KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots in Tuscan Red/Sandshell are designed for those who tackle long hours in demanding work environments. With an impressive weight of just 34.6 oz (981 g), these boots provide lightweight comfort without compromising on support or protection.
These boots feature a waterproof design thanks to the KEEN.DRY membrane, which keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape. The combination of a flexible construction and an oil- and slip-resistant outsole ensures you can move comfortably and safely throughout your day, whether you're in construction, landscaping, welding, manufacturing, or road work.
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Features
- SOFT TOE: KEEN.PROTECT soft toe caps meet ASTM F2892 EH standards for minor impact protection.
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable.
- TRACTION: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that exceed ASTM traction standards.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Air-infused KEEN Luftcell midsole and removable dual-density PolyAer insole enhance comfort during long hours on the job.
- CONSTRUCTION: Goodyear welt construction for improved durability and barnyard resistant leather to resist harsh substances.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort with air-infused midsole and cushioned insoles.
- Durable construction suitable for various heavy-duty work tasks.
- Slip-resistant outsole ensures safety in slippery conditions.
- Removable insoles allow for easy customization with orthotics.
- Waterproof design keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
Cons
- Soft toe may not provide sufficient protection for certain heavy-duty jobs.
- Break-in period may be required for ultimate comfort.
- Wider fit may not suit individuals with narrower feet.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Cincinnati | Carhartt 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Boots | Dickies 6" Waterproof Boots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | 34.6 oz | 38 oz | 36 oz |
| Slip Resistance | Exceeds ASTM Standards | Exceeds ASTM Standards | Meets ASTM Standards |
| Soft Toe Protection | Yes | Yes | No |
| Insole Type | Removable | Removable | Non-removable |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots stand out due to their exceptional combination of comfort, safety, and durability. One of the most significant features is the KEEN Luftcell midsole, which provides outstanding cushioning that feels weightless during prolonged wear. This makes them ideal for workers who are on their feet all day, as they help alleviate fatigue.
When it comes to protection, the SOFT TOE design meets ASTM F2892 EH standards, making them suitable for light impacts. However, if your work involves heavy machinery or potential crush hazards, you might want to consider a reinforced toe model.
The waterproof capabilities are another highlight; the KEEN.DRY membrane works flawlessly, ensuring moisture doesn't seep in from puddles or rain while still allowing your feet to breathe. This is especially important for those working in outdoor settings.
Traction is also noteworthy with the oil- and slip-resistant outsole, providing reliable grip even on slick surfaces, meeting ASTM traction standards. It's a reassuring feature for anyone working in hazardous conditions.
On the downside, the break-in period can be a bit lengthy. Some users report a stiff feel initially, but this tends to improve over time as the leather molds to your feet. Additionally, the wider fit may not cater well to those with narrow feet, so trying them on beforehand is recommended.
Overall, the Cincinnati boots offer a strong balance between comfort and functionality, making them a solid choice for various labor-intensive jobs.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Lightweight design with excellent cushioning. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | Strong construction with Goodyear welt. |
| Safety | 4.0/5 | Meets soft toe protection standards. |
| Traction | 4.8/5 | Outstanding grip on various surfaces. |
| Waterproofing | 4.6/5 | Highly effective waterproof membrane. |
User Reviews
I start with the only potential issue, which is moreso trade-related than footwear related. As an apprentice plumber, I'm on my knees a lot and I forsee that the toe stitching will wear out before the rest of the boot. I know Keen makes great shoes with rubber toes, but I wanted a durable wedge boot to keep mud out of my customers houses after playing in the mud.Once this boot fails, I will buy the Fort Wayne. Someone on reddit convinced me to buy this because it's more durable, but the Fort Wayne is more reinforced on the toes and I think will still hold up long-term digging trenches or dropping molten solder on them.That said, these boots are great. They look sharp and are comfortable and durable. Aside for me perhaps buying the wrong trade-specific boot, I have no complaints. Keen is consistent with their sizing and I never have had to return a pair for that reason. I love the wide toe box that allows for a more stable and natural foot movement. There are plenty of fancy, heavy-duty leather work shoes and boots that I've returned because of the narrow toe. I'm done with that junk and it's one of the things I like about keen. Their hiking boots look a little clunky, but they do a great job of consistently providing a product that caters more towards the natural ergonomics of the human foot. On a related note...The next step would be to offer a zero-drop work boot (Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, etc.). DeWalt has done it. Are you listening, Keen?Overall, this is a wonderful 3-4 season boot (still looking for something different for the Summer heat) and I'd recommend it to anyone in the service trades who has to work outside and also be in their customers' homes, provided you don't kneel a lot.
Finally I’ve found a boot that has it all. Great looks, rugged, and most of all super comfortable. Size was true to my actual.
Very comfortable. The quality seems to be on point. I haven’t had them very long so time will tell but they are sturdy even without steel toe there is some protection. I’ve had a lot of Keen boots and these do not disappoint.
When I first got these I contemplated returning them because they weighed a ton. After a week or so they felt very comfortable, my knees started to hurt less and I felt like I could literally where them all day. The break in period is quick, they have a Goodyear welt sole and a pretty aggressive tread pattern. The down side for me is they aren't water resistant but waterproof so they tend to get smelly, I haven't owned them long enough to tell how durable they are but if I can get a year out of them I'll be more than happy.
These boots are the best boots I’ve ever had. After they get broken in, they were also the most comfortable boots I’ve ever had. I don’t have very good feet and I'm flat footed so it’s usually normal for me to buy boots and they not be comfortable and I usually just deal with the discomfort, but these quickly became the best I’ve ever had. I work in the woods in water/mud/dirt/gravel/asphalt/concrete, everywhere and they lasted me for two whole years. I definitely recommend these boots to anyone.
I use these for any construction projects I have or my side job hanging gutters. They are great for job sites that aren’t landscaped yet, they don’t hold tons of mud unless it’s very sloppy at the site. They are waterproof up to the ankle where the bottom of the neck of the boot is. I’ve also used them as medium warmth hikers in the winter. I’ve used a few other brand boots for this work in the past that suited my needs at the time, but felt it was worth investing in some good footwear now. No buyers remorse.6 months wearing. Worn in after less than 20 working hours.
Had these over a year. I tried every name brand boot you could think of. These boots were by far the best fitting g and most comfortable boots I've found. That is compared to thorogood, timberland, Redwing, ariat, Justin's, & cat.They keep out the water, still comfortable, they were comfortable out the box (more so than all others) and the biggest thing for me is that my feet don't hurt after being on them for 12-14 hours a day. Highly highly recommend these boots. They are heavier than your lighter boots but these are heavy duty work boots. The soles are still barely worn out.
Had these just shy of a month. I stand on concrete for 10 hours a day. My feet are hurting 2 hours into the shift. I had other boots not made for standing on flat surfaces that were $100 cheaper than these and those boots wouldn’t start giving paint until towards the end. These boots were an expensive way to give me discomfort 8 of the 10 hours I work. They felt good at first but after standing a couple hours it feels like any cushion just goes away.