Keen Utility Offers Durability with Their Independence Work Boot Series
Keen Utility makes excellent work boots and we’ve reviewed several, including Keen Kansas boots and Keen Troy boots. The Keen Utility Independence boots are Made in the U.S.A with global materials and we hope to learn if these boots provide yet another great option from a company we tend to trust. We can give you the info presented to us so far. Hopefully, that helps you decide whether you want to give them a closer look.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best work boots article to see our top picks!
Keen Independence Work Boots – The Big Deal
Keen Utility targets work boots, but the core company has experience in hiking as well. Regardless of what you happen to do, wet boots make for very uncomfortable feet. Keen Independence boots again turn to the company’s KEEN.DRY technology. This waterproof, breathable membrane keeps water from entering the boot and getting your feet wet. The technology lets vapor escape through the use of microscopic holes.
Another feature we like from Keen Utility involves their use of the Luftcell midsole. This technology infuses the sole with roughly “100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter”. The end result nets you a boot that you can stand in all day long with plenty of support and less fatigue.
Keen Independence work boots also include Keen’s signature asymmetrical carbon fiber toes. These contour with the shape of your feet as opposed to using a single shape for both. Since carbon fiber inserts weigh about 85% of what you get with steel, you get the same level of protection without the thickness or weight. Carbon fiber safety toes also beat composite due to their inherent thinness. Since it doesn’t conduct electricity you get even more protection with electrical hazard (EH) rated boots.
These boots also feature KEEN.Toughsole. According to Keen, this oil- and slip-resistant outsole weighs less and holds up better than the rubber soles you find on most work boots.
Additional Features
- EH (Electrical Hazard) rated
- Assembled in the Pacific Northwest using global materials
- Available in several configurations
Price and Availability
You can order Keen Utility Independence boots in sizes ranging from Men’s 7 to 15 (as available). They retail for around $195 and come in a Dark Earth/Black 6-inch boot.
Initial Thoughts
These look like a solid, if not traditional, 6-inch boot. Next to perhaps the Keen Braddock or Mt Vernon boots, these look like the most conventional USA-made boot Keen Utility has ever made. Priced at $195 they have some stiff competition, but we look forward to getting them on our feet and seeing how they do in terms of both protection and comfort.
Specifications
- Model: KEEN Independence
- Heel: 5/8 in., 90º
- Weight: 25.3 oz
- Collar height: 6 in.
- Toe type: Carbon-fiber
- ASTM F2913-19 SATRA Non-Slip
- ASTM F2412-18 and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH
