The Keen Utility Fort Wayne work boot landed on our shores recently and we put them to work right away. Ever since the Cincinnati came out and earned its place in our Best Work Work Boots roundup, we’ve been wondering if any boot from any manufacturer might knock it off its pedestal as our favorite. On paper, the Fort Wayne puts a good foot forward, but we wanted to know if was really as good.
Keen Utility Fort Wayne Work Boot Design
The Fort Wayne is another in a long line of hiker-style work boots, which is the style we prefer. It starts with a full-grain leather upper cut to a 6-inch height that’s barnyard chemical resistant and waterproof.
The midsole is Keen’s Luftcell air-infused polyurethane midsole that we’ve been raving about ever since its initial launch.
Using a direct attach method, the outsole is an oil and slip-resistant Vibram wedge with a more aggressive tread than you find on most wedges, similar to the Cincinnati.
As usual, there’s also a dual-density removable footbed that adds some cushioning.
Beyond the basic materials, there’s more work boot tech built into it. Here’s what else you should expect:
- KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane
- Shellback heel support
- Nylon stabilization shank
- EH/ESR certified
- LWG-certified leather
- PFC-free durable waterproofing
Certifications
- ASTM F3445-21 and F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH standards
- ASTM SATRA TM31 material abrasion testing standards
- ASTM D471-06 903# oil and isooctane chemical resistance standards (outsole and midsole)
Wearing the Keen Utility Fort Wayne Work Boot
These boots are intentionally roomy around the toe box, and we recommend ordering your regular size. If you’re like me and are between whole sizes (I’m a 12 1/2), order the next size up.
The combination of Keen’s insert and Luftcell midsole make this an incredibly comfortable boot on your feet. With the wedge sole, it’s great on hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. At the same time, the aggressive tread gives you excellent traction on bare ground, making it a fantastic all-around design.
But what about the Cincinnati?
There are two major differences you’ll want to consider if you’re debating between the Fort Wayne and the Cincinnati. Construction is the first point. The Fort Wayne’s direct attach construction is very good, but not as long-lasting as the Cincinatti’s welt construction.
The other big difference is the Fort Wayne includes a cap over the front of the toe. If your work has you literally on your toes, that cap can help you avoid blowing them out when the rest of the boot still has life left in it.
What’s not quite as obvious is that the Fort Wayne is a couple of ounces lighter per boot. It’s also a little less expensive.
Keen Utility Fort Wayne Price and Options
This boot is launching in three styles for men. The brown and black combination in our photos is available as a soft toe ($195) or carbon fiber safety toe $200). There’s also a carbon fiber toe option with a classic cream-colored midsole ($200).
Sizes range from 7 to 15 with 1/2 sizes through 12. You can also get them in either standard or wide widths.
The Bottom Line
While the Keen Utility Fort Wayne work boot doesn’t quite knock off the Cincinnati as our favorite, it’s an excellent boot that we highly recommend. It’s a comfortable boot that’s at home in a variety of environments and surface types. Go for it if you need the front toe protection or don’t need the heavy-duty welted construction of the Cincinnati.
Discover more Keen work boots by clicking here.
