KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots Review
When it comes to long hours on the job, the KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots stand out for their reliability and comfort. Weighing just 34.6 oz / 981 g, these boots are not only lightweight but also designed to provide exceptional support throughout your demanding workday.
The combination of an oil- and slip-resistant outsole ensures that you remain safe on your feet, even in challenging conditions. The boots feature a classic Goodyear welted style that enhances durability while promoting flexibility, which is crucial for those tough jobs.
Features
- Soft Toe: KEEN.PROTECT soft toe caps safeguard against minor impacts while meeting ASTM F2892 EH standards.
- Waterproof: KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane allows vapor to escape while keeping moisture out, ensuring your feet stay dry.
- Traction: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles meet ASTM F1677-96 and F2913 SATRA standards for improved grip.
- Support & Comfort: KEEN Luftcell air-infused midsole provides weightless comfort, complemented by a removable PolyAer insole for cushioning.
- Construction: Continuous Goodyear welt construction and barnyard-resistant leather enhance the boot's longevity under harsh conditions.
Pros
- Excellent comfort due to lightweight design and cushioned insoles.
- Waterproof and breathable membrane keeps feet dry.
- Durable construction with Goodyear welt and protective materials.
- Reliable traction on slips and oils, enhancing safety.
- Removable insoles accommodate custom orthotics.
Cons
- Soft toe may not provide enough protection for heavy-duty applications requiring steel toes.
- Some users report an initial break-in period may be needed.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Cincinnati | Carhartt Rugged Flex 6" Waterproof Work Boot | Bates Ultra-Lite 8" Waterproof Tactical Boot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Outsole Type | Oil & Slip Resistant | Slip Resistant | Slip Resistant |
| Toe Type | Soft Toe | Steel Toe | Composite Toe |
| Weight (oz) | 34.6 | 32 | 30 |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Soft Toe Wedge Work Boots excel in several key areas, making them a solid choice for anyone in need of reliable work footwear.
Comfort: The KEEN Luftcell air-infused midsole is a standout feature, achieving a balance between cushioning and support that makes standing or walking for extended periods much more comfortable. Moreover, the dual-density PolyAer insole adds an extra layer of comfort, making the boots suitable for various tasks ranging from construction to landscaping.
Durability: Built with full-grain barnyard resistant leather, these boots can withstand exposure to typical workplace hazards like oils and dirt. The continuous Goodyear welt construction further enhances durability. Users have reported that these boots hold up well under rigorous working conditions, which is a crucial factor when considering longevity and value.
Safety: While the soft toe caps provide protection against minor impacts, it's essential to note that these boots do not include steel toe reinforcement, which might limit their use in high-impact environments. However, they still meet EH standards necessary for electrical hazard protection.
Traction: The oil- and slip-resistant outsoles deliver excellent grip on various surfaces and are designed to provide stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This feature is essential for those working in unpredictable conditions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Lightweight design with excellent cushioning for all-day wear. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | Strong materials and construction enhance longevity under heavy use. |
| Safety | 4.2/5 | Effective protection for most environments; soft toe limits some applications. |
| Traction | 4.6/5 | Superior grip on slippery surfaces, enhancing workplace safety. |
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.
They are a little heavy, but broken fast, and is a comfortable quality workbook
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 have had 3 lower back surgeries with another one in the future. I walk on concrete 8 hours a day. These boots are comfortable and the wedge sole helps ease some of the back pain.
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.