Do I need a low-cut, a mid-cut, or an 8” boot?
Low-cut shoes are lighter and more flexible, so they’re great for light work or jobs that require lots of standing. The higher the cut, the more ankle support and protection from the elements the boot offers.
Do I need an aluminum, steel, or composite toe?
Just as every project requires specific tools to get the job done well, every job has a safety toe to match its requirements. Whether you need heavy-duty protection or more flexibility, all of our safety footwear is tested to and exceeds the ASTM F2413-11 testing standards, meaning they can handle up to 75 pounds of impact and up to 2,500 pounds of compression.
Pro tip: KEEN Utility boots are designed with asymmetrical toe protection, which means that each toe cap is designed to fit your left foot or your right foot respectively, protecting the big toe all the way over to the little toe.
Steel Toe
The steel toe is the traditional safety toe cap, and offers the same level of protection as other material types, but is also the heaviest.
Aluminum Toe
Aluminum toe caps are 30-50% lighter than steel, and have a more low-profile look than a composite safety toe.
Composite Toe
Roughly 30% lighter than steel toes, composite toe caps don’t conduct heat, so they’re comfortable in hot or cold temperatures. They also don’t set off metal detectors.
Safety note: After heavy impact, composite toe work boots may not dent like an aluminum or steel toe, but they can have cracks that will compromise their integrity. Always replace boots after a heavy impact, as they may now offer ineffective protection.
Carbon-Fiber Toe
Carbon-fiber toe caps weigh 15% less than steel for a lightweight fit. They’re metal-free and provide insulation that comes in handy when you’re working outside in cold weather.
Still not sure which KEEN utility boots or shoes are right for you? See which of the following statements fit you best.
“I’m always on the go. Flexibility and support are my top priorities.”
Low-cut work shoes offer the lightest weight and the most flexibility. If your work doesn’t require the extra protection offered by a boot, the men’s Flint II series is available in a low cut with steel toe, carbon-fiber toe, and soft toe options. KEEN.ReGEN midsole cushioning returns 50% energy to keep you comfortable in the warehouse or on service calls. Another option if you’re looking for a work shoe instead of a boot is the men’s Detroit XT series. They’re available with a metatarsal guard or with an electrostatic dissipative outsole for increased protection.
The men’s Portland Boot was designed to make twelve hours on your feet feel like eight. It’s built with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX, which provides flexibility at the top of the foot so you can kneel, climb, or crawl without discomfort. Its construction makes it a versatile choice for transitioning from inside to outside or from flat surfaces to uneven ones.
We steer people toward the men’s Pittsburgh Boot when they’re looking for torsional support. A KEEN.KEY.TECH stability plate keeps your heel locked in place and allows you to move laterally with confidence. Plus it has a structured insole that hugs the arch of your foot to keep you feeling energized through long days of walking and standing.
“I'm a diesel technician and wear mine daily. This is my 3rd pair and couldn't be any happier. They keep my feet dry and comfortable all day long. The ONLY boot I'll wear to work or even out and about. They're more comfortable than my casual boots and shoes.” — David F.
“I work in very cold conditions. I need an insulated boot.”
For those who often find themselves outside in snow, sleet, and low temps, we recommend the men’s Dover Boot. Made of waterproof leather with a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, it comes in an 8” version that is fortified with 600g of KEEN.WARM insulation. The oil- and slip- resistant rubber outsole helps keep footing secure on wet steel or concrete.
“I live in the PNW, I was excited to get these boots and let me say they do not disappoint! Quality is definitely there. They feel awesome, I got the insulated version, and my feet feel like they are being hugged by a sasquatch, all nice and warm along with the arch support for my jacked up feet.” — Germo
“I stand on a hard cement floor all day long. I need a boot with the comfort of a sneaker.”
The men’s San Jose Boot is one of the lightest boots we make. The KEEN Luftcell midsole is air-injected to provide running-shoe comfort while still offering the rugged protection of a work boot. The wedge outsole is lightweight and flexible to keep you moving through your day.
“These are by far the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. I wear them in the office and onto construction job sites and they look and feel great after a day of chasing contractors.” — Josh P.
If comfort is paramount, you might also consider the men’s Cincinnati Boot. They also have a KEEN Luftcell air-injected midsole and a lightweight wedge outsole. Their construction provides stability on uneven, rocky work surfaces, and the barnyard-resistant leather upper stands up to oleic acid, urea, sodium chloride, and ammonium hydroxide, which makes them a good choice for farm work.
When you find the boot that suits you best, it makes your work day just a little bit easier. Maybe a lot easier. So lace up and head out with a smile on your face. Whatever else the day might bring, your boots feel great.
