By the time KEEN Utility released its first pair of work footwear in 2009, we had already spent nearly a decade perfecting our hiking boots for all conditions outside. And when we say “perfecting,"... we really mean “spent countless development hours slogging up and down our local rain-soaked trails here in the Pacific NW.” Building waterproof boots is kind of our thing.
While not a requirement for every jobsite, waterproof work boots keep you comfortable in variable or wet conditions. We put a lot of thought into our waterproof products, including the development of special construction methods and proprietary technologies like KEEN.DRY. Let’s take a deeper dive (pun definitely intended) into how KEEN Utility products are built to keep you dry on the jobsite.
Why Choose Waterproof Work Boots?
When you work outdoors all day, or your workday frequently takes you into wet locations, waterproof work boots can make the difference between a good shift and a bad one. For workers in construction, landscaping, utilities, agriculture, and natural resources, waterproof work boots aren’t just a luxury; they’re a smart investment in comfort, safety, and productivity.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What’s the Difference?
Waterproof and water-resistant both contain the word “water,” but beyond that, they’re entirely different things.
Water-Resistant
• Water-resistant work boots help prevent water soaking in from the outside and can keep you dry if they get splashed, during light rain, or if you have to walk through wet grass occasionally. Most leather boots are naturally water-resistant, provided the leather is kept clean and well-conditioned. Note that stitch lines, seams, and areas of mesh can still let water in, especially over time as the boot wears in.
• A few KEEN Utility water-resistant styles include the Gibson boot, the Vista Energy XT sneaker, and the unlined versions of Liberty and Cincinnati boots.
Waterproof
• Waterproof work boots come in two main types: rubber and waterproof/breathable.
• Rubber boots are 100% waterproof, but rubber doesn’t breathe at all. This means that your sweat has nowhere to go, so your feet might start to feel clammy over the course of a workday. KEEN Utility doesn’t make this type of boot.
• Waterproof/breathable work boots feature (you guessed it) a waterproof, breathable membrane on the inside. Our membrane is called KEEN.DRY. This technology blocks water from entering, while still allowing sweat vapor to escape.
• KEEN.DRY is found in many of our products, including the Evanston boot, the Synchro boot, and most versions of the Liberty and Cincinnati boots.
How Does KEEN.DRY Work?
If you’ve spent any amount of time in an outdoor gear shop at any point over the past 40+ years, you’re already familiar with waterproof, breathable membranes. They’re used in rain jackets, ski/snowboard apparel, fishing waders, hunting gear, tents, gloves, and more. Why have these membranes remained popular? One word: comfort. They keep liquid water out while still letting sweat vapor escape.
KEEN.DRY works in a similar way. But, we’ve taken that technology and adapted it specifically for use in footwear. Our membrane is formed into a boot shape and then attached to the inside of the upper. Think of it like a waterproof sock that’s mounted to the boot. Even if water can seep in through stitch lines and mesh panels, it can’t get past the KEEN.DRY membrane.
KEEN.DRY is permeable on a microscopic level. It allows sweat vapors to escape, because they’re smaller than the holes in the membrane. However, since molecules of liquid water are larger than the holes in the membrane, they can’t pass through it. So, if you’re working outside in a rainstorm, in the mud, or in standing water all day, your feet will stay dry.
Another part of our boots that helps KEEN.DRY function efficiently is a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. It causes water to bead up and fall off before it has a chance to soak into the upper. (Historically, these types of coatings were made with a class of “forever chemicals” called PFAS. KEEN eliminated these substances from our supply chain in 2018.)
Is KEEN.DRY the Same on All KEEN Utility Products?
The short answer is yes, we use the same KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane on all of our waterproof work boots. The exact size and shape of the liner may change depending on the style it’s being used in, but the technology remains the same.
There are a few variations on the height of the KEEN.DRY membrane. In the vast majority of our products, the membrane stops at a height slightly above the ankle. This is true for our 6” boots and most of our 8” boots, too. So, if you step in a puddle deeper than the KEEN.DRY is high, you might still get wet.
The Liberty collection of American Built boots is an exception. In these styles, the KEEN.DRY liner height matches the boot collar height. So, an 8” Liberty has a KEEN.DRY membrane that’s also 8” tall, and a 6” Liberty has a 6” KEEN.DRY membrane. It’s just a little extra protection in one of our most modern styles.
How Can I Help KEEN.DRY Work Better?
KEEN.DRY doesn’t require specific maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to help it perform its best.
• Keep your waterproof work boots clean. KEEN.DRY depends on air permeability to function properly. If your boots are caked with mud or grime, then the membrane won’t work as well as it should. So, follow this guide to give your boots the regular maintenance they need.
• Wear fresh socks every day. And, if needed, change into a clean, dry pair at lunch, too. We’d recommend wool socks. It’s temperature-regulating, keeping your feet cooler when it’s hot out and warmer when it’s cold out. It’s moisture-wicking, so it’ll pull sweat from your skin and transfer it out. It’s naturally anti-microbial, too, so it won’t smell too bad after a day of hard work. Most importantly, it works well with KEEN.DRY to transfer moisture out and let air in.
When you face rain, mud, standing water, and other wet jobsite conditions, keeping your feet dry is key to a comfortable workday. KEEN Utility waterproof work boots, built with KEEN.DRY technology, are designed to block water while still allowing your feet to breathe. No matter where you work, get all-day comfort and protection you can count on.
