KEEN Utility Men's Flint 2 Sport Low Composite Toe Work Shoe Review

I had a hard time finding an ideal pair of work/utility footwear that fits my odd set of requirements. I wanted something that isn’t waterproof (PFOS free) with a safety toe and comfortable in the heat of the FL summers. It needs to be provide cushion for my knee/back problems, yet built on a platform capable of carrying a moderate 20-40lb pack all day. While you can easily find most of the above in many day hiking gear, it’s gets more challenging when you throw in safety toes, desired sole type and fit preferences.Based on the many different environments I encounter at work, I will be asking a lot from these shoes. They need to be able to drain quickly after slugging through water crossings during hikes in remote areas, provide excellent traction on a boat deck, retain traction in deep mud, protect my feet from chainsaws and various other hazards. While these probably aren’t the best for any one of those things, from inspecting the construction and features in person, they should be adequately versatile.In fact, these work shoes will replace 3 pairs of footwear currently on my shoe rack: lawn shoes (old trail runners), hike boots (gortex composite toe), work boots (leather full steel). The lawn shoes and hike boots were almost due for retirement anyway; the leather work boots are rough on my feet and no longer fill a niche now that I have a PFOS free composite toe shoe. Unfortunately, these keens won’t replace my muck boots and my chest waders for winter, but all other work scenarios these keens will be on my feet. I’m hoping they will last through next summer, but I question how well they will hold up to the abuse I plan to dish out.

Let me start off by saying I absolutely LOVE keen shoes. I have owned 4 pairs. And I kept all 4 until I just beat them to death. And even then, they still held up. I've had steel toes, hiking boots, sandals, and loved each one. They're comfortable. And they can take a beating. (I work on construction sites, and am constantly around countless hazards. I trust Keen to keep my piggies safe.) However... this particular pair of shoes didn't fit right. And I don't blame Keen. I blame by genetics. I've got shoes that resemble water skis. I wear a 14 in most shoes. If I wear skinny jeans and put my feet together, I look like a putter. While my feet are long, they're also kind of skinny. I will sometimes get a 13 wide, if I can find it. I thought I'd give a regular 13 a try, since there was a $50 difference in the 13 and 14. (The 14s were more expensive.) They would have worked just fine, if the material on the sides was a little more forgiving. Or if the hole in the top of the shoe that you slide your foot into was a little bit bigger. That material was just too stiff for my liking. Again, I don't blame keen. These shoes just weren't what I needed. And I really wish they would've worked. They're light, they're breathable, the sole is comfy, they just didn't work for me.If you need some "give" in the sides for your foot not to be squished and squeezed, definitely get the wide. The stiff material will provide extra protection, and keep your piggies intact. But not very forgiving if you need room to move around.

These shoes are great! I deliver food to daycares. So I work in a kitchen for a few hours with very slippery when wet or oiled floors. On a concrete floor that's also slippery when wet. I drive a truck for 5 hours and then I'm in and out of many kitchens, churches and buildings with different floors and conditions. These shoes cover it all. They're comfortable, sturdy, safe with safety toes, very light with water resistant and breathable material. I used to wear either profi birkis or Merrill work mocs with a construction toe. I can't find the latter anymore and the birkis aren't breathable. These are perfect for summer and cold months with snow and rain. Good buy especially for the price in my opinion. Been a chef for 25 years before this gig. I Love Keen now.

They look nice, fit ok, and are solidly built. Those are the positives.The biggest and deal-breaking negative is that the composite toe shield is not designed with the shape of the human foot in mind. Taking a step naturally bends the foot, which other steel toe shoes are designed to accommodate. This one digs into the top of the foot, which feels like having someone shove a paint scraper into it. Socks and a thankfully not razor sharp edge make it so you won't get cut, but you'll definitely get bruised. I literally could not make it through a whole work shift wearing these. I had to swap shoes in the last few hours.Again, I've worn other work shoes. Steel toe, steel top, and even heavy railroad work boots. These are the only kind I've ever worn that felt like they were designed to cause pain.

I have size 14-15 feet and this brand is one of very few to make those sizes. The are well made and comfortable

I have flat feet and take a 14xw shoe. I ordered a 15W as there wasn't an xw. The length was fine. By ordering a 15W, I thought it would also be wide enough. i was wrong. It's the same as if it were a 14W. The area where the toe is has no comfort. I started getting blisters after a day. The sides are a plastic like material that does not have any stretch. So loosening the laces had no affect. I also put in inserts, because there was virtually no arch support. Finally I could detect no real weight difference between these and my Timerland pit boss boots. I have worn them for a week and will be donating them. The non-slip sole worked well in a high oil spill environment.

Like some have mentioned they are a bit of a pain to get into at first with the tongue sewn in but after loosening the laces a little and breaking them for a few long work days they’ve gotten easier. Had them on for a few 8+ hour days already and can’t say anything negative!

Great work shoes! I seriously loved these as they last forever. The only thing I didn't personally like was three were a bit on the heavy side and when wearing them for 12hrs a day they can wear you out a bit but luckily there really comfortable.