KEEN Work Boots

By Robert Robillard on Tool News

Tacoma Industrial Boot

Keen Work Boots Industrial  Grade

The folks at Keen recently sent me and my crew two of their industrial grade construction work boots to review and evaluate.   I have to be honest, I’ve always known Keen as an eco-friendly, outdoorsy hiking and sandal type of shoe and never in my wildest dreams thought they made construction PRO grade work boots.

First Impression:

We were sent two different Keen work boots to evaluate.   Their Pittsburgh boot and the Tacoma boot.

Pittsburgh Industial boot

I’m more of a traditional guy so I chose the Tacoma which looks like a PRO work boot and my lead carpenter Chris went for the Pittsburgh, which looks like a hiking boot.

Keen Work Boots:  Tacoma

The Tacoma is a waterproof and durable looking boot.  It is made with full-grain nu-buck leather and a” KEEN.Dry” waterproof breathable membrane that allows moisture out but not in.

The toe and heel section of the Tacoma ha a rubber over layer that acts as an abrasion-resistant protection to give extra protection to the areas that ALWAYS seem to wear away first.

The Tacoma also has what I consider a necessity in a PRO rated work boot:  steel toe protection.  An aggressive and oil and slip-resistant out sole keeps this boot grounded.   [Note – the Tacoma is also available without steel-toes.]

Tacoma comes in sizes from: 7 to 15; D & EE (1/2 through 12) and colors: Black, Wheat and Brown.  This boot meets ANSI Z41 PT99 standards for electrical hazard protection from open circuits.

Keen Work Boots: Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh is made with a waterproof Nu-buck leather upper and features the classic KEEN wrap rubber toe.

This boot also has the “A KEEN.DRY™” waterproof breathable membrane  and a removable metamotomical foot bed with an impressive arch support.

The Pittsburgh also features the necessary steel toe protection and meets ASTM safety standards.  An aggressive and oil and slip-resistant out sole keeps this boot grounded.   The Pittsburgh is also available in soft toe six-inch styles as well as a low style athletic style.]  This boot meets ANSI Z41 PT99 standards for electrical hazard protection from open circuits.

Pittsburgh comes in sizes: 7 to15; D & EE (1/2 through 12) Colors: Bison/Red, Black/Yellow, Slate/Blackberry

How did these Boots Hold Up?

Six weeks on construction job sites and these two boots are just getting started.

Both boots proved to be durable and comfortable although it seemed that the Tacoma took a bit longer to break in.  Six weeks into this review and my Tacoma boots are just starting to feel broken in.  Chris related that his Pittsburgh boots felt broken in on week two.

While I didn’t weigh these two boots the Pittsburgh is the lighter of the two.

Overall Impression:

I was very impressed and still can’t believe that the company that makes the most comfortable sandals  now makes a PRO rated work boot.  From the sole to stitching to the laces these boots are a game changer on the job site.   The ankle support and durability of these boots will serve anyone in the trades well.

How much and where to buy:

The Tacoma will be available soon online.  The Pittsburgh  sells for approximately $179.00 online.

 

Product reviews on this site contain our opinion of a product or service. I will always strive for objectivity and transparency in my reviews.  My goal is to provide readers with honest, objective information based on my training and experience.  I never have and never will accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the products that I review are provided free by a manufacturer. In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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