KEEN Utility Introduces New Work Footwear For Spring

Superior Slip-Resistant Outsoles and Other Performance Features Build Great Work Footwear from the Ground-Up

Portland, Oregon (January 8, 2013) – Winter may be in full swing, but KEEN Utility has already set its sights on spring with a collection of innovative industrial footwear for men and women. Leading the charge are two new indoor industrial silhouettes with stellar anti-slip ratings along with expansions of both the Portland “Built in the USA” series and a new insulated KEEN.Welt introduction. These new styles join a roster of progressive work footwear designed with versatility and comfort in mind for hard working feet and the men and women attached to them.

“Each season we meet the challenge of designing better work footwear toe-on. Every year there is a greater demand for versatile footwear that blends comfort, protection and design,” said Kevin Kious, KEEN Utility Sales Manager. “KEEN was founded on the idea of creating a hybrid shoe equal parts form and function. KEEN Utility is an extension of this belief and each new introduction allows us to build a better foundation for hard-working feet everywhere.”

New Spring 2013 styles include:

Albany

A perfect partner to the Lexington, the Albany is superior slip-resistance with a highly breathable boot built for warm weather comfort. Outfitted with the KEEN’s new oil- and slip-resistant outsole, the Albany exceeds Mark II Slip-Resistance safety standards by diverting water and oils away from contact points under the foot through tire-like drainage channels improving traction and stability. A waterproof nubuck leather and mesh upper provide unparalleled breathability while asymmetrical composite toes bring lightweight comfort and protection.

Lexington

The Lexington outsole exceeds Mark II Slip-Resistance testing standards. The super slip-resistant outsole features drainage channels that direct water and oils away from contact points under the foot, similar to a tire tread, helping to increase stability and sure-footing indoors and out. The low-profile boot features an athletic, hiking-inspired silhouette with waterproof leather and a KEEN.Dry breathable, waterproof membrane that allows moisture out but never in. The Lexington features asymmetrical composite safety toes that deliver lightweight contoured protection. Casual enough to be paired with your favorite pair of jeans during a weekend around the house and durable enough to protect your feet on the job site, the Lexington is a go-to boot for an on-the-go worker.

Portland PR Slip On

The Portland PR Slip-On is the next generation of the Portland Built in the USA collection, built in KEEN Utility’s own Oregon backyard. Designed for a multitude of job sites, the easy on and off slip-on boot is just as hard working as the men who need it. A waterproof full-grain leather upper, KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane and hydrophobic/hydropholic 2-zone comfort technology liner help keep feet cool and dry. The boot features a puncture-resistant midsole plate and an oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole for increased protection and stability on the job site. Lightweight asymmetrical steel toes provide unparalleled comfort and protection for long days on the job site. The Portland PR Slip-On is also in soft toe.

Wenatchee Insulated

The Wenatchee Insulated is a full-featured work boot that combines comfort and performance with superior construction ready for hard work and long days. The boot is crafted with a waterproof nubuck leather upper and KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane, providing breathable protection from the elements. The new Wenatchee Insulated also features the 400g KEEN.Warm insulation. The unique KEEN.Welt construction delivers the flexibility of a welted product with the supreme durability of a combined rubber outsole with toe bumper. The Wenatchee also features a contoured heel lock for customized fit, oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole and patent-pending asymmetrical steel toes providing lightweight protection to a boot built to work.

Women’s Flint

Already a fan favorite in the men’s industrial line, the new women’s Flint is a hiker-inspired safety boot in a fit made for the female foot. Available in mid and low-cut styles, the boot delivers versatile style without sacrificing protection. The waterproof nubuck leather upper is highlighted by mesh inserts and comfortable footbed. The Flint also features left and right asymmetrical steel toes and oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsoles delivering superior protection for all-day wear.

These styles and more march into stores this spring. For more information on the KEEN Utility Spring 2013 collection or to find a KEEN Utility retailer near you, visit www.keenfootwear.com.

Keep up with all things KEEN Utility at www.fb.com/keenutility or www.twitter.com/keen_utility.

About KEEN Utility:KEEN Inc., manufacturer of original hybrid footwear, bags and socks was founded in 2003. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, KEEN offers innovative hybrid products, enabling outdoor enthusiasts to live an active lifestyle.

KEEN footwear was founded as a solution to protect toes. We realized our footwear was the most comfortable and durable out there, and that we could change the way people looked at safety work boots. In 2010 KEEN Utility was created.The same comfort and unparalleled KEEN classic fit is combined with safety standards and advanced durability and innovation. Patent-pending innovation and surpassed standards keep KEEN Utility a leader in safety toe work boots. KEEN Utility boots were founded on protection with the goal to make better boots for every job.

In 2010 KEEN was named one of “America’s Best Places to Work” by Outside magazine. KEEN strives to demonstrate integrity and leadership while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community. Through its giving program, HybridCare, KEEN supports a variety of social and environmental organizations around the globe.