Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re used to cloudy, drizzly weather 9 months of the year, and waterproof footwear is a top choice. So what do we know about breathable work shoes? Well, our 3 months of summer are warm and dry, and workers around here appreciate a good pair of ventilated work shoes.
So if you work in a hot environment, log thousands of steps during long shifts, or spend your workday hustling between the truck and delivery drops, you, too, could benefit from the lightweight, breathable, sneaker-like comfort of mesh work shoes. KEEN Utility mesh work shoes combine the athletic feel of a sneaker with a breathable upper and protective safety features to keep your feet cool, comfortable, and protected on the job.
No matter the safety toe type, cushioning performance, weather protection, stability, or outsole feature you’re looking for, find it in the lineup of KEEN Utility breathable work shoes designed with performance mesh uppers.
| Series | Carbon Toe | Aluminum Toe | Steel Toe | KEEN.ReGen Cushioning | KEEN.ReGen+ Cushioning | KEEN.DRY Waterproof Available | ESD Outsole Available |
| Speedworks | X | X | |||||
| Synchro | X | X | X | ||||
| Vista Energy | X | X | X | ||||
| Sparta 2 | X | X | X | ||||
| Reno KBF | X | X | X | ||||
| Flint II | X | X | X |
With an idea of what’s available, let’s take a deeper dive into the different KEEN Utility work shoes that feature a breathable mesh upper.
KEEN Utility continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with work footwear design. The Speedworks proves it – it’s our lightest work sneaker ever, thanks to innovative materials and a lower-profile carbon toe. This style features a highly breathable mesh upper that’ll keep your feet cool and comfortable, no matter how hard you work. KEEN.ReGEN+ midsole cushioning provides over 60% energy return with every single step, minimizing fatigue both at and after work. The KEEN.LOCKFIT heel stabilizing system keeps you stable throughout all of your workday movements.
KEEN Utility fan says:
“These shoes are not only the most comfortable work shoes I've ever worn, they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn period.” — Jimmy L.
Lightweight and breathable and waterproof? It’s not too good to be true – it’s the new Synchro work boot for men and women. As a matter of fact, this new style is the lightest waterproof work boot we’ve ever made. A mesh upper with a KEEN.DRY membrane ensures that plenty of air can get through to keep you cool, but water stays outside where it belongs. KEEN.ReGEN+ midsole cushioning provides all-day support, while a low-profile carbon safety toe keeps you safe without weighing you down. 
KEEN Utility fan says:
“Best work boot/shoe I’ve ever owned. I’m doing about 15 deliveries daily in my box truck.” — Steven
Do you work in the aerospace industry or in a data server environment? Do you need non-metallic safety toes in lightweight, breathable shoes you can walk and stand in all day? If so, look to the Vista Energy family of work sneakers. Almost all of them feature a breathable upper paired with the energy return of a KEEN.ReGEN midsole and carbon safety toes. Depending on your trade, you can choose between an ESD-rated outsole for sensitive environments or Electrical Hazard (EH)-rated certification for working around live electrical circuits. 
KEEN Utility fan says:
“I am forced to wear safety toe shoes at my job, and these are as comfortable a pair of shoes as you could hope for, even in a pair of regular shoes. Twelve-hour shifts are nothing in these ultra-comfortable shoes. — Russel B.
The KEEN Utility Sparta 2 is our go-to light-duty workhorse for men and women. Made with 3D-printed structural elements and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet from overheating, the Sparta 2 combines jobsite safety with an athletic silhouette. Choose a slip-resistant, EH-rated rubber outsole to keep you safe around live electrical circuits, or pick a protective ESD-rated outsole to help dissipate static electricity on sensitive jobsites like aerospace, electronics, or data centers. The KEEN.ReGEN midsole gives back up to 50% energy with every step, and the aluminum toe is the lightest safety toe option that KEEN offers.
KEEN Utility fan says:
“Bought these shoes for work, and they are so comfortable, and I love how light they are even with the protective aluminum toe. Wore them right out of the box with no break-in time or blisters. — Sabrina P.
Does your work have you crouching, climbing, and kneeling on the jobsite? Do you need waterproof protection for working outdoors? The Reno merges an athletic hiking-boot build with lightweight safety features. Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers will appreciate the increased forefoot flexibility provided by KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology. A hybrid mesh-and-leather upper with a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry through wet conditions while also keeping them cool and comfortable. Inside the boot, a KEEN.ReGEN midsole supports every step with responsive cushioning, while the KonnectFit system offers stable heel hold. 
KEEN Utility fan says:
“You guys nailed it with these work boots. I’ve been wearing KEEN footwear for 14 years, and these are by far the best I’ve worn. Only thing I wish was that they were an 8”- or 10”-high boot as I work in the woods running chainsaws and all kinds of equipment—this would help keep debris out. My full-time job is spent on concrete floors in a production facility, and as a production supervisor, I put in over four miles a day. GREAT JOB, these things rock! ” — Brian W.
Do you work outdoors or need traction and support on uneven terrain? Are you looking for boots to wear for carpentry or landscaping work? The men’s and women’s Flint II series pairs our compression-resistant KEEN.ReGEN midsole with a hybrid leather-and-mesh upper in a hiking-boot style. You can choose from steel safety toes or soft toes and low-cut or mid-height designs. Either way, the mesh liner provides breathability to keep your feet cool when the jobsite heats up. If you work outdoors in all weather, the fully waterproof, breathable KEEN.DRY membrane-equipped Flint II is for you. 
KEEN Utility fan says:
“I have flat feet, and finding shoes (especially boots) that don't kill my feet is a difficult task. When I went looking for something, I literally Googled ‘most comfortable work boot,’ and this was one of the top results. I decided to give them a try and have not been disappointed. I wear these boots anywhere from eight to 12 hours, five days a week. I have yet to have any problems with my feet hurting. You've made a lifetime buyer out of me! I highly recommend these.” — Matt
If you’re looking for a pair of breathable work boots or shoes that have the feel and comfort of a sneaker alongside durability and safety features to match your trade, our mesh-upper work shoes are for you. You can count on KEEN Utility mesh work shoes to support your feet with easy-breathing comfort that lets you focus on the job.
