KEEN Utility Men's Kansas City Low Work Shoe Black Gray 11 D Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Kansas City Low Work Shoe is an exceptional blend of a protective medium-duty work boot and a comfortable outdoor athletic shoe. Designed specifically with workers in mind, these shoes incorporate pioneering technologies such as KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX and KEEN.ReGEN midsole, which provide unmatched comfort and flexibility throughout your workday.
Crafted from durable, water-resistant leather and weighing only 20.0 oz / 567 g per shoe, they are built to withstand rigorous environments while keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The moisture-wicking lining further enhances this feature, ensuring that sweat does not become a distraction during your tasks.
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Features
- Abrasion-resistant synthetic upper
- Non-metallic carbon-fiber toes are 15% lighter than steel for an unobtrusive fit
- KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology facilitates easy kneeling, bending, and flexing
- Nylon shank provides added stability
- KEEN.ReGEN midsole offers lightweight cushioning that provides 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam
Pros
- Superior comfort for all-day wear
- Lightweight yet durable construction
- Effective moisture-wicking properties
- Slip-resistant outsole for enhanced safety
- Removable insoles for customizable support
Cons
- Limited color options available
- May require a break-in period for optimum comfort
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Kansas City | Similar Alternative A | Similar Alternative B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20.0 oz | 22.0 oz | 19.5 oz |
| Midsole Technology | KEEN.ReGEN | EVA Foam | Polyurethane |
| Toe Type | Carbon-Fiber | Steel | Composite |
| Water Resistance | Yes | No | Yes |
| Origin | Cambodia | China | Vietnam |
Detailed Review
When it comes to selecting reliable footwear for demanding jobs, the KEEN Utility Kansas City Low Work Shoe stands out for its innovative design tailored to provide comfort and performance.
Comfort: With the integration of KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX Technology, these shoes allow you to move freely without feeling restricted. The KEEN.ReGEN midsole effectively cushions your feet, offering a bounce-back effect that keeps fatigue at bay during long hours on the job.
Durability: The shoes are crafted from high-quality, water-resistant leather, meaning they can handle spills or wet conditions while maintaining their integrity. Additionally, the abrasion-resistant synthetic upper ensures longevity even in tough environments.
Safety Features: Safety is paramount in a work environment, and the inclusion of non-metallic carbon-fiber toes makes them both lightweight and protective. The slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole provides crucial traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Overall, these shoes are designed not just for work but also for your active lifestyle, making them versatile enough for various applications, from construction to landscaping.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | Exceptional cushioning and flexibility for all-day comfort. |
| Durability | 9.0/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity in tough conditions. |
| Safety | 9.2/10 | Includes essential protective features like slip-resistance and durable toe caps. |
| Style | 7.5/10 | Functional design with limited color options. |
User Reviews
My husband is a soccer referee and he needs fully black athletic shoes with strong support and grip, these shoes are light weight while remaining very sturdy. He reports that they are comfortable when light jogging on grass and do a good job with moisture barrier to keep his feet dry on wet turf. The soles grip well and were stable.
The sole is already coming off the glue in less than a month
+ Fits as expected. Not too loose or too tight. Easy to get in and out of+ I wore this for two 20000 step, 10 mile days (according to my name brand fitness monitor), walking kneeling climbing without issue+ Excellent grip and traction+ Breathability is good, although I’ve only worn this on dry days so far+ Carbon fiber toe, though the shoes don’t feel particularly light. I did not experience any discomfort from the weight but lighter shoes are available+ The very narrow and small reflective strips on the center of the shoe between the laces and in the back are a nice touch. I like that there is also a yellow variant listed, but it does not appear available as of this review (nov 25, 2021)
I bought a pair of these black Keen work shoes for my boyfriend who works in warehouse operations. I was concerned with his work injuries because he was wearing his gym shoes without any grip before I got him these. He was absolutely shocked with the quality and durability of these shoes. I’m a super fan of Keen as it is, so I was really happy to turn him onto the brand. It’s been over a month of him wearing these shoes and he’s had 2 other coworkers order the same exact pair for themselves!! I’ll update with pics soon!!
Great for working in
Bought these to replace the exact same pair I have worn for over a year. I am extremely rough on my shoes, but also want them to continue to be good looking. My originals still had plenty of life left in them, but I prefer to replace when they become stained or scratched up.I used to purchase the Skechers version of the same shoe, and I was replacing every 3 months. I especially appreciate the flexing part and large protective toe, as I kneel down often and the toe seems to take the most abuse in my work shoes.