The Portland by KEEN Utility stocked in mid-August this year, yet it is flying out of the shop. FAST. We think our customers are attracted to the new bellows technology that KEEN packs into the forefoot of this work shoe. Plus the Portland is built in the USA and we find our customers really care about sourcing locally when they can afford it. Fortunately, KEEN Utility offers a lower price on USA-assembled footwear compared to our premium brands of Red Wing and Thorogood (which are made in America, not merely assembled). Let's dive into the Portland and provide some specs.
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So the Portland was one of the first work styles KEEN came up with. It was terrible. We stocked it waaay back in 2011 when the brand devised its work line, KEEN Utility, and there were issues on the production line. However, we stuck with the brand because its Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland (this one is now a retired style), performed so well and offered a low to intermediate price on footwear that could WORK. KEEN Utility recalled the style and issued it again in a new format and assembled in the USA. This latest installment is the third edition of the Portland, and we are excited for it. What makes the Portland special this time around?
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As mentioned earlier, the bellows tech is very cool. Called KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology (sorry, that is what they call all their proprietary tech and they really like to yell it), the shoe bends and flexes three times more than the average work shoe. This is very handy (or footsy?) when you are bending or crouching often in your work. That angle is a crunch point for shoes and leather wears down quickly there if one isn't regularly conditioning the upper. Another feature dovetailing with the bellows is the carbon fiber safety toe cap, which is 15% lighter than the steel toe caps KEEN Utility uses in other styles. It is about 5-8% lighter than the non-metallic, composite safety toe caps. The latter and carbon fiber match or exceed steel toe caps in compression and impact ratings, so you are just as protected.
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For underfoot comfort, KEEN Utility added Luftcell to the Portland's midsole, which is air-infused and combines with the polyurthane (PU) material for proper support and cushioning. They go as far to say it is a weightless experience, but we doubt they factored in the tool belt around our customers' waists. Point is, this unique Luftcell feature DOES make a difference that you can feel when walking, working, etc. For stability, the Portland rocks a KEEN KONNECT.FIT heel capture system. This means that your foot goes in and you have a snug fit around the heel so the shoe does not separate from the foot with each step. The contoured heel guard, like the toe bumper, guards against scrapes, bumps, and the usual wear-and-tear. Lastly, the sole is KEEN Utility's usual oil- and slip-resistant rubber sole that is non-marking and is EH-rated. In fact, the Portland protects against accidental contact with live, electrical circuits (rated up to 18kV).
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Since retiring a couple of KEEN Utility styles this past year, we are very optimistic the Portland is going to be one of the top sellers right alongside the Pittsburgh.
• Built in the USA • Waterproof Premium Leather Upper • KEEN.BELLOWS Flex Technology • KEEN.DRY Waterproof Breathable Membrane • Mesh and Moisture Wicking Textile • Contoured Heel Guard • Dri-Lex Footwear Lining with Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic 2-Zone Comfort Technology • Removable Dual Density PolyAer PU Footbed • Luftcell Midsole • Left and Right Asymmetrical Steel Toes • Carbon Fiber Safety Toe Cap • Locking Metal Hooks and Lacing Eyelets • Oil and Slip Resistant Non-Marking Rubber Outsole • Sole Heat Resistance up to 572 Degrees Fahrenheit • Meets ASTM F1677-96 MARK II Non-Slip Testing Standards • Meets ASTM F2412-17 and F2413-17 M I/75 C/75 EH Standards • Meets ASTM F2913-17 SATRA Non-Slip Testing Standards
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