KEEN Utility Braddock Work Boot Review
We here at A Concord Carpenter have been wearing Keen Utility Boots on the job in all seasons for both indoor and outdoor work. Check out our reviews of the Keen WP Milwaukee Industrial Boots and Keen Rainier Crossover Work Boot We consistently feature these shoes because we’ve been really impressed with the quality, innovation, and durability of this brand of work boot. To add to our enthusiasm we’re reviewing the Keen Braddock a new style for Fall 2014.
Before we get into this KEEN Utility Braddock Work Boot Review, let’s take a quick peak at the boot’s features.
Features
- American Built
- KEEN.DRY ™ waterproof breathable membrane
- Left & Right Asymmetrical Safety Toe
- Lining with hydrophobic/hydrophilic 2-zone comfort technology
- Meets or exceeds ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip testing standards
- Meets or exceeds ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 I/75 C/75 EH standards
- Oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsole
- Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
Performance
Our agile carpenter crew really loves the hybrid design of this work boot, not bulky like a traditional boot, but more like a cross trainer. Of course this athletic shoe inspired footwear comes with the safety features we expect from the KEEN Utility line. These boots grip, protect your toes, and are comfortable throughout the day.
In particular we noticed the deep tongue on the boot designed to keep debris and such from getting into the shoe and cling to your socks. If working with shavings, or heavy dust areas, you often get debris and objects stuck inside your boots and socks. The extra skin of the flap folds in comfortably and doesn’t bunch, while locking out uncomfortable shavings, debris, and other unwelcome objects.
The boots feature a lace lock that we loved on the Rainier Work Boot, composed of heavy duty plastic, with a low profile to prevent snags, these are industrial locks. My favorite aspect of these lace locks is the subtle snap of the lace entering the lock that tells you these boots aren’t going anywhere.
Overall Impression
KEEN Utility features stand up to job site challenges and safeguard your feet with a myriad of different professional grade features. KEEN.DRY ensures your feet stay cozy and dry, even during torrential down pours creating puddles all around our job site, my feet stayed comfortable. The wrapped asymmetrical safety toe is comfortable and lengthens the life of the boot by protecting a vulnerable part of any work shoe.
Also these particular boots are American Built. “American Built is a movement we’re proud of,” said Mark Reilly, KEEN Utility Division Director. “We’re able to build innovative safety footwear while giving back to the local community by creating jobs right here in the Pacific Northwest. KEEN is not only bringing manufacturing back to the country, but also giving back to those who sacrificed so much to defend the United States.
This Fall, from September through December at participating KEEN Utility retailers, $5 will be donated to Homes for our Troops for every pair of KEEN Utility boots purchased. KEEN Utility will then in turn match the donation for a combined donation of $10 per pair of boots sold. This donation will be able to provide the much-needed funds to allow Homes for Our Troops to continue their inspiring and life changing work.
How Much And Where To Buy?
These Keen Utility Braddock steel toed boots sell online for approximately $130.00 here: Keen-Utility-Braddock-Steel-Toed-Cascade
