A few years ago, I reviewed a wedge-style boot from Keen Utility called the Davenport. They were very comfortable boots that were also heavy as a pair of cinder-blocks (now they’re discontinued). All boot and shoe manufacturers have complete misses sometimes, so I don’t fault Keen Utility for that one – it has made other great footwear for the jobsite. In fact, I applaud the company for taking another stab at the wedge-style with its latest San Jose – a classic-looking leather work boot with a wedge-style outsole. At first glance, and after spending a few weeks in them, I was impressed. The double-stitched, unlined leather upper is suppler than competitive brands, which makes them quite comfortable right out of the box. The welted outsole is abrasion-, oil-, and slip-resistant; it’s also siped for added traction. While the softer leather seems durable, these boots don’t provide much ankle support so if you roll your ankles easily, I wouldn’t recommend them. After wearing them for a while, I noticed some discomfort on the outer edge of my feet, which I learned was due to inadequate arch support. Replacing the insoles that come with the boots with Keen Utility’s K-20 Cushion Footbed remedied the issue, and now they’re as comfortable as any other boot I’ve worn. They’re also lightweight. The San Jose is available in Black, Falcon, and Gingerbread with an aluminum safety toe (Weight: 25.8 oz Cost: $155); Gingerbread is available in soft-toe as well (Weight: 22.8 oz Cost: $150).

This article originally appeared in Tools of the Trade.