Who can guess what Rick Perry and I have in common? That’s right- we both stepped in it. If anyone watched the GOP debate a couple weeks ago, you couldn’t miss the blunder as Perry tried to name three federal departments he planned to cut. Afterward, Perry said, “I’m glad I had my boots on tonight. I stepped in it out there.”
Well I stepped in it too. In Tuscaloosa I stepped in mud, sand, sawdust, concrete, water and more. And like Rick Perry, I had my boots on too. Keen sent us a few pairs of work boots to try out, and so far we’re pretty impressed. I wore a pair of Chicago 8-in. boots in Tuscaloosa, and we’ve also been wearing the Tacoma 6-in. This post is going to focus on the Tacoma, however both boots performed similarly well in our testing and use.
Keen Tacoma Work Boot
Brand loyalty runs deep for work boots. Whether you’re committed to Chippewa, Wolverine, Magnum, Keen (or several other established names), once you find that perfect boot, odds are you’ll never buy anything else. Even so, I think many people are still looking that no-frills boot that does what it claims. You want something lightweight, waterproof, comfortable and durable. Well let me offer up the Keen Tacoma 6-in. boot for your consideration.
Waterproof
I like that the Tacoma is waterproof right out of the box, and there’s no need to apply a waterproofer. That’s especially important to me because I usually realize the problem when I’m ankle deep in some muck. To verify the claim, our tester stood in a couple inches of water for a while, after which his feet were nice and dry. KEEN.Dry is the waterproof, one-way membrane that lets vapor out without letting water in. The Tacoma also has a waterproof nubuck upper.
Comfort
Most boots have a break-in period during which you endure the discomfort because you’re too manly for anything else. Our tester, who typically wears Wolverine boots, found the Keen Tacoma very comfortable right from the beginning. He was really surprised to find that these boots didn’t need any sort of break-in period.
Weight
I can’t provide an exact weight for these boots because it’s not listed on the Keen site, and I don’t have an appropriate scale. Aside from the comfort, our tester also immediately noted that these boots feel heavier than other work boots he has worn. It’s not prohibitive; it’s just something to get used to.
Overall
Overall we really liked these boots for the simple reason that they are waterproof and comfortable. The nubuck and leather seem very durable, and we expect this boot to last a long time. Our tester did notice that it took some force to get the laces through the hooks. That kind of wear and tear may mean replacing the laces sooner than later. Fortunately, Keen provides two pairs of laces.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Lining: KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane, Dri-lex footwear lining with hydrophobic/hydrophilic 2-zone comfort technology
- Upper: Waterproof nubuck
- Rubber: Oil and slip resistant non-marking rubber outsole
- Activities: Construction Jobsite
- Type: Boots, Lace Up, Steel Toe, Steel Toe Boot
- Weather: Wet – waterproof
- Utility Features: Waterproof (KEEN.Dry), Steel Toe, Oil and Slip Resistant, Water and stain resistant leather upper, Dri-Lex lining
- Meets or exceeds ANSI Z41 PT99 standards for electrical hazard protection from open circuits
- Height: Mid
- Extended Width: Wide
Red Wing user here but right now I’m in a pair of cheepies.
What makes these the best Keens? Is it the waterproof layer? I went to their site and checked out their other construction site boots and actually like the California better but maybe it’s because all of my boots have been leather upppers in the past. I usually coat a pair of new boots in mink oil and then let them bake in the hot sun for a few hours.
Who got the men’s Keens out of the Rewards Center a few months ago? Maybe they’ll comment on how they like them. I see the women’s version is still there. My wife thought they were ugly so I didn’t bid on them, perhaps others thought the same.
Haha! I love the honesty…
I don’t know if these are the best Keens but I do know that they hold up to their claims. Most people (IMO) don’t want their boots to do much other than keep them dry and comfortable and the Tacoma does that.
Paintergal won a pair of men’s Pittsburgh boots for her husband. Hopefully they’ll chime in with their thoughts so far.
LOL @ Jeff/Jeffs Wifes comments. My thoughts on the womens Keens were just that. I suppose if I had no choice and it was either safety or none I would wear them. But when I have a better pair at home(although old n worn). I passed on that reward myself.
Hey, Eek put in a bid on the women’s boots. I wasn’t sure if anyone would ever bid on those things.
About the laces… I have found that I am REALLY tough on laces in my hiking boots (like a new pair every 3 months tough, and that’s not even doing any real hiking). I found that paracord (military spec parachute cord) makes great durable shoelaces (OK… I didn’t figure out out, I read it on other sites).
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Type-III-Commercial-Paracord/dp/B00664KXGA/ref=pd_sim_sg_2
I have been on this set for over 6 months and they are just starting to show a little wear, I will probably be able to get a year out of them. At a few bucks for 100 feet, its cheap enough to try it out. It is a bit stiff and slippery, so you will basically have to double knot your laces (AND tie them correctly, I had been tying mine wrong for years)
http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/slipping.htm
I want a pair just for this “■Meets or exceeds ANSI Z41 PT99 standards for electrical hazard protection from open circuits”
If I was going to be outside working in the early spring or during the winter these would likely be a good option and I do like the look of them. But most of the time I’m not a fan of waterproof work boots. I do mostly interior work and find that all the waterproof membrane is good for is making my feet sweaty and uncomfortable. I like an unlined leather boot with a steel toe. Something that will hold up for a good long time, can be resoled and will stay relatively cool in the summer. I like to use the steel toe like a tool, I’ll put lumber on or place sheet goods on the toe that i don’t want to chew up a finished floor or so I can get my hands under them for a better grip while lifting.
This is still stuck in moderation… I give up, no more links
About the laces… I have found that I am REALLY tough on laces in my hiking boots (like a new pair every 3 months tough, and that’s not even doing any real hiking). I found that paracord (military spec parachute cord) makes great durable shoelaces (OK… I didn’t figure out out, I read it on other sites).
I have been on this set for over 6 months and they are just starting to show a little wear, I will probably be able to get a year out of them. At a few bucks for 100 feet, its cheap enough to try it out. It is a bit stiff and slippery, so you will basically have to double knot your laces (AND tie them correctly, I had been tying mine wrong for years)
Sorry about that Joe, I didnt see the other comment in moderation until this one. It is approved and displayed.
Thanks!
No worries, I just cant get to my personal email at work and generally don’t look at much online once I get home in the evenings (and have been busy this week), so I figured I would repost.
you can delete these comments now 🙂
I don’t know about work boots, but Keen is quality. I’ve hiked 260 miles on the Appalachian Trail in my Keens (mud/rain/rocks) with an extra 30 pounds on my back and they have only worn in the sense of getting more comfortable… so naturally, when I saw the word “Keen” in one of the titles, I had to read the article and comment… I’m in love with my Keens!
I’ve got a pair of KEENS. They look so nice, I hate to get them dirty. Even think I’ve worn them to church a few times! When they start to look used, I’ll put them to work.
Love my Keen hiking boots. I wasn’t even aware they had a work line. I’ll have to look into this when my Timberland’s konk out. That could be 30 years though… 🙂