KEEN Utility Men's Reno Mid Height Soft Toe Flexible Waterproof Athletic Work Boots Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Reno Mid Height Soft Toe Flexible Waterproof Athletic Work Boots are designed for individuals who require both functionality and comfort in their footwear. Crafted to resemble an athletic sneaker while providing the durability of traditional work boots, these boots utilize innovative technologies to enhance your working experience.
With an impressive construction weighing only 20.1 oz (571 g) per boot, you enjoy a lightweight feel that allows for all-day wear without discomfort. The boots are ideal for light-duty tasks across various fields, such as warehousing, trucking, delivery services, carpentry, roofing, and landscaping.
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Features
- SOFT TOE: Equipped with KEEN.PROTECT soft toe caps that meet or exceed ASTM F2892 EH standards for minor impact protection.
- WATERPROOF: Features KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane liner to keep feet dry without sacrificing breathability.
- SUPPORT: Utilizes KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology for easier bending along with a KONNECTFIT heel-capture system for a secure fit.
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Designed with oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that adhere to ASTM F1677 MARK II and ASTM F2913 SATRA Non-Slip Testing Standards.
- COMFORT: Incorporates KEEN.ReGEN technology for enhanced energy return and overall comfort during extended wear.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible design suitable for prolonged use.
- Waterproof feature ensures dry and comfortable feet.
- Excellent traction and slip resistance for workplace safety.
- Soft toe cap provides sufficient protection without added bulk.
- Comfort-enhancing midsole technology aids in reducing fatigue.
Cons
- Not reinforced for heavy-duty crush resistance.
- May not provide adequate support for all foot shapes.
- Limited color options may not appeal to everyone's style.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight (oz) | Waterproof | Slip Resistance | Soft Toe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEEN Utility Men's Reno | 20.1 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timberland PRO Men's 6" | 24.0 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Caterpillar Men's Second Shift | 30.0 | No | Yes | No |
Detailed Review
Design and Comfort: The design of the KEEN Utility Reno Mid Height Soft Toe boots is one of its standout features. The aesthetic leans more towards athletic sneakers, making them visually appealing while still being practical for work environments. The KEEN.ReGEN midsole technology sets a new standard for comfort, offering 50% more energy return compared to traditional EVA foam. This makes standing or walking for long periods significantly less taxing on your feet.
Performance: When it comes to performance, these boots excel in their intended light-duty roles. Thanks to the waterproof KEEN.DRY membrane, they effectively keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Furthermore, the non-marking rubber outsoles ensure you maintain excellent traction on various surfaces, which is crucial in preventing slips and falls on the job.
Durability: Built on KEEN's tradition of broader footwear form, the Reno boots promise a reliable fit for various foot shapes. However, while they do offer some impact protection, it's essential to note that the soft toe cap isn't meant for heavy-duty applications requiring a steel toe. As such, consider your specific work needs before making a purchase.
Environmental Considerations: In addition to their utility, KEEN Utility is committed to sustainability. With leather sourced exclusively from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, the environmental footprint is minimized, reflecting a conscientious approach to manufacturing.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort due to advanced midsole technology. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Well-built but with limitations for heavy workloads. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent grip on slippery surfaces. |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Effectively keeps feet dry in various conditions. |
| Value | 8/10 | Good balance of quality and price for light-duty work. |
User Reviews
I like this boot as it did not require a break in period, they were comfy out the box. The boots a sturdily made. Don’t have anything negative to say about them a week or so into wearing them.
Work
Fit well! Great support, but a little hot.
The Keen Reno Mid height work boot (size 10 black) is made in PRC (china). I know some of these can be USA made, but the size 10 color black ones I received were chinese in origin. The boots have a solid feel. The removable insert is nice, since I tend to use my own insoles for a faster break in. The lacing system for these boots has plastic eyelets and holders. I do not find plastic lacing features to be long lasting. These are Keen branded, and they do have a Keen warranty which is not mentioned anywhere in the item description (so I don't know if it is the normal warranty or not). I like the boots, and I use them when working on the shop floor. That said, for the price of around $150, I recommend looking for non-PRC made boots without plastic lacing features.4 stars
Keen makes a great boot. For anyone not familiar with this popular brand, they’re known for their quality,protective toe cap & roomy fit.The toe box has plenty of wiggle room.My first pair of keen came during my trip to visit my dad who lives in Hawaii.I got off the plane in flip flops & he said, “great to see you, let’s go get you some keen sandals before you tear up your toes on the lava in those flip flops.”I didn’t listen & the first trip to the green sand beach I regretted it.We were standing on lava rock when my dad said look the turtles are coming in to rest on the beach. I was so excited to see sea turtles the size of a car that I ran, tripped & almost tore off my entire big toe nail.Next trip was to the sporting good store for keen water sandals with protective toe caps.They protected my toes & gave me plenty of wiggle room, I was hooked.These boots are for my husband, who is extremely rough on his boots, using them like tools. He’s always using his boots to tap bricks & lumber into place daily.He also hates to lace his boots.These keep the laces tidy and allow for quick lacing while making certain the heel is locked into place for stability.These like all keens, are a little bit wider fit than normal.The toe box has a rounder shape & gives plenty of room to wiggle your toes.The waterproofing is a membrane sewn into the bootie under the insole. It’s stitched into place and encompasses the entire foot & is incorporated into the gusseted tongue for leak proof protection.The waterproof membrane then has a layer of keen dry fabric to wick sweat away.The outer sole is mark, slip & oil resistance. The tread gives good traction in mud & stability on uneven surfaces.The insole is comfortable & removable.Keen is also known for helping veterans & also helping the planet.These boots also have a patented toe flex on top of the toe box to help it flex much easier.These boots are built with the comfort of tennis shoes and the protection of boots.They also have a pull tab on the back for easy on.
The boots are comfortable if you wear longer socks. The sides do rub on your ankles. The only major complaint is after wearing them for a week the are starting to come apart. Maybe i can echange them we will see.
Great ankle support and comfort for all day hiking.