KEEN Utility Vista Energy Mid, Black/Raven, Comp Toe, EH, Hiking, Work Boot (11.0 D) Review
If you're looking for a reliable blend of durability and comfort in a work boot, the KEEN Utility Vista Energy Mid is an excellent option to consider. This boot unites the protective qualities needed for light-duty work with the freedom and ease required for outdoor activities.
With a lightweight design of 18.9 oz / 537 g per boot, these boots won't weigh you down. The upper is crafted from durable, water-resistant leather paired with a moisture-wicking lining to keep your feet dry during long hours on the job or on the trail.
Features
- Mesh and synthetic, non-mutilating upper
- Removable, metatomical PU footbed for added support
- KONNECTFIT heel-capture for a locked-in heel fit
- Composite toe for enhanced safety
- ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH compliant
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Water-resistant materials help keep feet dry
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole for better traction
- Designed for a wider fit, accommodating various foot shapes
- Environmentally conscious with responsibly sourced leather
Cons
- Not suited for heavy industrial environments
- May take some time to break in for ultimate comfort
- Lacks insulation for colder climates
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Utility Vista Energy Mid | Timberland PRO 6" Pit Boss | Carhartt 6" Composite Toe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 18.9 oz | 30 oz | 24 oz |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Yes | No |
| Slip Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Composite Toe | Yes | No | Yes |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Utility Vista Energy Mid boot excels in offering a perfect combination of functionality and comfort. The KEEN.ReGEN midsole provides exceptional cushioning that supports you throughout the day, making it ideal for those who spend long hours on their feet. The removable insoles allow for custom adjustments based on your personal preference.
Designed for light-duty work tasks such as maintenance, manufacturing, and warehousing, this boot's ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH compliance adds an extra layer of safety. For those concerned about odors, the CleansportNXT technology works diligently to break down odor-causing bacteria, ensuring your boots remain fresh even after extended use.
Although primarily designed for lighter duties, the boot does have its limitations. It may not be suitable for heavy-duty industrial jobs, and while it performs well in various conditions, users in extremely cold environments might find the lack of insulation to be a drawback.
Overall, the KEEN Utility Vista Energy Mid offers a balanced selection for anyone seeking performance without sacrificing comfort. Its wide fit caters to diverse foot shapes and provides the necessary support for both work and leisure activities.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and support for all-day wear. |
| Durability | 4/5 | Crafted from quality materials; suitable for light-duty tasks. |
| Safety | 4.5/5 | Composite toe and slip resistance provide solid protection. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Competitively priced for the quality offered. |
| Fit | 4/5 | Wider fit could benefit more individuals. |
User Reviews
I bought these for work (needed safety/composite toe), but so far I've only worn them to music concerts (live band shows). They are light to wear and walk in, yet protective due to their composite safety-toe. I find the insoles comfortable with good support. The outsoles are a bit 'thick-ish' but not to clunky to my taste. However, they are not a thin-soled low-profile safety boot, as you might find among Terra brand footwear(which I have... model: Venom comes to mind). I do like these Keen boots, due to their most-all-black color and their smooth, sleek, classic-sneaker-inspired design. They have smooth finished surface at the back/#eel area, venting on the sides, and mesh at the safety-toe area. A nice combination of decent externall foot protection, yet breathable to help keep the fungus at bay, when worn for long periods of time (such as a full-time day or longer)
Wish I would have read the description better. These aren't insulated or waterproof. Originally got the 15 size and they were too small. Returned and got the 15 wide which seems to be a better fit for me but 16 wide would be best but Keen doesn't offer this size. They seem to run small considering I've only needed a size 16 with one other boot company. These boots are very comfortable. My next pair I'll need to look elsewhere if they don't offer a larger size though.
Lightweight, comfortable, breathable. Have seen lots of complaints that they’re not waterproof - and they’re not. They’re a jungle-style, breathable, quasi-sneaker/tactical boot. Bought these for work as an extra pair of back-up boots. They’re technically not legal in my line of work (railroad - transportation dept) due to not having a defined heel, but the support and traction are excellent, and hey, I’m not riding in the stirrup, or bottom ladder rung of a freight car. Would’ve given 5-stars, but doubtful these mass-produced boots for $120 are going to last more than a year before they fall apart. Not bad, though.
I highly recommend these Boots! My Son is a size 14 & super picky, he loves the quality, look & how lightweight these are!
These are the most comfortable safety shoes I have ever had. It took me awhile to find a pair that I would ever recommend, but to me these are as close to a gym shoe feel I have ever had. Love these so much I no longer change at job site and will ware them all day on workdays from home and back.
Nice and great quality.
I bought a pair of these spring of 2022 and used them the entire year with zero issues. I absolutely loved them. The 3 previous years were Keen Targhee lows and they were always good but I liked the extra safety of the composite toes of the Vistas. They're lightweight, extremely comfortable walking on concrete/asphalt all day, and held up for a full year. I bought another pair spring of 2023 because I liked them so much. Obviously something with manufacturing changed because the sole started separating within the first week in multiple places. Sent pics to Keen's warranty dept but they were next to no help. They might have a 1 year warranty but good luck getting them to honor it. I basically just kept super gluing the soles everywhere they kept separating and now I'll never buy one of their products again. A good product says a lot about a company but how you handle your mistakes says more about a company and they failed miserably.
My company gives me a yearly stipend for boots and being someone with a foot condition, I needed something comfortable. As far as that goes, these knock it out of the park. By far the most comfortable and light weight boots I found. But they just aren't durable enough to last the full year. I don't push my boots very hard yet the soles are already separating, posing a safety hazard and making them useless for my extra safety oriented site. Keen does make a more robust version which I will look into, but these are a product lacking identity. It's more of a running shoe that happens to have a safety toe. Keen should look into adding material reinforcement in future.