A sneaker is never just a sneaker. It’s a market shoe, a trail shoe, a chasing-after-kids-in-the-rain shoe. That’s why we only make the kind of sneakers we want to wear: the ones that can go from running errands to popping out for a little trek on your lunch hour. And they have to be comfortable 24/7 (of course!).
We wear our KEEN sneakers all year round (canvas for the summer and suede for the chilly fall and winter). But how do you know which ones to get? To help you select the perfect pair, find the statement below that describes you best.
“I’m looking for a really comfy sneaker I can walk in a lot.”
Maybe you’re about to get up close and personal with some cobblestone streets in Europe. Maybe the elevator is broken and your office is on the fifth floor. Or maybe you’re the proud owner of a Jack Russell Terrier who goes bananas if he isn’t walked four times a day. To stay comfortable when you’re spending lots of time on your feet, we recommend the Coronado. These sneakers have a classic vulcanized construction (meaning they’ve got that smooth rubber wrap around the sole). The difference is inside: the thick, cushy insole has a plush feel.
“These shoes are the perfect retro skater sneakers. I love that the toe box is wide but the heel is nice and snug.” - Stands A Lot in Colorado
“I’m looking for more of an everyday shoe.”
When people are looking for a casual go-to, we show them the Elsa sneakers. The look is more streamlined than the Coronado, and it’s a great shoe for everyday stuff like shopping, dog-walking and just kicking around.
“The first day, I wore them to a college football game and did a ton of walking, and my feet never hurt once.” - Christy in Oregon
Pro tip: There’s a lace-up Elsa and a slip-on Elsa. We always wear our slip-on Elsas when we’re headed to the airport (for easier times at TSA).
But wait, what if it’s cold out? In that case, check out the Elena winter sneaker boots. They keep your toes warm with KEEN.Warm insulation that’s good for temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius).
“My first outing with these was a corn maze. We walked about 4 miles in less than ideal conditions, it was muddy and wet and slippery. I had no problem with them. They cleaned up perfect and were the most comfortable shoes I have worn in a long time!” - Lisa in Wisconsin
Pro tip: Sneakers don’t have to stop at your ankle. The extra-high Elena covers your lower calf for maximum toastiness.
“I think my feet might be too narrow for KEEN shoes. Is there a sneaker for me?”
In general, KEEN shoes fit on the wider side (for that roomy, comfortable fit). If you have a narrower foot, you will probably do best with the Lorelai chukka. It has a more minimal design and a slimmer shape.
“I don’t like to wear leather. Got anything for me?”
Just so you know, KEEN shoes never use these animal products: fur, silk or down. If you want shoes made without leather, wool or other animal products, check out our blog post on our leather-free shoes for a full list.
“Does KEEN make any sustainable sneakers?”
Yes! Since 2012, we've been taking action to eliminate ingredients that shouldn’t end up in our products or our planet. It’s a journey, and we’re continuing to take positive steps to create eco-friendly shoes and leave the planet better than we found it. Many of our shoes now use more sustainable materials and technologies.
For our most sustainable option, check out the Lorelai collection. These sneakers are built for a lightweight feel and a light eco footprint. Lorelai is made with environmentally preferred leather (created by Leather Working Group-certified tanneries that reduce chemicals, energy use and water pollution). They also feature PFC-free water repellency that doesn’t use harmful chemicals.
“The water repellency is perfect for all those wet PNW days.” - Kay in Washington
Pro tip: Lorelai comes in a low-cut sneaker, a high-top chukka sneaker boot and a slip-on (no lacing required).
You never know where the day will take you, whether it’s a few laps around the block or down a tricky trail through unpredictable weather. Sneakers are our go-to for daily adventures, and we look forward to helping you find the pair that’ll make your feet happy. Explore our sustainable styles.
