KEEN Utility Men's Red Hook Mid Height Composite Toe Waterproof Warehouse Work Shoes Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Red Hook Mid Height Composite Toe Waterproof Warehouse Work Shoes offer a unique blend of durability and athletic performance. Designed for those who need reliable footwear on the job, these shoes stand out with a full-grain leather upper that incorporates TecTuff protection in areas prone to high abrasion. The KEEN.ReGEN midsole cushioning provides exceptional energy return—50% more than standard EVA foams—which promises comfort during long working hours.
Weighing in at just 21.9 oz (622 g) per boot, these shoes are light enough to keep you agile while still offering the ruggedness of traditional work boots. Additionally, they feature a moisture-wicking lining and a waterproof construction that keeps your feet dry, making them ideal for warehouse and manufacturing environments.
Features
- COMPOSITE TOE: Asymmetrical carbon-fiber toes provide a lightweight fit, surpassing ASTM standards for safety.
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.Dry membrane ensures breathability while keeping water out.
- TRACTION: Non-marking rubber outsoles are oil- and slip-resistant, designed to outperform ASTM slip testing standards.
- SUPPORT: Features reflective webbing and a nylon shank for added midfoot support and visibility.
- COMFORT: KEEN.ReGEN midsole offers superior energy return, complemented by CleansportNXT for natural odor management.
Pros
- Lightweight design enhances mobility without sacrificing safety.
- Excellent waterproof capabilities keep feet dry in wet conditions.
- Comfortable cushioning aids in reducing fatigue over prolonged use.
- Robust traction helps prevent slips on slick surfaces.
- Environmentally responsible sourcing of materials adds peace of mind.
Cons
- May not offer the same level of insulation as heavier work boots for very cold environments.
- Fit may be too wide for individuals with narrow feet.
- Some users might find the break-in period slightly longer due to the robust materials.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Men's Red Hook | Carhartt CMF6366 | Timberland PRO Men's 6" Pit Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Toe | Yes | Yes | No |
| Waterproof | Yes | No | Yes |
| Slip Resistance | ASTM F2913 SATRA | Oil-resistant | ASTM rated |
| CleansportNXT Odor Protection | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 21.9 oz | 24 oz | 30 oz |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Red Hook Mid Height Composite Toe Waterproof Work Shoes embody a perfect marriage of strength and comfort. What sets these shoes apart is their unique composite toe design that is lighter than steel while still providing maximum safety.
When it comes to waterproof features, the KEEN.DRY technology allows for breathability while ensuring your feet remain dry even in challenging weather conditions. This makes these shoes particularly useful for those who work in damp or wet environments, as they effectively block out moisture without stifling airflow.
Traction is another strong point; the non-slip, oil-resistant soles grip well on various surfaces, which is essential when navigating potentially slippery floors in warehouses or industrial sites. Plus, the non-mutilating uppers help maintain surface integrity, which is an often-overlooked benefit.
Despite the many advantages, it's worth noting that some users have reported a wider fit, which could be a drawback for those with narrower feet. Furthermore, while they are comfortable overall, the initial break-in period may take a bit longer due to the robust nature of the materials used.
In conclusion, the KEEN Utility Men's Red Hook work shoes deliver excellent performance, a thoughtful design for comfort, and durable construction aimed at meeting the demands of medium-duty work. Overall, they are a reliable choice for anyone seeking quality footwear for warehouse or light industrial tasks.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Great cushioning and support for long wear |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | High-quality materials withstand tough conditions |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Exceptional waterproof performance |
| Traction | 4.8/5 | Reliable grip on various surfaces |
| Value for Money | 4.2/5 | Competitive pricing for the quality offered |
User Reviews
I have a very hard time finding work boots that fit. I have size 13 (US) feet that are very narrow. Most work boots, especially Keens, seem to be made for more voluminous feet. These ones, however, do fit me well and are comfortable all day. (I do add my own custom insoles)As far as how they hold up; I do commercial flooring so the toes are always the first to go from being dragged on the ground. That said, my first pair lasted almost a year before I had to reinforce the toe with an aftermarket toe protector. I'm on my second pair but have gone through several sets of laces. I'm not sure if it's the quality the laces or if the eyelets on the boots are overly abrasive. I haven't had this problem with other boots. My first pair was actually still going strong after a year. What did them in was the top lace hook snapped, making it impossible to lace all the way to the top. I've read and heard from others that this is a fairly common problem with Keens in general since the hooks are molded plastic instead of metal.The composite toe is nice. It makes the boot lighter and doesn't set off metal detectors. The waterproof membrane never wore out on my first pair. While I work indoors, I still live and work in the PNW so unloading materials outdoors and just walking to and from job sites tested their waterproof capabilities and they never let me down.More than likely I will keep buying these boots as I wear them out. I feel like a year of abuse is fair for the life of a work boot, and with some added toe protection and some extra care when I lace them, I might get more long longevity out of my current pair.
This boot is lightweight and feels more like a tennis shoe. The bottom is flat which helps my foot glide better. I love thr blue and grey combo. I ordered a men's 7 to fit my women's 8.5 foot and they fit perfectly with good wiggle room for my toes.
I normally wear a 10 wide shoes as I have fat Flintstone feet. These shoes run large so I ordered a 9.5 wide. When I got them, they were very comfortable but felt too wide. I ended up returning them and getting a 9.5 regular width. Those fit great! I also wear and custom orthotic insert and love that these shoes have insoles that are easily removed to give my insert room.
2nd Update: I contacted Keen. They gave me a credit for the value of the boots to buy another pair on their website. I had to add a little to it to get a pair. Nowhere near as comfortable as these but they are well built and sturdy.1st Update: I continued to wear these boots for about another 40 days after the first speed hook broke off. I used the remaining speed hook to double the lace until today it snapped off while I was driving. They looks sharp, so if looks is all you are after and not a daily wear work boot buy them. If you actually plan to work in them buy something else. I’m so disappointed! I’ve worn work boots nearly 40 years, cheap Walmart boots and expensive high end $350 boots. Save your money. A $50 pair of CAT boots from Walmart will last longer than these. I sure was fooled by the last pair of Keens.These are my second pair of Keen boots. I was looking for a comfortable electric safety hazard boot with a composite toe and was very pleased with my fist pair that lasted me 3 years. These were great when I got them last month. Light and comfortable. I was showing them off to my employees and bragging on them.I was a little concerned when I saw the speed hooks were plastic but figured if they were on Keen Boots they must be tested and reliable. I didn’t know they were plastic until I got them. 4 weeks in I was lacing up my boots and “Pop” one of the speed hooks snapped off. Very Disappointing.I can’t afford to buy another pair right now and it is past the 30 day return window so I’ll just have to live with it a while. If not for this they would get 5 stars. Other than the poor quality plastic speed hooks these boots are comfortable and look great. Just be aware that the plastic hooks are subject to snap off.
They were so easy to “break” in. Very comfortable from the beginning. High quality also. I have a farm that just got over 6” of snow, which melted in 2 days. My feet stayed warm and dry throughout, I’ll definitely buy again!
I bought theses boots on a recommendation from a coworker. They are very light and comfortable after a long day on your feet. These boots were my first "hiker" with a safety toe and I was very impressed.Con:The top hooks for the laces are plastic. Mine broke about a month into using them. It was too late for me to return them to Amazon, but Keen has a pretty good and easy warranty process to get them replaced. I wouldn't buy these boot again due to the plastic hooks.
I really hate to write a not so good review, but its only my experience, & opinion! First, the very top shoe string supports are plastic. If you don't loop the string through properly, you'll break them right off the shoe. Second, they aren't that comfortable. I had the problem of them sliding up, & down against the heel of my foot. Which in turn irritated the back of my foot. I purchased heel support to help. They worked for a day, or so, then right back to the shoe madness! Coming from me. I'm a strong believer in, you get what you pay for. In this case NOT SO"!! With the price of these puppies they should lace themselves up, or something!! All in all, I wouldnt purchase another pair. Although they look real nice. Me" I wouldnt......
My husband works as a mechanic and is on his feet 16hrs a day and these are the only boots that don't cause his foot pain!.love them