KEEN Men's Austin Low Height Leather Oxford

Wow. I really like these shoes. I just wanted a work shoe with a wide toe box. These aren't exactly work shoes but close enough. They're tough and protective, lightweight, have decent leather, good traction, and slip on/off easily (no hands). They're a bit hipstery for my taste but the comfort is undeniable. I think I'm gonna buy Keen again. Great shoes. Really hope they last more than a season.

The most comfortable shoes you can buy. Excellent when you put them on, and still roomy after a whole day of activities. Went on a trip to Egypt with a previous pair, walked between 5-10 miles a day and never had foot problems or even a blister! This is my third pair of Keens! I’m sold!

These are a great pair of shoes for someone who works outside or is outside everyday. Their slip resistance, waterproof, and warmth make them a great everyday shoe in a four season climate. I am on my 10th pair of black Keens. For me, they last about 1 year before they get too worn to be cleaned up and be an everywhere shoe. However, they are still usable after that as a mowing the yard or doing some painting shoe. I like these because they are nondescript, utilitarian, and fit my wide foot well. The beefy rubber toe cap is what sets this shoe apart from others in its class. I am somewhat clumsy so it protects me from stubbing my toes. I find Keen to be a reliable and consistent product and have also purchased their hiking boots and sandals in the past.

I'm 6'4", 225 pounds, and have an active lifestyle, skateboarding and biking on platform pedals. My shoes are not going to have an easy life, but my demands seem like reasonable, common expectations. It's surprisingly hard meeting these demands no matter the budget: Durable. Stiff flex. Human foot wide. Good or replaceable inserts. Resilient foot bed core materials. Comfortable and stylish. Not prone to stink.My solution to this problem for decades has been the original Keen Bronx. My first pair were my exclusive daily drivers for a couple years before I had to consider replacing them. I've tried several unsatisfactory Keens over the years. Maybe 20 years ago when they replaced the Bronx with the Bronx II, (identifiable by arched eyestay and a different sole that was nowhere near as durable) I bought and hoarded original Bronx from eBay for over a decade. That well is dry and my last pair of original Bronx are ready for the trash. These Austins are my newest hope for a Bronx replacement.Before ordering I tried canvas Austins on at a local retailer and was surprised I needed to go down .5 from my usual Keen 12 (46).Keen nails the Austin fit and comfort, with the exception of the insert, which seems like it was designed by Keens accounting department, then went through marketing, before going to manufacturing. Too thin and floppy to offer any real support or much cushion. I pop in the older more supportive Keen inserts and we're in business. Toe box is uncramped. No weird pressure points. No normal pressure points like the Achilles and front tendons. Uppers feel a bit stiffer structurally than I expect from a canvas shoe, more like a boot, but 0 miles on these so expect they'll flex easier as they break in.Beneath the insole I see just what I like: A durable looking felt core stitched to the uppers. These should survive cycles soaking and drying in sweat, streams, or weather.The sole of the original Bronx was the same Keen still uses on the Newport Sandal, but tragically not on any shoes for some reason. None of the other Keens soles I've tried have been nearly as durable as the Newport, some wearing through to the spongy core after a couple months, then disintegrating rapidly. The sole of the Austin seems to be of quality construction, but I won't know for a few months.I like the Austin's fairly flat, unobtrusive tread for skating and biking, a willing sacrifice of traction on loose surfaces or wintery streets. The flex feels stiff and supportive, just as I prefer.Short of bringing the original Bronx back, Keen could just glue the Newport sole to the Austin upper, upgrade the inserts, and I'd have a winner. You listening Keen? I've bought a dozen pairs of your Bronx used at no profit to you, and countless other shoes, all money I'd gladly have given to Keen for new pairs of my old favorite. I'm hopeful I have a runner-up favorite shoe in the Austin.

Best shoes for comfort, stability, strength, rain, and look good in any situation. The wide toe box provides enough room where other brands are lacking. The front raised rubber helps with toe space, and provides protection. I was dropped a 37” tire on my toe and didn’t feel anything. Their high arch sole that is sold separately is another best in category. Would like to have the option to buy either their standard arch sole or their high arch, however it’s worth the additional price regardless.

This is probably the 5th or 6th pair of these shoes I have bought in the last 15 years. The first time I ever put them on I found them to be the most confortable shoe I've ever had. I wear them every day. They are somewhat waterproof, and I usually treat them with a spray on waterproofing before I use them, and then maybe every 6 months after that.I did have one pair where the sole started to separate after a couple years, but given the amount of use on them I did not feel like they owed me anything. They are warm in the winter with good traction soles. I just bought another pair when I found them on sale, expect to break them out when the cold weather arrives !