Product Information

We’re on a detox journey to minimize our impact on the planet. Out of the six classes of the most toxic chemicals in consumer products, we’ve eliminated five, and we’re working on the last one: solvents.

This means rethinking the way shoes are usually made — like fusing parts of the sole together without any toxic glues and solvents. Instead, our KEEN.FUSION construction uses high temperatures to create a longer-lasting bond. We are happy that it has a lighter impact on the planet, but we noticed that this process caused a burnt rubber smell. We added a non-toxic vanilla fragrance, because we think vanilla smells better than burnt rubber.

We know many folks have a personal preference and sensitivity when it comes to scents. If it’s a bit strong for you, we suggest putting the shoes outside on a back porch or balcony for a short period of time.

To learn more about the steps we’re taking to reduce our impact, read our latest impact report at https://keenfootwear.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KEEN-ESG2021.pdf

KEEN has a Restricted Substances Policy that goes beyond global standards. See it here: https://keenfootwear.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/KEEN-Chem-Mgnt-Policy-RSL-v2022_English.pdf

Many of our sandals, including our iconic Newport sandal, are hybrid trail/water sandals that can be worn in and around water. These styles feature water-friendly webbing, traction for slippery surfaces, and a bungee lace system or hook-and-loop closures that create a secure fit. Even some of our leather sandals are made with waterproof leather. Simply click on the Features & Care and Description tabs to find out if a sandal is designed for water use.

For more help, read our water sandal guide:

https://www.keenfootwear.com/blogs/keen-blog/tips-for-choosing-the-best-water-sandals

The "caution symbol" on the toe bumper of some of our hiking boots and hybrid sandals is for our KEEN.PROTECT design — our iconic and patented toe protection that helps keep toes safe, whether on the trail or in the water.

All of our waterproof products feature a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane that lets vapor escape while keeping moisture out. These boots and shoes have a KEEN.DRY tag on the outside (usually near the ankle or heel).

Learn more about how KEEN.DRY works here:

https://www.keenfootwear.com/blogs/keen-blog/keen-dry-waterproof-your-rainy-day-hikes

To find the correct shoelace length, count the lace eyelets on just one side of your shoe. For example, if you have 12 eyelets total, you'll want to look for the 6 eyelet lace length.

If you don’t see a particular style on our site, there’s a good chance it’s been discontinued. That said, we’re always happy to investigate for you! Just provide us with the style number or email a photo of the shoes to info.ca@keenfootwear.com and we’ll dive into the KEEN archive to identify the style. If it is a discontinued style, we’ll also do our best to recommend a similar current style.

KEEN does not offer any zero-drop styles at this time. We don’t have exact heel-drop measurements available for our products, but the average heel lift on a KEEN shoe is 10-15mm. Our lower-profile CNX outsole offers more ground feel with about 3-4mm of heel-toe drop.

You can find our CNX styles here:

https://www.keenfootwear.ca/collections/shop?q=cnx

If you are looking to see if a specific style is available at a store near you, we recommend using our Store locator: https://www.keenfootwear.ca/pages/stores

The inventory of KEEN shoes that our retail partners currently have in stock is managed and updated by them, so you should contact them directly.

Please reach out to the retailer to verify they have the exact model and size in stock.

We offer some shoes in up to a Men’s size 17 and a Women’s size 12. It is best to search by size on the Men’s or Women’s landing pages to see what shoes are available in your specific size.

KEEN midsoles will be made up of EVA or PU materials. Both provide excellent comfort, but there are key differences between the two.

PU (Polyurethane)

PU is an organic polymer known for its resilience and compression resistance. It is slightly heavier with a higher density, but in footwear it excels when it comes to durability. PU will provide you with the "millionth step comfort" you find in styles like the Durand and Braddock.

We've also created an air-injected PU called Luftcell that is much lighter and offers added cushioning. You'll find Luftcell in our Grayson and Lorelai shoes.


EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate)

EVA is a synthetic polymer known for its superior cushioning. It is a lightweight polymer which still maintains excellent shock absorption. Due to its lower density structure, EVA can compress over time, which means it will start providing less support after significant wear. EVA will provide you with the superior lightweight cushioning you find in styles like the Targhee III and the Explore hiker sneaker.

Many of our shoes feature removable insoles, which are ideal for orthotics. To check if a style has a removable insole check out the "features" section on any product page.

All Targhee boots and shoes feature out-of-the-box comfort with room for your toes, traction for varied terrain, and durable construction. If you’re looking for a more traditional fit, you may prefer the Targhee II. Compared to the Targhee III, it has a little more room in the toe box and a slightly elevated heel more like a classic hiker.

Still can't decide which Targhee style to buy? Here's some help:
https://www.keenfootwear.ca/blogs/keen-blog/faq-targhee-ii-or-targhee-iii

Our Voyageur and Targhee hiking shoes are two of our bestselling hikers, and they have a similar fit and look.

The Voyageur is a lightweight, water-resistant hiker. It is meant to keep your feet relatively cool during a hike with an inner-mesh lining to allow for better airflow. An ESS shank is also built in for added stability.

The Targhee will have all of the same features as the Voyageur with the added benefit of containing our KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, which will keep your feet nice and dry. For this reason, the Targhee will be approximately 1 ounce heavier per shoe and will sometimes require moving a half-size up, as the waterproof liner uses extra space in the shoe.

We enhanced its longevity with a KEEN.FUSION construction that won’t delaminate, a Luftcell midsole that resists compression over time, and an abrasion-resistant outsole that’s twice as durable as rubber. But, don’t worry, we kept the Targhee fit fans love with plenty of room in the toe box for toes to spread out and naturally splay.

Compared to its predecessor, Targhee IV:

• Withstands more than 1 million flexes (the equivalent of about 500 miles) without failing

• Has a bond between the sole and upper that stands up to 3x our quality standard, even after the 500-mile flex test

• Features an outsole that is 2x more abrasion-resistant so it stays luggy

• Keeps its cushioning and shock absorption over time by resisting compression

The Newport is the original hybrid sandal. It's the first shoe we designed when we started in 2003, and it's still our #1 bestseller. And we still get a lot of questions about it!

For more on the Newport, click here:
https://www.keenfootwear.ca/blogs/keen-blog/who-wears-the-worlds-ugliest-sandal


What is the difference between the Newport and Newport H2?

The Newport and Newport H2 are both built with the same last or foot form, so they will fit and feel almost identical in support and structure. The differences are in the materials used. The Newport is built with leather straps and a microfiber footbed for maximum comfort. The Newport H2 was built for the water, so instead of leather, the straps are built with nylon webbing and microfiber. The H2 footbed uses an EVA material instead of microfiber. The result: Newport H2 dries much faster than the original Newport.

Can the Newport be used for backpacking and thru-hiking?

Hybrid versatility is part of the Newport design, but it completely depends on your personal hiking needs and preferences. Some backpackers and thru-hikers pack a pair of Newports to wear in wet conditions or while in camp. Generally people will wear an enclosed hiking boot or shoe and just bring the Newport to supplement that. We recommend medium to light day hikes with the Newport.

How do you wash the Newport?

All KEEN water sandals are machine washable. We’ve also taken great care to develop leather uppers that will not crack, shrink or stretch when washed. Even KEEN leather Newport sandals are machine washable! Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry.

Have there been any changes to the Newport?

The Newport design has not changed since we released it in 2003. In the production year of 2008, we switched manufacturing locations and some customers who were on the edge of their size ended up needing to size up after that. This is the same time that we officially started suggesting a 1/2 size up from your normal KEEN size, but they've always fit a little small.

Does the Newport use any odor control?

Yes, all KEEN insoles are infused with Eco Anti-Odor that uses probiotics, not pesticides, to control odor. By using a natural alternative, we eliminate 7 tons of hazardous chemicals from going into the environment every year.

CSA stands for the Canadian Standards Association, while ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials. The requirements for both countries are similar, however all CSA product features a puncture-resistant plate.

Can I wear a CSA work boot on my jobsite in the US?
CSA products exceed ASTM requirements, however you should always check with your supervisor to ensure this is acceptable.

KEEN Utility products feature steel, carbon, composite, and alloy toes. We also offer soft toe products.

While very similar, composite toes are comprised of multiple materials (including carbon), whereas the carbon-fiber toe is not. Both are non-metallic and lighter than steel and alloy, however the carbon-fiber option will be the lightest and least bulky between the two.

We don’t like using the word “sustainable.” Because the most sustainable choice would be to not make anything at all. But products make it possible to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, connect with the world and each other, and do some good while doing all that. And we believe in all of those things, too.

So, for us, it’s about being conscientious about every choice that goes into making our products and doing everything we can to minimize our impact on the planet. That’s what we mean when we say our shoes are “Consciously Created.” It’s a mindset that’s at the heart of everything we do — from the materials used and how shoes are constructed, to steps that go beyond shoemaking to make a positive impact in the world.

When it comes to the materials used in our shoes, some of the steps we are taking to create a lighter footprint include switching to 100% PFC-free water repellency, pesticide-free odor control and environmentally preferred leather certified by the Leather Working Group.