Working in the construction industry is definitely no joke and it can be quite a daunting business if you do not have the right gear and equipment to help you. Your shoes are one of the most important parts of working in this industry and it does help a little if you have the best quality and value on the market to keep you protected and ensure you are walking in comfort.
Since the construction industry accounts for most of the workforce in the world, we have decided to look a little deeper into one of the best brands on the market today. KEEN definitely stands out as one of them and the KEEN Utility Men’s Davenport Mid Waterproof Industrial and Construction Shoe stands out as one of the best.
Fortunately, we have had the opportunity to test this shoe and find out exactly whether or not it is worth the money and if you will be making a great investment when purchasing it. After using it for numerous days, I found this to be the results and the effects of this shoe:
Features
Materials
Designed from a combination of leather and textile materials, this shoe certainly holds it’s own when it comes to durability. The woven textile is perfect for reducing the weight a little bit and it will also make the shoes a little more flexible to wear.
Thanks to the leather, you have perfect durability and since it has been tanned, the shoe also tends to be heat resistant and features the ability to keep your feet protected when walking in extremely volatile conditions or areas. One thing you will notice in all KEEN boot is the ability to resist electrical hazards as well.
Outer Sole
Made from durable rubber, the outer sole on this boot is definitely quite durable as well. It features a unique lug pattern that should enable you to have maximum grip and allow you to trek through wet and slippery conditions with ease as well. The rubber sole is also hard and this means that it keeps you protected or has the ability to protect your feet on volatile surfaces.
Additionally, you will find asymmetrically designed composite toes in the boots. The boots will be easy to work with and you should have no troubles when it comes to hazardous or falling objects. Since they have been asymmetrically designed, the boot also ensures more comfort than your average shoe.
Inner Sole
One of the biggest concerns is the inner sole and the fact that is made from PU cushioning. Unfortunately, PU cushioning is not as thick and it does not mold to the shape of your feet as easily as something like EVA would. PU cushioning is ideal for those not suffering from any particular foot problem that could cause some problems.
Additional Features
- KEEN waterproof dry membrane: This waterproof membrane will keep the shoes from being filled with water, enabling you to walk in virtually any conditions and environment.
- Odor-Resistant: The boot is odor-resistant and will ensure no bacterial properties will have the ability to invest in your shoe. This also keeps the boots from ever giving off a foul stench if it is worn often.
- Lightweight: This makes the boot perfect for anyone who needs to deal with fatigue and problems. A lightweight boot is one of the best when it comes to dealing with longer working hours and keeping your work going on your feet when the fatigue does start to set in at the end of the day.
Review
After testing the shoe for a couple of days, I found it to be extremely comfortable for my feet with the inner sole. The PU cushioning worked fine for me, but if someone is suffering from pronation or supination, it might be a little different and the pain might be somewhat tougher as well. For those suffering from this, I would rather recommend EVA cushioning in the boot.
The durability is also something that stood out and thanks to the tough tanned leather, the boots never showed any sign of weakness or pulling apart. For someone working long hours in tough terrains, the boot should be a perfect addition or even gift if they are in the family this festive season.
Lastly, the arch support is great and the shoe does not push down on your feet in any way. It is extremely comfortable and should not give you any problems. The waterproof and electric resistance offers you the ability to move better and on any surface. Nothing can be as great as having multifunctional use or versatility to contend with.
I would also like to mention something about the price. It should be no surprise that the KEEN boots tend to be rather expensive, but they also offer the best value for money in the price range. If you are looking for something cheaper, I can guarantee, you will need to give up some of the features that are commonly found in the KEEN Utility Men’s Davenport Mid Waterproof Industrial and Construction Shoe.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable and comfortable design
- Oil and slip resistant outer sole
- Electric resistant
- Waterproof design
- Lightweight and perfect for avoiding and reducing fatigue
Cons
- The boots are quite expensive to buy
- They might be a little oversized for those with smaller feet
- PU cushioning lacks overall comfort
Final Verdict (Should you buy it or not?)
After testing them and talking to a couple of old working class people who love and hate them, it does turn out to be a difficult decision to make. No one really has any ability to complain about them and this does make them one of the best options you could choose from. I would definitely buy a pair and recommend them to anyone looking for the most comfortable work boots 2018.