In the crowded footwear industry, it's tough for a brand to
stand out. It takes a unique vision, an unwavering drive, and a strong sense of
identity. No shoe brand knows this better than Keen. A fairly young company, they set out in 2003 to make their mark on the footwear world, and that's exactly
what they've accomplished. Read on to learn more about this colorful company
and the values that help them "live monumental."
THE SHOE THAT STARTED IT ALL
"Can a sandal really protect your toes?" It's a
simple question, but answering it put Keen (sometimes stylized as KEEN) on the
path to international success. Their solution is the Keen Newport: An
outdoor-oriented fisherman's sandal with a rubber "toe bumper" that
shields you from stubbing and scraping your toes on the trail. This innovative
design launched Keen to the footwear big leagues, but it also completely
changed the way people think about outdoor footwear. You no longer need a bulky
hiking boot in order to stay safe, and with its razor-siped sole and waterproof
upper, the Newport is perfect for adventures that take you in or around the
water. We'll talk more about the Newport and its evolving features below.
THE KEEN EFFECT
Of course, the Newport was just the beginning. In 2004, Keen experienced a formative moment in their company's history: When the worst tsunami in recorded history devastated the Indian Ocean area, the folks at Keen knew they had to do something to help—something big. Recognizing that relief efforts were of paramount importance, Keen diverted their entire annual advertising budget of $1 million toward disaster relief and other critical causes. At Keen, they believe in putting their money where their mouths are. For them, it's not enough to talk about helping people and the environment if they don't step up and do something about it. This spirit of generosity and service has turned Keen into a champion for sustainability, protecting national parks and monuments, and giving back to their community. Since 2003, they've donated more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations and other causes.
Keen's corporate office was renovated the Keen way, with
less than one dumpster of waste (instead of the typical 25-30). The building is
located in the historic Pearl District of Portland, Oregon, and some of their
shoes are built in a factory on nearby Swan Island. They continually develop
new projects that align with their ideals, including Project Build, which
partners with volunteer organizations to work for change; the KEEN Kanteen, an in-house café that
provides healthy food for the Keen team; and the 2015 "Live
Monumental" movement, during which Keen took an RV 10,000 miles across the
United States in order to support the creation and protection of national
monuments. Keen teams up with organizations like The Conservation Alliance,
Leave No Trace, Forest Park Conservancy, American Whitewater, and more,
supporting their causes with both donations and volunteer work. Keen encourages
all of their footwear fans to explore, enjoy, and defend the outdoors.
KEEN SHOES
In addition to the iconic Newport, Keen offers a variety of
outdoor footwear, work shoes, and casual styles. There's a Keen shoe for
everyone! Check out some of our favorites below.
Keen Men's and Women's Newport H2
The Keen Newport H2 is the next generation of Keen ingenuity. The original fisherman sandal design and rubber toe bumper remain the same as the original Newport, offering the breeziness of a sandal but with the protection you need for outdoor adventures. The Newport H2 supports your foot with a "metatomical" contoured EVA footbed, and a TPU shank keeps you stable. The sole is razor-siped and features multi-directional lugs to enhance traction on both wet and dry surfaces, so you'll never lose your footing no matter the terrain. Plus, the hydrophobic mesh lining and washable polyester upper make the Newport H2 your go-to for messy, muddy, wet, or unpredictable conditions. Get the perfect fit with the secure, adjustable lacing system.
This rugged outdoor sandal is available in both men's and
women's styles, so everyone can enjoy Keen's flagship style. Take the Keen
Newport H2 on your next hike, canoe trip, or camping expedition, and experience
the Keen effect for yourself!
Keen Women's Whisper
Keen Whisper in Coffee Liqueur/Keen Yellow.
The Keen Whisper has a lot in common with the Newport H2,
but it's a sleeker, more feminine version with thinner straps and a narrower bumper
at the toe. You still get all the features that make the Newport great, like
the supportive metatomical footbed and TPU shank. The siped, non-marking rubber
outsole keeps you on your feet whether you're navigating treacherous ground or
wet, slippery rocks. The Keen Whisper is also breathable and quick-drying,
perfect for when you're in or around water. Finally, if foot odor is a concern,
the Whisper offers Cleansport NXT™ natural odor control. Smell as fresh
as the forest you're exploring! If you're a woman who loves the outdoors, the
Keen Whisper is the sandal for you.
Keen Women's Presidio
Keen Women's Presidio in Black/Magnet.
Even when you're not on the trail, you can rock casual,
sporty Keen style with the Keen Presidio for women. This shoe is built to
tackle city sidewalks in the urban jungle. A classic lace-up design makes the
Presidio perfect for any everyday outfit. The upper is crafted from
water-resistant full-grain leather and nubuck, with contrasting textures that
take this sneaker's style to the next level. If support is your main concern,
the Presidio's removable polyurethane footbed is contoured to provide the
comfort and stability you need. A breathable mesh lining helps your foot stay
cozy and dry, while Cleansport NXT™ odor control naturally keeps
distasteful smells at bay. The Presidio sits on a non-marking rubber outsole,
and don't worry—Keen's patented toe bumper is there to keep your toes safe. Choose
the comfort and streetwise style of the Keen Presidio, and make the city your
playground!
Keen Women's Elsa Sneaker
Keen Elsa Sneaker in Star White.
Canvas sneakers are the ultimate casual kicks, and the Elsa
Sneaker is Keen's fresh take on this classic style. Paired with jeans or
capris, the Keen Elsa Sneaker completes your laid-back look in style. Lace-up
closure with aluminum eyelets keeps the Elsa adjustable for a secure, custom
fit. The upper and lining are made of durable canvas, which is beloved for its
lightweight breathability. Like most Keen shoes, the Elsa Sneaker has a
metatomical footbed made from dual-density polyurethane for gentle support. Trust
the rubber outsole for traction and protection. There's even a slim rubber
guard at the toe, a low-key version of the usual bumper. To top it all off, the
Keen Elsa Sneaker is completely vegan, which means that no animal products were
used in its construction. This is one lace-up that you can feel great about
wearing!
Does Keen seem like your kind of brand? Between their conservation efforts, dedication to service, and top-quality shoes, they're a company whose momentum seems unstoppable and whose fan base grows every year. Explore Keen men's shoes or Keen women's shoes and find the best fit for you!