KEEN Utility
Like most folks in the trades, I put in long hours on my feet on all kinds of surfaces. And since I like to get my money’s worth, I’ve been known to wear boots to the point where they have a few holes and frayed edges. I was at that point with my current boots, so I was ready to try Keen Utility’s new Baltimore work boot when it showed up. Out of the box, the Baltimore work boot looks like it is ready for getting down and dirty in the mud and water. It features Keen Utility’s signature black molded rubber toe, a rich dark leather upper, and an aggressive rubber waffle sole. I have had several pairs of the Keen Targhee hiking boot, which I liked for the styling, light weight, and integrated tread and toe, so my expectations were high for these boots.
My first concern was whether the Keen Utility Baltimore were going to fit right. Typically I have struggled to get any work boot to fit properly without a lot of monkey business because I am blessed with awkwardly long, narrow feet. These D-width boots fit surprisingly well, and didn’t require any extra padding or insoles that I’ve had to use on boots in the past. I usually order my boots a half size up, as I did in this case, so I can drop a pair of odor eaters in or wear some thicker winter socks. The Baltimore had good arch support and a firm sole, and unlike the Keen hiking boots I have worn in the past, my toes had plenty of room inside the steel toe. This 6 inch boot has all the traditional features of a heavy duty work boot or logger I have already mentioned, which puts it in the class and price range of brands such as Redwing and Chippewa. But perhaps as a result of Keen having the knowledge of making light weight hiking boots, the Baltimore move and feel like a lighter class of boot. I think the Keen Utility rubber toe is practical and not just a fashion detail. I have seen more than a few plumbers’ boot toe worn down to the shiny steel toe from all that time dragging around in the crawl space. The rubber overmold here is a nice feature that adds durability.
Since we have now entered the age of extreme weather, I was able to wear them in freezing and 80- degree temperatures within a matter of weeks; I can report these boots kept my feet comfortably warm, cool, and surprisingly dry no matter the weather. I am old-school in that I’m addicted to cotton socks, so I usually have pretty damp feet by the end of the day. But the Keen Utility-dry lining worked really well. The boot is watertight up to the ankle, so I had no problem in the rain and mud. That said, I am still waiting for this season’s polar vortex to put them to the test in some snow and ice here in Tennessee.
Durability after comfort is the value question for me. If I buy a less expensive boot and put in the effort to make it fit my foot am I really getting value if they don’t even last a year? In contrast, I have pushed an expensive pair of Redwings way past a year and a half, and then only tossed them after the molded rubber sole started to peel off. Less expensive boots also tend to lose their form and stability quicker in the snow and water and turn into a really big uncomfortable leather sock. So far these boots seem to be holding fast with their firm sole and durable construction, though I won’t know the whole picture of durability of them until I’ve worn them for a full year. That said, they do feel like they will last and I like the lightweight and fit feature of the Keen Utility Baltimore, as well as the look. They’re available in three color options: wheat, brown (shown), and black. Cost: $150
SPECS from KEEN Utility’s website:
Features
- Left and right asymmetrical steel toe
- KEEN.Dry Waterproof, breathable membrane
- TPU shank for midfoot support
- 90 degree heel
- Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control*
- Meets ASTM F2412-11 and F2413-11 EH standards
Toe Type: Steel Toe
Duty Type: Medium Duty
Material
- Waterproof leather upper
- Multi-directional lugged outsole
- Moisture wicking textile
- Removable, metatomical PU footbed
Weight: 25.9 oz / 734.3 g
Care
We’ve carefully selected leather uppers designed to last. Then again, if you’re wearing your Keens daily, they won’t always be scuff and dirt-free. To treat day to day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers, we recommend using a leather cleaner and conditioner, found at most footwear dealers and/or shoe repair shops.
