KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy+ Low Composite Toe ESD Leather Industrial Work Shoes Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy+ Low Composite Toe ESD Leather Industrial Work Shoes are designed for individuals who demand both style and functionality from their footwear. With a focus on true athletic performance, these work shoes feature KEEN.ReGEN midsole cushioning that ensures 50% energy return with each step, making them an excellent choice for long days spent on your feet.
These shoes are crafted from durable, water-resistant leather, complemented by a breathable engineered mesh upper. Weighing at just 17.7 oz (503 g) per shoe, they provide a lightweight solution without compromising on safety, thanks to the carbon-fiber composite toes that offer a significant reduction in weight compared to traditional steel toes.
Features
- Composite Toe: Asymmetrical, non-metallic carbon-fiber toes that meet ASTM standards for safety while being lighter than steel.
- Traction: Features oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles that ensure stability on various surfaces.
- Water Resistant: Full-grain leather protects against liquid absorption, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
- Support: KONNECTFIT heel-capture system provides a secure fit, along with midfoot support from a nylon shank.
- Comfort: KEEN.ReGEN technology delivers enhanced cushioning and energy return for maximum comfort throughout the day.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and energy return for all-day comfort.
- Lightweight design with protective composite toes.
- Effective moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry.
- Durable construction with a stylish look.
- Good traction on slippery surfaces.
Cons
- Some users may find the shoes slightly narrow.
- The price point may be higher than standard work shoes without the added features.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Vista Energy+ | Similar Alternative A | Similar Alternative B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Toe | Yes | Yes | No |
| Slip Resistance | ASTM F1677 Mark II | ASTM F2913 | Not Rated |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | 17.7 oz | 18.5 oz | 20.0 oz |
| Energy Return Technology | KEEN.ReGEN | Standard EVA | Standard EVA |
Detailed Review
When it comes to selecting work footwear that merges durability, comfort, and style, the KEEN Utility Vista Energy+ excels in all areas. The breathability of the engineered mesh upper allows for air circulation, a vital feature during hot working conditions. Additionally, the moisture-wicking lining effectively draws sweat away from your feet, which can make a significant difference during long hours of wear.
An impressive aspect of these shoes is the lightweight composite toe, which not only conforms to your foot's shape for a snug fit but also alleviates the burden typically associated with steel-toe boots. This design element is particularly important if you're frequently moving around or standing for extended periods.
Moreover, the energy-returning midsole provides a cushiony feel underfoot, reducing fatigue over time. Users appreciate the way the Vista Energy+ addresses common concerns such as foot fatigue and discomfort through its thoughtful construction.
While the fit may be on the narrower side for some, the overall consensus highlights that these shoes are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking reliable, stylish work footwear. From warehouse settings to light-duty maintenance jobs, the Vista Energy+ meets the demands of diverse working environments.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and arch support: ideal for long hours. |
| Safety | 8/10 | Meets ASTM standards with lightweight protection. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity, even with frequent use. |
| Style | 9/10 | Modern design suitable for both work and casual wear. |
User Reviews
For my feet these are perfect lite shoes great soles quality of the shoe is very good!
Keen has some good shoes however the toe cap glue was coming off the day these were opened and put to use. Aside from that, the shoe holds up with no issues and I expect to get a year+ out of these like my old pair from Keen.
My husband just started a handyman business and needed some work shoes. He says these fit the bill.They are heavy duty (I.e. not light) and durable. He seems to have no sizing issues.Hope that helps.
These shoes were okay, with no cosmetic defects. However, as they are advertised as ESD safe I must return them as only one of the shoes would pass ESD tests. I love the comfort of asymmetrical shaped composite toe, but I don't get why they made the cosmetics of the toe area asymmetrical. :/
Love these shoes. 1) Composite toe protection so they are light. 2) Laces so you can adjust the tightness. 3) ESD (I don't have that need but some do). 4) Sealed shell (ie not cloth) for environments where you don't want the shoes to absorb all the crap you are working with. The laces and tong are cloth, so just be aware stuff falling from your workbench can still end up inside the material of your shoes over time, but walking through the dew on a lawn for example won't get your feet wet.Style:I saw a few reviews talking about the grandpa look, however just remember these are "work" shoes. They are not intended to be your daily walker about town shoes. Style is relative, and no, these are not stylish, but they are decent. You could, for example stop by a store after work and not be overly self conscious. I put a picture three types of black shoes that I own. A name brand "Air" shoe with no protection. A pair of these that are slip-on's and of course these. You'll need to be the judge for yourself.Fit/ComfortOverall thumbs up. Not as light or comfortable as my N "Air" shoes, but those have almost no protections. The Keen Vista Slips on's that I got previously didn't fit my foot well and there was no way to adjust them, so I had to use two pairs of socks. These shoes lace up nicely, fit well and are actually comfortable on my feet. I wouldn't use these as a daily walking shoe, but I think I could as I forget that I'm wearing these and thats a good thing.My only gripe is the insole. I think its a little cheap and I wish they put a gel insole into the shoe. These fell a little hard, and not enough padding, but that are easily removable and I'll probably put in a different insole. Younger feet may feel differently.
Since Covid I've been much more "DIY" around the house and with our cars.I had a near miss a couple of months ago replacing my vehicle's rotors. My hands were a little bit greasy and I lost my grip on a rotor as it was coming off the car. Since then I had been thinking about getting steel toe work boots but they just seemed too big and bulky to wear around the house and garage doing various projects.When I saw these Keen composite tow utility sneakers, I figured I'd give them a try. Even though they're composite and not steel toe, they appear to have the same strength as steel toed shoes.They are definitely heavier than typical sneakers but not nearly as heavy as steel toed work boots.PROS:- Comfort - Surprisingly comfortable. Wearing them around the house all day is actually quite comfortable.- Lower Weight than Steel Toe, Not too heavy so they do not become tiring after walking in them for a while.- Quality - From top to bottom they appear to be very well-made. I do not think they are particularly stylish, but they are better looking than almost any other steel toed shoe I have seen.Reflective - The tongue loops are made with reflective material. It's not overly functional but I like the look of it.CONS- None that I can think of
Another winner from Keen!Solid work shoe, nice leather work and stitching, and the shoe box is awesome - it's not quite as rigid as the full on steel toe type shoes but definitely provides some rigidity. Shoe seems to run 1/2 to a full size small due to the toe box. Improved feel to the insole, this shoes are easier to wear all day and stay comfy than their predecessors. Not sure how the "energy+" works, but it works! Give these a try (just remember to size up) if you need moderate protection for your feet and something that has better than usual comfort & style for a shoe in this category.
Keen is the only brand of shoe that has lasted me for over 7 years and still looks good and they're still comfortable.This pair is excellent on cement, have not slipped, they look nice, and are surprisingly lightweight.In my opinion you cannot go wrong with Keen. They're absolutely worth every penny.