Keen Utility Offers Durability with Their Independence Work Boot Series
We’ve reviewed a ton from Keen Utility on our site so far, including Keen Roswell boots and Troy boots. Now, the company is gearing up to release its Independence series of boots. Made in the U.S.A with global materials, could the Keen Independence work boots find their way onto your front porch after a long day on the job? We’ll tell you what we know about them so far leading up to their release so you can decide.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best work boots article to see our top picks!
Keen Independence Work Boots – The Big Deal
Whether you’re working, hiking, or anything in between, you can’t stay comfortable with wet feet. Like many of their other footwear items, Keen Independence boots feature KEEN.DRY technology. That keeps water from entering the boot and getting to your feet. Keen describes this technology as a waterproof, breathable membrane that uses microscopic holes to allow vapor to escape while keeping water out.
Another important factor when considering user comfort is the support level. Keen tells us that the Independence boots feature a Luftcell midsole infused with about “100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter” to offer all-day support and comfort.
Keen Independence work boots also have the expected safety features we expect. They offer asymmetrical carbon fiber toes that contour with the shape of your feet. Carbon fiber is 15% lighter than steel. It offers the same level of protection without the thickness of a composite toe. It also doesn’t conduct electricity. We have a lot of reasons to prefer carbon fiber safety toes in our boots.
These boots also feature KEEN.Toughsole, an oil- and slip-resistant outsole. Keen tells us that this outsole material is lighter in weight and more durable than the rubber found on many work boots.
Additional Features
- EH (Electrical Hazard) rated
- Assembled in the Pacific Northwest using global materials
- Available in several configurations
Price and Availability
You can order Keen Utility Independence boots in sizes ranging from Men’s 7 to 15 (as available). They cost about $195. Currently, they only come in a Dark Earth/Black 6-inch model.
Initial Thoughts
These look like a solid, if not traditional, 6-inch boot. Next to perhaps the Keen Braddock or Mt Vernon boots, these look like the most conventional USA-made boot Keen Utility has ever made. Priced at $195 they have some stiff competition, but we look forward to getting them on our feet and seeing how they do in terms of both protection and comfort.
Specifications
- Model: KEEN Independence
- Heel: 5/8 in., 90º
- Weight: 25.3 oz
- Collar height: 6 in.
- Toe type: Carbon-fiber
- ASTM F2913-19 SATRA Non-Slip
- ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH
