KEEN Footwear Product FAQs: Get the Answers You Need

With all of our KEEN shoes and sandals there is more than meets the eye.
If you look closely to our shoes you may find a variety of icons that suggests a certain technology is used within the model you are holding.

All these different technologies have a special purpose and give the model certain features making them more suitable and fit for purpose. On all of our product pages the used technologies are shown in the descriptions so you are aware of the special features included in the model you are looking at.

Please find below the different techniques used in our models and the icons you can recognize them by:

KEEN.PROTECT is a patented toe protection in the front part of the shoe. Thanks to the reinforced toe that securely wraps the shoe over the toes, you don't have to worry about injury if you trip. For this reason, many parents buy KEEN children's shoes with KEEN.PROTECT technology for their children.

ECO ANTI ODOR means that the insoles of the shoes are filled with natural antibacterial probiotic technology that uses microbes to produce enzymes. These naturally eliminate the smell of sweat without using heavy metals, dangerous chemicals, pesticides or biocides during production. The technology is gentle not only on the human body, but also on the environment.

KEEN leather shoes with the label BETTER LEATHER are made of leather with LWG certification. In factories certified in this way, they take an environmentally friendly approach and use solutions that reduce water and energy consumption and eliminate waste water pollution.

KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN technology presents KEEN shoes with higher traction and great grip. The high-quality rubber sole, thanks to the 4-millimeter multi-directional pattern, ensures a perfect grip. Good grip means comfortable and safe movement in any weather and on any terrain.

KEEN.DRY is a waterproof, breathable membrane PU liner. It lets steam through, but water doesn't get inside the shoes. It guarantees perfect protection of the feet in adverse weather conditions. Feet will stay dry and comfortable.

On KEEN models marked with PFC-FREE WATER REPELLENCY technology, the water resistance of the upper materials is ensured by safe alternative products without PFC. KEEN is trying to replace PFCs, as they belong to the group of carcinogens and remain present in the environment for a long time. By switching to an alternative safer option for human health and the environment, KEEN avoided the use of more than 150 tons of harmful chemicals.

The KEEN.FUSION sole is connected directly to the upper part of the shoe. The technology of joints without the use of adhesives guarantees extreme durability without impact on the environment.
KEEN.FUSION logo

With the special KonnectFit system, you can tighten the shoe perfectly every time you lace it up. An internal connected string will allow the heel to be firmly attached while walking, for a safe and comfortable step.

RECYCLED PET PLASTIC technology fulfills the goal of the KEEN brand to produce sustainably and with respect to the environment. Many new products feature quality ripstop mesh, linings or laces made from recycled PET bottles. Up to 9 plastic bottles are used to make some models, which represents a smart use of resources and helps reduce the amount of waste.

LUFTCELL CUSHIONING Technology for the production of polyurethane soles and midsoles, where air is injected into the material, which creates micro-bubbles in the material, thereby reducing the weight of the product and the amount of polyurethane needed. In addition, the entire technology is environmentally friendly, no solvents are used.

KEEN LUFTCORE is a lightweight core created by direct injection of dense foam. It brings better midsole cushioning and shock absorption. Removable insole with air-injected KEEN Luft Cell cushioning layer means comfort that weighs nothing.

KEEN.CNX technology belongs to low-profile shoes with a minimal inclination between the heel and the toe, which preserves the most natural movement of the feet. Even with a low drop, the legs do not lose sufficient protection. Models with KEEN.CNX boast an efficient and lightweight design with a quality cushioning foam sole and midsole.

Shoes with AQUAGRIP technology have a specially modified rubber sole with AQUA STOP zonal jointing, which drains water well. The shoe does not slip even on a wet surface and, thanks to maximum traction, enables much safer movement.

The light thermal insulation KEEN.WARM was developed especially for the KEEN brand. It consists of crushed bamboo charcoal that is added to polyester. Bamboo charcoal is the natural material of the future. Increases heat retention, suppresses odor, absorbs moisture and maintains thermal comfort inside the shoe.

KEEN.WARM RECYCLED PET insulation contains fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. With this step, KEEN saves energy and resources and contributes to a more responsible and environmentally friendly approach. 400g of insulation is sized to keep you warm even on super-freezing days when temperatures drop to -40°C.

The KEEN.Freeze sole is designed specifically for cold weather. It is made of soft, sticky but highly durable rubber for optimal grip on snowy surfaces. In addition, 4 mm lugs ensure good traction on uneven terrain.

The KEEN.POLAR TRACTION rubber sole provides unique traction thanks to microscopic glass fiber shards embedded in the sole and grips even on slippery and icy surfaces. In addition, it retains its softness even at low temperatures and does not change its functional properties.

Thanks to the special KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX construction in the area where the shoe bends over the toes, there is no friction and 60% less energy is needed for each step. The less resistance you feel, the more efficient and comfortable walking feels. In addition, thanks to the innovative approach, KEEN shoes last longer because the critically stressed area has received new protection.

METATOMICAL FOOTBED is an internal support mechanism where the insole of the shoe is anatomically constructed around the overall shape of the foot with special emphasis on the first metatarsal joint - the big toe. The name Metatomical is a combination of metatarsal and anatomical. Such a pair of KEEN shoes provides excellent arch support for all-day comfort.

CLOSED LOOP WATER TREATMENT technology is another of KEEN's steps towards a more responsible approach. KEEN leather shoe models are made only from leather tanned in tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. These factories take an environmentally conscious approach and use solutions that reduce wastewater pollution as well as water and energy consumption.

The Newport is the original hybrid sandal. It's the first shoe we designed when we started in 2003, and it's still our #1 bestseller. And we still get a lot of questions about it!

For more on the Newport, click here:
https://www.keenfootwear.com/blogs/keen-blog/who-wears-the-worlds-ugliest-sandal

What is the difference between the Newport and Newport H2?
The Newport and Newport H2 are both built with the same last or foot form, so they will fit and feel almost identical in support and structure. The differences are in the materials used. The Newport is built with leather straps and a microfiber footbed for maximum comfort. The Newport H2 was built for the water, so instead of leather, the straps are built with nylon webbing and microfiber. The H2 footbed uses an EVA material instead of microfiber. The result: Newport H2 dries much faster than the original Newport.

Can the Newport be used for backpacking and thru-hiking?
Hybrid versatility is part of the Newport design, but it completely depends on your personal hiking needs and preferences. Some backpackers and thru-hikers pack a pair of Newports to wear in wet conditions or while in camp. Generally people will wear an enclosed hiking boot or shoe and just bring the Newport to supplement that. We recommend medium to light day hikes with the Newport.

How do you wash the Newport?
All KEEN water sandals are machine washable. We’ve also taken great care to develop leather uppers that will not crack, shrink or stretch when washed. Even KEEN leather Newport sandals are machine washable! Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry.

Have there been any changes to the Newport?The Newport design has not changed since we released it in 2003. In the production year of 2008, we switched manufacturing locations and some customers who were on the edge of their size ended up needing to size up after that. This is the same time that we officially started suggesting a 1/2 size up from your normal KEEN size, but they've always fit a little small.

Does the Newport use any odor control?Yes, all KEEN insoles are infused with Eco Anti-Odor that uses probiotics, not pesticides, to control odor. By using a natural alternative, we eliminate 7 tons of hazardous chemicals from going into the environment every year.