KEEN Gibson Boot (Soft Toe) Review
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KEEN Gibson Boot (Soft Toe) Review
- Manufacturer: Keen Footwear
- Model: 1030538
- Price: $145
- Weight: 18.48oz (per shoe)
Keen has recently introduced its new KEEN Gibson Boot and sent us a sample to review. Keen describes this boot as a low-profile, soft-toe style boot that is constructed for medium-duty job sites or to casually wear around town. After spending several weeks testing the boot, here’s a detailed review based on both quality and performance.
Design and Construction
First, I have to say that I was very interested in trying the KEEN Gibson boot because I typically wear a moc toe boot. A moc toe boot typically has stitching around the top of the toe box. Personally, I prefer the look of a moc toe, and I would have to admit that all of my boots are moc toes.
Thick Foam Upper Padding
I wanted to make mention of the thick upper padding at the ankle and the tongue. The thick padding reminded me of skateboard shoes from back in the day. The thickness paired with the sneaker-type sole gave the Gibson boot a bit of an extra wide sneaker look that should be considered. I would imagine that the thick padding could come in handy on some finishing job sites, or similar occasions where scratching could become an issue. For example, if lying down on a new tile surface or a customer’s new wood floor, the thick padding would provide your ankles comfort but also prevent scratching the surface if you were lying or kneeling. This can be an advantage for certain tradesmen.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Gibson Boot is constructed from full-grain water-resistant leather. I first noticed water beading after I spilled some water on the Gibson Boot. Not only is this going to keep the boot in good condition, but it will also prevent your foot from getting wet.
Traction and Sole Performance
While testing the Gibson Boot, I also noticed the soft rubber sole provided a lot of traction. This sole is designed as a non-marking / anti-slip rubber. On slippery surfaces, these boots had significantly more traction than I am used to.
Testing
The Gibson Boot is constructed from quality full-grain leather. Like most Keen shoes, the boots are well constructed. I wore these boots for a few weeks before writing this review. I found the 18.48oz boot to be a comfortable weight to wear for the entire day. I would have preferred the insoles to have a little extra foam, but they still felt pretty comfortable after a full day. While testing out these boots I found the medium-duty description to be pretty accurate. I found myself wearing them in the shop, when I was checking in on job sites, and also out to a casual dinner. These boots worked well for my daily use.
Safety Information
- Left and right asymmetrical soft toes help safeguard against minor impact but are not reinforced with a secondary crush resistance
- Meets ASTM F2892-18 EH standards
- Meets ASTM F2913-19 SATRA non-slip testing standards
- Meets ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards
- Meets ASTM SATRA TM31 material abrasion testing standards
- Midsole meets ASTM D471-06 903# oil and isooctane chemical resistance standards
Purchasing Information
The KEEN Gibson boot is available in several colors and can be purchased from many online retailers or from keenfootwear.com See our other Keen reviews for more information on other models.
