KEEN Louisville 6 Inch Work Boots Review
KEEN Utility Louisville Work Boots
In the interest of full disclosure, let me first say that I have never been a fan of "high top" shoes or boots. It has always felt to me like they impede the natural movement of my ankles. Maybe I'm just neurotic, but it really bugged me, the way most of them fit and felt. Then along came the KEEN Louisville 6" Work Boots and for whatever reason, I found them to be extremely comfortable. I don't know if it's me getting less neurotic as I get older, or simply the fact that these boots are special.
Work Boot - Louisville Style
Someone once said, "It's far, far better to look good than to feel good." Well, call me wacky, but I expect both. Many work boot styles tend to be clunky and put function over form. KEEN does things a little differently - they make work boots that look good, feel good, and perform quite well. I'm still doing my best to wear out a pair of of steel-toed Detroits I've had for a couple of years. You can read that review HERE.
The KEEN Utility line has impressed me. They've put a lot of thought into how the boots and shoes look, but haven't forgotten that they need to be tough and perform as expected on top of all that.
KEEN Features
As I mentioned before, I'm not a fan of footwear that comes up past my ankle bone, so I didn't expect to like these boots. I was surprised at how comfortable they are. Granted, I don't tie them all the way up, but the first hooks on the ankle of the boot lock the laces in place. This is nice for those of us who want the option of lacing them all the way, but the freedom to do as we choose, without having to tighten and re-tie the laces all day long. I get the benefit of protection when I need it.
The other biggie with me is the KEEN-Grip sole. That's their name for oil and slip resistant features. According to KEEN, they meet or exceed ASTM F1677-96 Mark II standards. I'm just happy that I don't slip, even on floors that have tended to send me flying in the past. As an added bonus, these boots don't make that annoying SQUEAK that some do when finished flooring is smooth. You know what I'm talking about, right? I HATE that sound, and so does everyone else who can hear it.
The sizing on these boots runs pretty true to the numbers. I wear a 13 and the Louisville boots don't feel tight or cramped. I'm also not sliding around in the boot.
The leather uppers and non-marring rubber outsole both seem tough as nails. I haven't seen any separation where the two materials meet, as is so often the case with cheaper boots. The construction is rock-solid. Oh, and the leather is water and stain resistant, as well. Those KEEN folks just seemed to think of everything, didn't they?
Bottom Line
I have always liked KEEN footwear, and these Louisville 6 Inch Soft Toes have lived up to the KEEN rep in my mind. They're comfy, tough, and hold up well in harsh environments. If you've not tried a pair of KEEN Utility boots and are thinking about these, I say give them a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Check price/availability on Amazon: CLICK HERE
For more information from KEEN Utility: CLICK HERE
