KEEN Utility Men's Sparta XT Low Alloy Toe Non Slip Work Shoe Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Sparta XT Low Alloy Toe Non Slip Work Shoe is a thoughtfully designed footwear solution crafted for light industrial work environments. With its all-breathable synthetic materials and non-mutilating upper, these shoes ensure durability while providing necessary comfort and safety. Weighing just 16.1 oz (456 g) per shoe, these lightweight shoes do not compromise on protection with their asymmetrical aluminum alloy toes that are 35% lighter than traditional steel options.
Features
- ALLOY TOE: Asymmetrical aluminum alloy toes meet ASTM F2412 and F2413 I/75 C/75 EH standards.
- TRACTION: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles enhance grip, exceeding ASTM F1677 MARK II and ASTM F2913 SATRA Non-Slip Testing Standards.
- UNDERFOOT PROTECTION: Equipped with electrical hazard (EH) protection, offering a secondary line of defense against live circuits.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: KEEN. ReGEN technology provides superior energy return; KONNECTFIT heel-capture system enhances fit.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: Features moisture-wicking textiles and CLEANSPORT NXT for natural odor protection.
Pros
- Lightweight design ensures comfort throughout long working hours.
- Alloy toe construction offers excellent protection without added weight.
- Slip-resistant outsoles enhance safety in various work environments.
- Breathable materials keep feet dry and comfortable.
- Removable insoles allow for customization of fit and comfort.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty industrial work where more robust protection is required.
- Limited color options might not appeal to all personal tastes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Sparta XT | Similar Product A | Similar Product B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toe Type | Alloy | Steel | Composite |
| Weight (oz) | 16.1 | 18.5 | 17.0 |
| Slip Resistance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Electric Hazard Rating | Yes | Yes | No |
| Breathable Upper | Yes | No | Yes |
Detailed Review
When it comes to footwear designed for light industrial work, the KEEN Utility Men's Sparta XT Low Alloy Toe Non Slip Work Shoe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost is the comfort level; these shoes are built off KEEN's traditional wider footwear form, making them an ideal choice for those who require extra space for their feet. The KEEN. ReGEN technology incorporated into the midsole is a game changer—it delivers exceptional energy return which makes standing or walking for extended periods far less tiring.
The aluminum alloy toe caps strike a balance between protection and weight, ensuring you aren't dragging your feet after a long day at work. In addition, their slip-resistant outsoles provide superior traction on various surfaces, making them versatile for warehouse distribution, construction, and manufacturing settings.
Another noteworthy feature is the use of moisture-wicking textiles combined with the CLEANSPORT NXT technology that helps reduce odors, keeping your feet fresh even during the most demanding workdays. The nylon shank included for midfoot support further enhances stability.
However, while these shoes excel at light-duty tasks, they may not provide the level of protection some professions require, especially in environments where heavier machinery is operated. Potential buyers should weigh their specific needs against what these shoes offer.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5 | Exceptional cushioning and support for prolonged wear. |
| Protection | 4.0 | Alloy toe provides good protection for light tasks. |
| Traction | 4.5 | Excellent slip resistance on multiple surfaces. |
| Durability | 4.0 | Robust materials mean lasting performance, though not for heavy-duty. |
| Value for Money | 4.0 | Good price point for features offered. |
User Reviews
I wear these as a firefighter and they’ve held up really well so far. They definitely look a bit different than your typical athletic cut shoe so that takes a bit to get used to but once you’re over that these are comfortable and provide the safety factor needed for the job. Bonus points for how easily they clean up as well; that upper is super easy to clean so it really striated itself from the typical athletic shoe in that regard.
Comfortable work shoes. These come with cushy inserts but I have specific orthotics and they fit great in these shoes. These feel much lighter than composite toe shoes and really look like regular walking shoes. I’m primarily using these as walking shoes as the aluminum toe is light weight and the shoe feels supportive around the entire foot. I’ll always own a pair of these as there is nothing else like them.
I've been wearing Keens for many years and these seem to run a bit small. Ordered a size 12 as per usual and they pinch my toes. I really like the construction, seems like a good shoe, was looking forward to kicking stuff at work. Oh well, life goes on.
Considering to buy an used product for a while and this is the first time and apparently the last.... this product said used not broken! not able to use it once. 😪 one of the shoes is torn apart in the front, this is a pair safety shoes and apparently not.
Let me start out by saying i am a really big keen fan, have been wearing keen work shoes for years, this is probably the first time i have been really disappointed with them. First of all the comfort is not near as good as some of their other pairs, do not know what they did with these, but truly not the comfort level that i am used to with keen, second and maybe really important is that these shoes do not breathe, really felt the heat while wearing these shoes, alot of heat
Great work shoesLightweightVery comfortable
The best shoe for work
I would put the quality of these shoes slightly above wolverine. The comfort is not there, the inside padding fell apart. They were good for about 2 months and quickly took a turn for the worse. I stand on a forklift 12 hrs a day 4 days a week.... Maybe I got a bad pair, maybe the brand is actually good. I'll look somewhere else for my next work shoe.