lot more stores. The unfortunate thing is that their store locator still isn’t all that great… at least in my personal experience. In my town of 50,000 people the store locator lists 3 locations. One store has been out of business for a year. One store carries the lifestyle/hiking boots but not work boots. The other store carries a few styles but can order more. The biggest carrier of their boots in town, Mills Fleet Farm, isn’t even listed. So while the boots are in more stores, they are still hard to find.

Let The Boots Come To You

So what’s a guy to do that wants to look into the brand besides the one or two pairs offered at their local store? For the second year in a row, the Keen Utility Roadshow is traveling the country and parts of Canada coast to coast. They are bringing a tricked out trailer stuffed with almost the full line and especially the new styles to a local independently owned shoe/boot retailer near you. It is the perfect opportunity to get them on your feet but also to get to know your local independently owned retailer.

Left To Right

Like last year, the Keen Utility Roadshow is traveling the country and Canada, left to right. They are starting in their home state of Oregon, then up to Washington, and then up into British Colombia. They update the dates every month or so. The further east you are, the later in the year they will be out your way. The dates can be found here about halfway down the page.

My Local Stop – Owatonna Shoe

Last year, the Keen Utility Roadshow came to Owatonna Shoe. Owatonna Shoe is a local, independently owned shoe store that’s been in business for 72 years. To be honest, the roadshow brought me in but the customer service keeps me coming back. There is no question, these guys know their shoes and boots. Besides having an amazing selection in store, they also have a boot truck that travels around to the major local employers.

Many employers give their employees a footwear stipend to use to protect their feet. The boot truck brings the boots to the employees. They come up into the truck and it’s like a mini shoe store inside. It’s climate controlled and has all the products on display. The boot truck is essentially a roadshow for the store.

If you work for a construction/industrial business with a fair number of employees and you get a boot allowance, check with the local shoe retailer when the Keen Utility Roadshow comes to town. Chances are they may have a boot truck that can come to you next time. And if you’re in Southern MN, call up Owatonna Shoe to see if their truck can stop by your place of employment.

Keen Utility Roadshow is a post from Tool Box Buzz

KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway

The Crew at TBB would like to start the new year off on the right foot (see what I did there?). We are giving away a pair of KEEN Utility Braddock Boots to one lucky winner!

This hiking-inspired work boots are assembled with pride in Portland, Oregon from materials from around the world. A breathable waterproof membrane adds extra protection against the elements, and the rugged, non-slip sole keeps it stable.

KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway Rules:

Enter your information in the giveaway form at the bottom of this page.

KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway – Extra Credit Entries

Who doesn’t like to increase their chances of winning? Here are some ways to increase your chances to win this KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway. We allow 5-extra entry points for each of the following.

Follow us on Twitter: @Tool_Box_Buzz and leave a comment with hashtag #TBBcrew
Follow us on Instagram: toolboxbuzz and leave a comment with hashtag #TBBcrew
Like Keen on Facebook: KEEN Utility
Like us on our Tool Box Buzz Facebook page and leave a comment with hashtag #TBBcrew
Follow the Concord Carpenter YouTube Channel here: Concord Carpenter
Subscribe to our newsletter: On The Level – Straight Advice from the Pros
Leave a comment on one of our Tools on Tap videos and tag #TBBcrew

Giveaway Dates

The KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway ends January 27, 2016 at 8:00pm EST.

The winner will receive an email and be announced on Facebook that week. The winner must respond within 48 hours of first notification to claim the prize. Open to U.S residents only ages 18 and older.

GOOD LUCK!

KEEN Utility Braddock Boot Giveaway is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Keen Durham AT ESD Safety Shoe Review

A year is a long time for a work boot or shoe. That’s how long I’ve been wearing the Keen Durham AT ESD Safety Shoe. 5 days a week for a whole year. Mic drop.

I’ve been wearing Keen’s on the jobsite for a few years now. I just got tired of the sore aching feet at the end of every work day. Keen’s have been a night and day change for me. Maybe it’s my foot shape (arch-less blob) that just happens to match their lasts (foot molds) or something else. All I know is that they are incredibly comfortable.

We first saw the Durham shoe at the Keen Utility Media Event back in July of 2015. Up to that point I’d been wearing big boots with huge lugs which are excellent for outdoors but can drag quite a bit of dirt with them. The Keen Durham had almost a smooth sole. Perfect for interior carpentry.

First Look At The KEEN Durham July, 2015

I waited a few months after the event before requesting them. We had just gotten the trusses up on a giant house we were building so it was almost time to move indoors. It was also approaching winter. A good test for any boot or shoe is how they can handle wetting and drying from snow and ice. A huge benefit of the Keen Durham is it’s fabric construction. It handles wetting and drying cycles much better than leather. Leather can dry and start to crack. Not so with these Keen’s.

Notable Features

The Keen Durham Safety Shoe comes in a couple different configurations. All of them are ESD which stands for electrostatic dissipation. This means that it reduces static electricity build up. The AT in the name stands for aluminum toe. It is lighter than steel but just as strong (meets the same prescriptive safety standard). Like their steel toes, the aluminum toe is also asymmetric meaning that it is differently shaped for right and left. This contributes to their comfort.

Other Features

• Electro static dissipative (ESD) footwear is constructed to reduce excess static electricity
• Left and right asymmetrical aluminum toe
• Meets or exceeds ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards
• Meets or exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 SD Standards
• Oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsole
• PU midsole
• PU reinforced upper
• Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
• Hockey skate style laces

What are the Keen Durham Shoes Good For

Keen recommends these shoes for indoor manufacturing or light outdoor work. Personally I use them for carpentry. They have excellent traction on concrete, wood, vinyl, and other interior floor coverings. Even wet areas are no sweat for this shoe. And like I mentioned before the sole is really smooth with few sipes (grooves) for mud and debris to be tracked in. The shoe is also really flexible and light so it is no issue bending down and crouching with these shoes on. The PU (polyurethane) midsole also makes it well suited for those that have to stand and work on hard surfaces all day.  A PU midsole is the squishy foam between the upper part of the shoe and the sole. It is like standing on a big cushion. The Durhams are also available in multiple colors. Red/black, black/black, and green/black in the aluminum toe and black/black and gray/black in the soft toe.

Where to Buy

Keen Durham (and all other Keen’s) can be purchased from their website. They have a very liberal return policy. If you don’t like it within the first 30 days, just send it back. You lose out on the original shipping cost but it’s not bad. Exchanges are pretty easy too. Just buy another pair and you’ll get refunded for the first transaction when they get the return back. I totally get wanting to go in and try them on in a store. They have a handy “Find a Dealer” page on their website that can help you find a store locally that sells them.

Normally these retail for $135 but they are on Amazon (black/black and green/black) for $67.50. That’s half price and a screamin’ deal for these shoes.

Keen Durham AT ESD Safety Shoe Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

World of Concrete 2016 Highlights

Whenever we go to a trade show or media event we often post in realtime to our Facebook page and Twitter feed. Many of you are not able to follow along during the work day so we like to do aggregate posts that catch you up to speed of the new developments we find interesting (like these past events 2015 WOC, 2015 KEEN Utility, and 2015 Milwaukee). We attended the World of Concrete 2016 show again this year and covered as much of the show as possible in two days but the show was massive. It was the largest one in 7 years. We tried to hit as many manufacturers as we could but it was impossible to hit everything. Below are some of the highlights that caught our eye this year.

World of Concrete 2016 Twitter Feed

Heard of @ReechCraftUSA? They offer fast access solutions for pros. Cool stuff. pic.twitter.com/fzhDTm96ug

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 3, 2016

Took a look at @kesonindustries booth at @WorldofConcrete. Their giant chalk reels are top notch. pic.twitter.com/6C7FmJC9Iw

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 3, 2016

At the @BoschToolsNA booth, demolition is in the air and on the wall. pic.twitter.com/3zztNtAnCB

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 3, 2016

Dust extractor attachment for the @BoschToolsNA Brute Turbo (and other brands hammers) works really well. pic.twitter.com/bzPec3yF44

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 3, 2016

Anyone tune into the @BoschToolsNA live stream tonight? pic.twitter.com/Tlp4S1XXzC

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 3, 2016

The @WorldofConcrete show was so big this year we needed a week to catchup with all of the content. #WOC2016

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Worlds smallest ride on trowel. 2 guys can carry it and it fits through a doorway. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/YDu89YYTft

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

The @HiltiNAmerica vampire chisel is now available for the big breaker. We've waited a year for this thing. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/ot8YIA0Jet

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

The @HiltiNAmerica chisel fits other brands too. Wave design helps it to break more and get stuck less. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/1kOEtpHwKs

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

With the biggest show in 7 years, @HiltiNAmerica couldn't be contained to just one booth. Try before buy. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/Coqc3Ht2kI

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

One of @HiltiNAmerica new tools this year was the TE-800 AVR. Welcomed update to the venerable 805. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/0WrC4jZX7X

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Used lots of cordless grinders. Most shutdown when the going gets tough. Try the @HiltiNAmerica , do it #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/DCvLO0AK1E

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Last year @HiltiNAmerica equidist was new with the core bits. Now they have made it to partner saw blades. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/hmdPVhcde9

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Last year the @HiltiNAmerica SF 10W-A18 was the fastest we've ever used. Now with active torque control. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/zcwIAEYgBv

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

The @HiltiNAmerica cordless drill/driver line has some new friends this year. 12V line! Screwdriver rocks. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/doiPm7PcZr

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Have a handful of partner saws in the crib including 2 900-x. @HiltiNAmerica is making recoil repair easier #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/w85oEvx8xm

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

Tried the new @HiltiNAmerica 12V line. The screwdriver was a real joy to use. $299 for 3 tools, 2 batts #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/dAhU6qjJmx

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

In need of asset management? Take a look @HiltiNAmerica entry. Solves a lot of problems of other products #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/UkTEwP3983

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

With a wave of the @HiltiNAmerica scanner the whole job box is checked back into the crib. Sweet! #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/mtWjVKN91K

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

See @HiltiNAmerica cup grinder in the foreground? Has been out roughly 10 years and it's still the best. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/qAVKq44jUz

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

The @keenutility booth was buzzing at #WOC2016 Lots of traffic checking out the new styles including the Glendale. pic.twitter.com/H7PqK7Snze

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

I have no use for one but really want a demolition robot from @HusqvarnaUSA and Brokk. #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/xOLjAWdmSE

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

The #WOC2016 show takes an army of forklifts to move the mountains of crates for the different vendors. pic.twitter.com/VTu7po1Prx

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

One of our readers is on the design team for the new @SchwingAmerica SCT ready mix control. Awesome system #WOC2016 pic.twitter.com/hTKNmUyvuY

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

There's more than just tools at #WOC2016. Plenty of heavy iron for the kid in all of us. pic.twitter.com/O5UdEwayZd

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

We love that there are more entries into the 12V realm. It's the sweet spot for MRO. #WOC2016 @MakitaTools pic.twitter.com/pjrYVtwJnq

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) February 13, 2016

World of Concrete 2016 Highlights is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2015 KEEN Utility Media Event Twitter Highlights

Last week we had the opportunity to attend the first media event at KEEN Utility and get a first hand look at the product and the company. We were part of a small handful of Tool and Construction media personnel invited and it gave us a really clear look at what is important to KEEN and KEEN Utility as a company. We had the opportunity to tour the city of Portland, the KEEN headquarters, and the factory.

During an event like this we post quite a bit to our Twitter and Facebook feeds, all in real-time. It’s the closest we can get to having you at the event with us. If you follow us on our social media channels you may have seen a lot of this already. If you missed some of it though, here’s every post from Twitter in its entirety.

Some of the current @keenutility lineup. pic.twitter.com/krYgKsl6TT

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 15, 2015

This wedge from @keenutility reminds me of the Red Wing wedge boot. pic.twitter.com/0Wd70MkWp7

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 15, 2015

5 different sizes of asymmetrical toes for maximum comfort from @keenutility pic.twitter.com/OY22CqX21s

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 15, 2015

The Mt Vernon replaces the Portland in the @keenutility line. Same sole as the Braddock. pic.twitter.com/3iiGj51a4G

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 15, 2015

The @keenutility line isn't just for guys. This is one of the styles for women. pic.twitter.com/bvPDwzbHfb

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 16, 2015

The wedge style from @keenutility comes in both steel toe and soft toe. Black is the soft. pic.twitter.com/u2uCGpxd2u

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 16, 2015

When @keen remodeled the building that became their HQ they only had one dumpster of debris. @keenutility pic.twitter.com/QLPaQnGWig

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 16, 2015

If you work outside during the cold winter months, @keenutility is adding another insulated offering. The Minot. pic.twitter.com/kiKjKm74Ql

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 16, 2015

Americans building shoes in America. @keenutility and @KEEN were on the line. pic.twitter.com/Ag4dMyMmSK

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 17, 2015

Conference room at @KEEN and @keenutility factory. pic.twitter.com/DaZtBz5ndJ

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 17, 2015

At the @keenutility factory anyone can stop the line if they see a quality issue. From uppers to polyurethane. pic.twitter.com/NrcOYLLTA2

— Tool Box Buzz (@Tool_Box_Buzz) July 17, 2015

2015 KEEN Utility Media Event Twitter Highlights is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Win a pair of Keen Utility Braddock Work Boots

The folks at Keen Utility are giving away a pair of Braddock AL WP work boots to one lucky ToolBoxBuzz newsletter subscriber.     Read more about these boots here.

Keen Utility Workboot Giveaway Rules:

1.Follow ToolBoxBuzz on Facebook: ToolBoxBuzz Facebook Page
2.Enter your information in the entry form at bottom of this page.

Extra Entries:

Who doesn’t like to increase their chances of winning something? If you would like to increase your chances to win with EXTRA entries. We allow five extra entry points for each one or of the following. [Note – repetitive entries with different email address will be deleted]

• “LIKE” Keen Utility on Facebook
• “Follow us on Twitter: @Tool_Box_Buzz
• Follow us on Instagram: Tool_Box_Buzz
• Subscribe To ToolBoxBuzz YouTube Channel

Entry Dates:

The Keen Utility work boot Giveaway ends on June 6, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will receive an email and be announced on Face Book on that week, winner must respond within 48 hours of first notification to claim prize. Open to 18 yrs old, residents of U.S. only.

Good luck!!

Entry Form

Keen Utility Braddock Work Boot Giveaway is a post from Tool Box Buzz

KEEN Utility Braddock AL WP Work Boot Review

KEEN Braddock Mid AL WP Work Boot

4.5/5

Manufacturer: KEEN
Model number: 1012771
Price: $195
Weight: 28.6 oz

Backstory on KEENs

Comfortable on the job site or the trail

In February 2015, Thomas Heath wrote an article in The Washington Post about the founder of KEEN, Martin Keen. The article focused mostly on the furniture business Martin is building now but it had a couple paragraphs in the middle talking about how KEENs were originally designed to be comfortable above all else.

Keen wanted closed-toed shoes to protect his feet while sailing. His approach was methodical. He created a “library of footshapes” from various molds he made of real people’s feet, allowing him to study different shapes and sizes.

He concluded that the toe area should be wide instead of having a more-fashionable narrow taper. He didn’t care how they looked. He was making them for himself, and he demanded comfort and practicality. “I wanted a shoe that did no harm,” he said.

Even though Martin has sold out his share of company, the shoes are still designed with the same idea to be comfortable above all else.

Features

• American Built
• Direct attach outsole for superior bonding
• KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane
• Left and right asymmetrical steel toes
• Lining with hydrophobic/hydrophilic 2-zone comfort technology
• Meets or exceeds ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards
• Meets or exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards
• Oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsole
• Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
• Waterproof nubuck leather upper

Comfort

Form follows function. These boots, like all Keen’s before them were designed with comfort in mind. Right off the bat they feel like a well broken-in shoe. An extremely comfortable pair of shoes, not those 5 year old floppy lawn mowing shoes you can’t seem to throw away. For these boots the comfort originates in the toe area. With the asymmetrical steel toes, the toe compartment is shaped like my foot. Not only that but it is wider up in the ball of the foot area. That’s different than boots I’ve worn in the past.

The comfort continues into the rest of the footbed. I’m not sure what metatomical means when referring to the Features above but for me it means comfort. In the past I’ve had to cut the arch area out of boots, shoes, hockey skates, etc. My feet just needed more room in that area so that they didn’t ache. The Keens offer my feet plenty of room in this area but not to the point of being sloppy.

Assembled in America

KEEN Utility Braddock AL WP Work Boot Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz