Work boots are so much more than footwear. They’re as much a piece of on-the-job equipment as your toolbox, your truck or your hard hat. Choosing the right boot for the work you do can make the days feel shorter and the job feel easier. KEEN Utility makes boots for a variety of conditions, so you can focus on the task at hand without thinking about your feet at all. How do you determine which boots are right for you? Find the statement below that describes you best.
“My job is tough and the terrain is rugged. I need a heavy-duty boot.”
You may be a heavy machine operator, a welder, or a utility worker. You may have to climb ladders or scaffolding, or be outside in all weather on uneven terrain. To handle the most challenging work conditions, we recommend the men’s Milwaukee Boot. It’s made of water- and abrasion-resistant leather with an oil- and slip-resistant outsole and a steel toe for protection. (They also come in a waterproof version). Durable Goodyear welt construction provides stability on rocky ground. These boots are heavier than some others, but if burly is what you’re looking for, these are your boots.
“I am a radiant heat service tech who also on occasion replaces boilers and tanks. Most of my work is in doors, but I live in Wa. state, so getting equipment in and out of the van can be a wet experience. I've been wearing Milwaukee 6" for 5 years, and they always fit perfectly and hold up well to constantly being on my feet. … They’re terrific boots.” — Jesse
If warmth is your top priority, check out the men’s Dover Boot from our American Built collection. It’s available in an 8” height that’s insulated with 600g of KEEN.WARM insulation for comfort in cold temperatures.
“I work on a farm and I need a boot that will last.”
Stall, chicken coop, or milking shed, you need boots that stand up to the chemicals and waste that go along with working with animals. The men’s Cincinnati Boot has a waterproof leather upper that’s barnyard-resistant to ward off the damaging effects of oleic acid, urea, sodium chloride, and ammonium hydroxide. They also have a durable Goodyear welt construction, so they provide stability on uneven ground and can handle acidic, caustic work environments. Lightweight cushioning keeps you comfortable for long days on your feet, which is great for the warehouse or the construction site.
“I’m constantly kneeling, bending and crawling. Do you make a flexible boot?”
We say the men’s Portland Boot bends where other boots break. That’s because it has KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology that creates flexibility in the forefoot so you can crouch, bend, squat, or kneel three times easier, making work below the knee a breeze. Add a lightweight, air-injected PU midsole for optimal comfort and you’re set from clock-in to clock-out.
“Thanks KEEN for making the most comfortable and protected toe workboot made in the USA I have ever worn. This boot is light, flexible and has zero break-in time. The bellows feature works perfectly.” — RZ
“I do a ton of standing and walking in a day. I need a boot that’s comfortable.”
From the factory floor to the mail route, your job is one where you never sit down. For standing in place for hours or covering a lot of territory, you might consider the men’s Coburg Boot. This steel toe boot is part of our American Built collection and is available in 6” and 8” heights, both offering hiking-boot comfort with all the benefits of a work boot. The removable PU insole provides arch support to fight foot exhaustion, while a moisture-wicking liner keeps feet feeling cool.
“I'm a welder on my feet for 10 hours a day on concrete. I've had 3 operations on my right foot and these boots are the BEST!!! I highly recommend.” — Kimberly F.
You might also think about the men’s San Jose Boot. It’s designed to provide a balance between a work boot and a light work shoe. A soft and comfortable KEEN Luftcell air-infused midsole delivers sneaker-like comfort. Choose between aluminum- or soft-toe options depending on the level of protection you need, as well as unlined or waterproof versions to meet the variable work conditions.
The right boots are key to making work a better experience. When you’re comfortable and your boots have all the features you need, your day is pretty much guaranteed to go more smoothly. And that’s something we can get behind.
