KEEN Utility Men's Kansas City+ Mid Height Soft Toe Flexible Waterproof Athletic Work Boots Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Kansas City+ Mid Height Soft Toe Work Boots are engineered for versatility, comfort, and durability. With a design that meets the demands of various work environments, these boots stand out due to their KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, allowing your feet to stay dry in any weather condition while remaining breathable. Weighing only 23.4 oz (662 g) each, they provide a lightweight option for those who require all-day comfort.
Crafted from durable waterproof leather, these boots also feature a moisture-wicking lining to keep feet dry during active use. The soft toe design provides essential protection without compromising on flexibility, making them ideal for medium-duty tasks in industries such as warehousing, landscaping, transportation, and carpentry.
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Features
- SOFT TOE: Asymmetrical KEEN.PROTECT soft toe caps for minor impact protection; meets ASTM F2892 EH standards.
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane that vents vapor but blocks water.
- SUPPORT: KEEN.Bellows Flex technology allows for easier bending and flexing; non-metallic construction for metal detector safety.
- TRACTION: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that meet ASTM traction standards.
- COMFORT: KEEN.ReGEN technology offers superior energy return, ensuring comfort for long hours.
Pros
- Exceptional waterproofing with breathable materials.
- Lightweight and flexible design enhances comfort.
- Good traction on multiple surfaces.
- Safe for metal detector environments.
- Removable insoles allow for customization.
Cons
- Soft toe may not provide sufficient protection for certain heavy-duty applications.
- Some users may find the sizing runs wider than expected.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Boot Model | Waterproof | Soft Toe Protection | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEEN Utility Kansas City+ | Yes | Yes | 23.4 oz |
| Wolverine Fusion 8" Soft Toe | Yes | Yes | 25 oz |
| Carhartt 6" Composite Toe | No | Yes | 28 oz |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Kansas City+ Mid Height Work Boots excel in providing comfort and functionality, making them suitable for various job sites. Starting with the comfort factor, these boots incorporate KEEN.ReGEN technology, which offers a remarkable 50% more energy return compared to standard EVA foam. This results in less fatigue during prolonged wear, making them perfect for long shifts.
On the waterproofing front, the KEEN.DRY membrane ensures that water stays out while still allowing moisture to escape, keeping your feet dry throughout the day. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor jobs or wet environments.
A notable characteristic is the flexibility afforded by the KEEN.Bellows Flex technology. This design feature allows for natural foot movement, crucial for tasks requiring bending or kneeling. Coupled with the soft toe design, these boots strike a balance between safety and freedom of movement.
When considering traction, the rubber outsoles perform admirably on slippery surfaces, meeting industry standards for oil and slip resistance. This makes the Kansas City+ boots reliable in diverse working conditions.
Lastly, the sustainability aspect of the boot cannot be overlooked. KEEN sources its leather from LWG-certified tanneries, emphasizing their commitment to reducing water and energy usage in production.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort with energy-return technology. |
| Waterproofing | 10/10 | Outstanding waterproof capabilities. |
| Flexibility | 8/10 | Allows for easy movement, excellent for manual tasks. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Reliable grip on various surfaces. |
| Sustainability | 9/10 | Ethically sourced materials reduce environmental impact. |
User Reviews
Dont let the light weight fool you, these boots are built to last. They have a firm feel and offer lots of ankle and arch support, and great foot protection for a soft toe boot. The sole is thick with deep treads and stiff shank. Might've taken longer to feel broken-in, but never experienced any discomfort. Very happy with these work boots.
Straight out of the box review, not able to see how they hold up. These fit very well. In KEEN, I wear 12 Wide. I saw another review saying these are not for wide feet, but I got my feet in them with my thickest socks. Walking around is very comfortable. Very sturdy with good ankle support. I like how they support my arches
Get a little hot during summer. Don’t take long to break in
I love these boots, they are so comfortable I often forget I am wearing work boots. The composite tow does not add discomfort the way some steel toes do. I have worn them on several jobs now and they are holding up great. The size runs about true.
Work as a mechanic and need a good boot. The sole on this boot started coming apart after two weeks and now after two months they are done.
The flexible piece doesn't do its job, the shoe ends up flexing in front of him and touching his toes... it just makes the shoe harder to flex, what happened here keen? It also adds rigidity to that area and that is where the shoes adjust too much, if they were made of leather they would stretch and adapt. They wanted to reinvent the wheel guys, but it didn't work.The sole is soft and comfortable and everything else works. Without that plastic piece, they would be great boots.
I had an injured leg, I used this and it helped my leg heal faster. Very comfortable to use both while walking and when I work on my knees.
I've owned a few pair of Keen boots over the years and I've always been happy with them. These boots are pretty comfortable out of the box. I've had bad luck with some other boots that have a long break-in period and some that never do get comfortable. These, however, feel pretty good even in their brand new condition. They will only get more comfortable as they break in further, so I am very pleased with them. The quality of the boots also seems to be really good and what you would expect/hope for in a pair of boots at this price point. The sizing appears to be spot on as far as being "true to size." I opted for the wide version of these boots and they are very comfortable and I don't experience any discomfort or pain in the toe box area of the boots. I can't speak to the longevity of the waterproofing since I have only had them for a short time, but hopefully they will hold up well as it is really nice to have waterproof shoes out here on the farm.Overall, I am really happy with these. They are comfortable, good quality and priced appropriately.