KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Low Soft Toe Industrial Sneaker Work, Nautical Blue/Black, 11 Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Low Soft Toe Industrial Sneaker is an impressive fusion of comfortable outdoor style and robust work shoe functionality. Designed for individuals engaged in light-duty work across various sectors such as maintenance, manufacturing, and warehousing, these shoes provide the protective features needed without sacrificing comfort.
Weighing just 17.1 oz (487 g) per shoe, they are crafted from durable, water-resistant leather, ensuring that your feet stay dry while enhancing the longevity of the material. The addition of a moisture-wicking lining means that sweat won’t become a problem even during long hours on your feet. Built upon KEEN's traditional wider footwear form, this sneaker ensures a secure fit for all-day wear.
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Features
- Soft Toe: Asymmetrical KEEN.PROTECT soft toe caps safeguard against minor impacts and meet ASTM F2892 EH standards.
- Traction: Oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsoles enhance traction, conforming to ASTM F1677 MARK II and ASTM F2913 SATRA Non-Slip Testing Standards.
- Water Resistant: Water-resistant leather acts as a barrier against liquid absorption, preserving the quality over time.
- Support: KONNECTFIT heel-capture system provides a locked-in feel, enhanced by a nylon shank for midfoot support.
- Comfort: KEEN.ReGEN midsole offers 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam, complemented by CleansportNXT for natural odor protection.
Pros
- Excellent comfort for prolonged wear due to KEEN.ReGEN technology.
- Durable construction with water-resistant leather.
- Good traction provided by slip-resistant rubber outsoles.
- Removable insoles allow for customization.
- Lightweight design helps reduce fatigue.
Cons
- Soft toe may not offer sufficient protection for heavy-duty environments.
- Some users report sizing issues; trying them on is recommended.
- Lack of metal reinforcements might be a drawback in certain industrial settings.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Vista Energy | Similar Product A | Similar Product B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 17.1 oz | 16 oz | 18 oz |
| Water Resistance | Yes | No | Yes |
| Slip Resistance | ASTM F1677 | ASTM F1677 | ASTM F2913 |
| Insole Type | Removable | Non-removable | Removable |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Vista Energy Low Soft Toe Industrial Sneaker excels in several categories essential for a work shoe. In terms of comfort, the innovative KEEN.ReGEN midsole technology stands out, providing superb cushioning and energy return. This feature ensures that you can stay on your feet for extended periods without discomfort, making it suitable for those who work long hours.
When considering durability, these sneakers are constructed from high-quality, water-resistant leather which offers an excellent shield against moisture while maintaining structural integrity over time. Additionally, the rubber soles are both slip-resistant and oil-resistant, ideal for workplaces where traction is paramount.
The fit of the Vista Energy sneakers deserves special mention. Building upon KEEN's wider footwear form allows for ample toe space, reducing pinching and pressure, which are common complaints among wearers of traditional work shoes. However, potential buyers should consider trying the shoes on before purchasing, as some users have reported sizing discrepancies.
In terms of odor control, the CleansportNXT technology works effectively to neutralize unpleasant smells, using probiotics to break down odor-causing bacteria. This feature is particularly beneficial for people who find themselves in sweaty conditions throughout the day.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional comfort due to advanced midsole design. |
| Durability | 4/5 | Robust construction with quality materials but fit may vary. |
| Traction | 4.5/5 | Excellent slip resistance on various surfaces. |
| Fit | 4/5 | Wider fit accommodates most foot shapes; check sizing. |
| Odor Control | 5/5 | Effective odor management with probiotic technology. |
User Reviews
I really like these shoes but returned them, I mistakenly thought they are waterproof. It would be great if Keen made these in waterproof but they don't, only the hard toes are WP.
My husband does flooring and it’s been a nightmare to find shoes!! They have to be comfortable enough for him to wear all day at work sometimes 15hrs straight. They have to be heavy duty and flexible at the same time. He’s had no complaints with these
Awesome
Good comfortable fit
I have been wearing Keen shoes for over 15 years for work and at home and they have always fit my feet the best and lasted a long time. I knew that Keen had been purchased by another company a while back but their shoes were still working for me so it was fine. Now it is not. This pair of shoes is barely adequate for me to wear to work. I am not on my feet as much as I used to be thankfully because if i was these would be worthless. The quality of the shoe is just average. The soles are good and have good grip. Arch support is fine but not on par with how they used to be.I have two major complaints with this shoe. The first is the toe box. I ordered these shoes in wide based off other's reviews but it still smashes my toes and has uncomfortable seams in the toe box that rub or poke my toes. The second in the padding around the top of the shoe, specifically the back where it wraps around my ankle. There is very little padding here and what little there is keeps getting pushed down when i put the shoes back on every day so it pushes uncomfortably on my tendon.Haven't totally given up on Keens yet but I would not purchase another pair of this shoe.
Keen has changed their unique last used to manufacture these shoes. This has changed the sizing to a much small size because of the shape of the new style toe box. The image is of the new shoe on the left, old shoe on the right, same size and foot. For the very first time, I've had to return a Keen product. I'm not sure how long I've been using Keen shoes, boots, sandals and slippers, but it has been so long I don't remember buying another brand for at least 20 years. They just fit. They don't have the larger sizes in the retail stores so I have to order online, sometimes I can purchase them at REI. Now I'm going to have to go and try every pair. Not until recently did that become a thing. Not only these shoes but a pair of deck shoes, tennis shoes really, were also made using the new style last and did not have the larger toe box and I have the same problem with them. Other than the missing toe box, the shoes are well made and what I have come to expect from Keen. However, the missing toe box is a game changer, I'll look elsewhere now before buying another Keen product. The new owners were warned about changing the Keen toe box.
Maybe the best work shoes I have had in 30 years of factory work. Comfy and durable.