KEEN Utility Men's Fort Wayne 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots, Dark Earth/Gum, 10.5 Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Fort Wayne 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots are engineered for those who need robust support and protection on the job. Weighing in at a light 31.9 oz / 905 g per boot, these boots are crafted from durable, waterproof leather that keeps your feet dry while providing a classic aesthetic. With a moisture-wicking lining, they not only fend off water but also manage sweat effectively, making them ideal for long hours on your feet.
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Features
- COMPOSITE TOE: Asymmetrical, non-metallic carbon-fiber toes that provide a lighter fit compared to steel; complies with ASTM F2412 and F2413 M I/75, C/75 EH standards.
- WATERPROOF: Equipped with KEEN.DRY technology—a breathable membrane that allows vapor out while keeping moisture at bay, combined with a mesh liner for added comfort.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Features KEEN Luftcell for an air-infused midsole and cushioning, plus a nylon shank for midfoot support meeting abrasion standards.
- CONSTRUCTION: Made from barnyard-resistant leather to resist oleic acid, urea, and other damaging elements; bonded to the sole using direct attach construction.
- SAFETY & TRACTION: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles meeting ASTM D471-06 chemical resistance standards, ensuring excellent grip on various surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight design enhances comfort during extended wear.
- Waterproof and breathable features keep feet dry in wet conditions.
- Composite toe provides significant safety without the weight of steel.
- Durable construction suited for heavy-duty work environments.
- Slip-resistant soles offer reliable traction across multiple terrains.
Cons
- May feel a bit wide for those with narrow feet.
- Initial break-in period may be required for optimal comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Fort Wayne | Alternative A (Example) | Alternative B (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 31.9 oz | 30 oz | 32 oz |
| Toe Protection | Composite | Steel | Composite |
| Waterproof | Yes | No | Yes |
| Slip Resistant | Yes | Yes | No |
Detailed Review
When it comes to finding the right work boots, balance is key. The KEEN Utility Men's Fort Wayne 6” Waterproof Composite Toe Wedge Work Boots deliver just that—an impeccable mix of comfort, durability, and style.
Starting with the safety features, the asymmetrical composite toe shields your feet from hazards while enhancing mobility due to its lightweight nature. This can be particularly beneficial in environments where foot fatigue is a concern. Coupled with the boots' compliance with strict ASTM safety standards, you can step confidently onto any job site.
In terms of comfort, the KEEN Luftcell midsole is noteworthy. It creates a weightless feeling, significantly reducing strain over long periods. Many users commend the plush cushioning that feels supportive even after full days of rigorous activity. However, do be prepared for a brief adjustment period as the boots might initially require some breaking in.
The waterproof capabilities offered by KEEN.DRY technology ensure that you remain comfortable and dry, even in unpredictable weather. This makes the boot suitable for outdoor work, where conditions can change rapidly.
On the ruggedness front, the combination of barnyard-resistant leather and direct attach construction guarantees longevity, highlighting their suitability for medium-duty tasks like carpentry and maintenance. Additionally, the slip-resistant outsoles provide a firm grip, which is crucial when navigating on slippery or uneven surfaces.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a dependable pair of work boots that stand the test of time while prioritizing comfort and safety, the KEEN Utility Men's Fort Wayne should be on your list. They truly embody the notion of 'putting good to work', both in performance and through KEEN’s commitment to community initiatives.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning with a slight break-in needed. |
| Safety | 5/5 | Meets high ASTM standards; composite toe is lighter than steel. |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | Resistant to chemicals and designed for heavy-duty use. |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Effective waterproofing that keeps feet dry. |
| Traction | 4.5/5 | Outstanding grip on various surfaces, reduces slipping risks. |
User Reviews
Costly but worth it. As safety shoes go this is the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. Lots of room for toes. Doesn’t get overly hot while wearing for 12 hour periods
These things are comfortable and durable! I am in construction and need a good strong boot to hold up under the rugged conditions! Keen definitely holds up much better than most of their competitors I have tried a lot of brands and keep coming back to keen. It seems like other boot companies have started lacking on their quality and the prices keep going up, but keen for the last 12 years have been consistent! Highly recommended!!!
Quality built, as usual. Good traction and comfort. However, coming from the 4.5” Braddocks, Im having a hard time getting use to the extra length of the 6” boots. Also, these fit about a half size too big. I normally wear a 9.5 in all 6 pairs of keens I’ve had, these fit bigger and I didn’t realize it until my 7 days of free try on were up. If I could, I’d swap for a 9 or 9 wide. Anyways, the boots look fantastic. Other than that, Keen should seriously look into putting a similar sole on all their boots. Water and air pockets have been a major deficiency with all of my Keen Work boots. If they had a nice gum sole that is one piece without all the crevasses and unnecessary detail (Pittsburg, Braddock) I believe that would fix the leakiness of the Braddock and others. I have 4 pairs of those that are still not wore out but they’re unbearable to hear after you walk in a small amount of water, because water gets trapped in random air pockets close to the heel of the sole. I guess you could say they’re all prematurely worn out. The Ft. Wayne looks like it will be free of those problems, just because the sole looks so solid. The weight of these ft. Wayne’s seem a little heavier as well, but I wouldn’t call them a “heavy” or bulky boot. The soles and mid immediately provides superior durability vs previous Braddock and Pittsburgh I’ve owned. Idk why every Keen boot doesn’t have this gum sole. If it was attached to the 4.5” all leather bison/blue Braddock, I’d have my dream boot. I rate this boot 4/5 because it is bigger than other Keens I’ve had and the blister it’s wore on top of my index toe.
I've owned many many many pairs of boots in my life and typically beat on them pretty hard. These broke in quickly and are the most comfortable, lightweight and supportive boots I've owned. On several occasions I've kept them on just sitting around the house and don't even realize I'm still wearing them they are so comfortable. Huge fan of Keen and glad they came out with the utility line! These were so good I bought a second pair from the utility line.(Side note) I had to order a 1/2 size down because they run slightly large.
Awesome boots. Runs big
These are the most comfortable pair of safety boots I’ve ever had. I’ve had much more expensive pairs of boots that didn’t feel as good as these. Genuinely impressed. The carbon toe is nice because it doesn’t get cold in the winter (I leave my boots outside on porch overnight) I have super wide feet & the wides accommodate my freakishly wide feet perfectly lol. I’ll honestly be buying this same pair again next year when I wear these out.
Fast delivery
Product I ordered was awesome. Amazon is getting continually worse about changing ship dates after you place the order.