I worked in these boots and put them through usage scenarios to ensure they were up to the job.
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Keen Utility’s New Work Boot is the Perfect Boot for Almost Everything
Updated Sep. 11, 2024
Utility boots have come a long way over the decades. Previously associated with being obnoxiously heavy and having an annoying steel plate that seemed destined to pierce through your foot rather than save it, gone are the days of lackluster work boots with only safety in mind.
Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to not only make them even safer but also more comfortable and, dare I say, attractive. Modern work boots claim to be safer, lighter and better fitting—and can be worn all day. Could it possibly be true?
Keen Utility’s Evanston boot is one of those new-era utility boots that challenge misconceptions. I tried them to see if they could withstand my everyday tasks and meet industrial standards. I was thrilled with these boots, so read on to hear why.
What is the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot?
Keen Utility designed the Evanston work boot to meet the needs of many professionals. However, I found it practical for any application where comfort and safety are paramount. Keen Utility states that the work boot is great for assembly line workers, electricians, the aerospace industry and light manufacturing.
The boots tick all the boxes for standard work boots, with safety and meeting standards being the highest priorities. They’re a six-inch high waterproof boot suitable for many manufacturing and construction situations. Durable leather offers the wearer protection and makes the boots visually appealing.
PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN
We Tried It
Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot
Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot Features
The Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot stands out with a suite of high-performance features designed for durability and safety. This boot is not only oil, slip and heat resistant, but also boasts a carbon-fiber toe. This makes them a lighter alternative to traditional steel toes while maintaining robust protection. Rated for electrostatic discharge (ESD), the boot ensures safe use in environments where static electricity is a concern.
The boot’s six-inch ankle height provides essential protection and stability, a crucial aspect both industrial settings and demanding work environments. The heat-resistant outsole further enhances durability, allowing the boot to withstand high temperatures without compromising performance or comfort.
The Keen Utility Evanston is equipped with Keen.ReGEN technology, a proprietary sole designed to offer 50% more energy return compared to standard foam soles. This technology helps reduce fatigue and increases comfort during long hours on your feet. Additionally, the boot features a 90-degree heel (half an inch) that contributes to its stability and balance.
The eyelets are constructed from plastic rather than metal, minimizing the risk of marring highly finished surfaces—a thoughtful detail for professionals working with delicate materials. The boots also have reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The leather used is barnyard resistant, meaning it effectively withstands the detrimental effects of common livestock-related hazards like oleic acid and urea.
Furthermore, the Leather Working Group certifies the leather as “environmentally preferred,” which ensures that the tanneries adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including waste management and greenhouse gas reduction.
As an extra bonus, the boots are PFA-free and contain no “forever chemicals.”
How We Tested the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot
The boots arrived by mail in terrific packaging—a sturdy boot box that I’ll be reusing. The boots were pre-laced and ready to use, so I put them on my feet around 8:30 a.m. As someone who dislikes wearing shoes and only wears them as a necessity—something I equate to foot prison—I didn’t even think to take these brand-new boots off my feet for almost 12 hours!
I wear a Euro size 39 with a narrow-to-normal width foot and received a U.S. women’s 8.5 medium boot. The fit was perfect, and Keen’s signature roomy toe box was a welcome relief for my claustrophobic toes and the real or imagined widening of my foot as I age. The cushioned part around the ankle felt comfy and didn’t give me that restrictive feeling I get when I revisit my early 90s hipster days and wear my heavy, black ankle boots.
I wasn’t going to test the carbon fiber toe for safety as they did once on Myth Busters (anyone else see that episode?), but the toe was clearly fortified. I felt confident that my tootsies were in safe hands and opted out of dropping a toolbox on my foot. Another welcome surprise was that the composite toe was not even noticeable, even as my toes were bent, which is something I’ve struggled with in other steel-toed boots.
I spent the remainder of the day doing various chores in these boots. I weeded, ran the string trimmer, cleaned gutters and dug up volunteer lemongrass that was invading my flower beds. I walked on grass, mud and mulch. I even took my daily multi-mile walk on asphalt in these boots because it didn’t occur to me to change my shoes.
Keen Utility boasts that the heel design of these boots helps secure the foot in place on ladders. While climbing the ladder to clean my gutters, I felt absolutely confident. While digging with a shovel and on the ladder rungs, the sole’s sturdiness did not cause discomfort or fatigue. As the day went by, I was so very surprised that my ankles also did not feel any chafing or excessive pressure.
Pros:
- Certified for safety standards and ESD
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Environmentally preferred leather
- Reflective
- Chemical and biological resistant leather
- Multiple widths
Cons:
- No color selection for women
- Limited sizes in both men’s and women’s styles
Why Trust Me
I’ve been wearing work boots for most of my adult life. I’ve lived and worked on an organic farm, worked as a land surveyor in many regulated environments, owned a landscaping company and done gobs of contracting work in painting and basic carpentry. Nothing makes my work easier than comfortable and practical footwear.
As a professional product reviewer, I am committed to considering my needs and those of others when evaluating products. The boots are no exception, and I considered many factors in order to give a fair assessment. I looked at both my personal needs and those of people of different sizes and in various industries.
FAQ
Are Keen boots good for work?
There are many types of work boots that are certified for certain industrial uses and safety issues. Many Keen utility boots are approved for these uses and, therefore, are excellent work boots. Keen also has hiking boots and casual boots that may be suitable for certain work environments.
Are Keen shoes good for your feet?
They’re certainly not bad for your feet! In fact, with the arch support, protection and roomy toe box, your feet are getting the royal treatment as far as footwear goes. Keen utility boots come with a 30-day trial, so if you find that they are not meeting your needs, you can return them.
Are Keen boots waterproof?
Some Keen boots are waterproof. The Evanston boot reviewed is rated as waterproof and is indicated for wet and dry use. If waterproof boots are a must, be sure to check the manufacturer’s stated uses and capabilities.
What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say
LaRita B. gives a 5-star review on Keen’s site, saying, “Wide enough!!!!! Yes, finally, Keen listened! These safety-toe boots are wide enough to fit my foot. Thanks, well done.”
Vicki Rose, owner of SPC Specialty Products, a woman-owned business serving the manufacturing and energy sectors, says, “I wear industrial boots daily for work. This boot meets all the safety requirements, looks good, and even comes in a women’s 5, which is perfect for me.”
“Best boot ever,” says Jade P on Keen’s site. “I bought these off of a recommendation from a coworker. So comfortable, even without another insole! My blisters I got from my other boots went away, and because of the composite toe all my ankle pain is gone (because my old boots were too heavy). Seriously the best purchase I’ve ever made.”
Keens vs. Red Wings
I compared these boots to a pair of Redwing steel-toed boots that I used to wear for work and found the Keens have far more support and cushioning. The carbon fiber toe was not even noticeable on the Keens, as opposed to the discomfort inflicted on my foot by the old-school steel toe.
I also compared the Keen to a newer pair of steel-toed Red Wings side-by-side and found the comfort and styling to be somewhat equal, but the Keen was significantly lighter.
Final Verdict
The extensive listing of safety ratings on this boot makes it viable for almost all work conditions. The wonderful support and comfort allow for all-day wearing without the need to break them in. It’s stylish, too. I was unable to come up with really any criticisms of this boot, so I 100% recommend it. There’s nothing to risk thanks to Keen’s 30-day return period, so try out a pair for yourself.
Where to Buy
You can find Keen Utility’s Evanston boot on Amazon and Zappos for around $150. The sizing is accurate, and with Keen’s 30-day return policy, the risk of buying shoes online is minimized.
PAMELA BONDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot
Originally Published: August 27, 2024
