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Jun 25, 2021 / Safety Toe Footwear, Slip Resistant Footwear

How Long Do Keen Shoes Last?

These boots were made for walking, and that's just what they’ll do, but are Keen work boots right for you? Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the song goes, but since Keen launched in 2003, they have been synonymous with dependable utility boots for the workplace.

But just how long do Keen shoes last?

Some of the best Keen boots and shoes can last for 400-450 miles—that’s close to one million steps!

However, your overall mileage will vary based on the shoes you buy, how you care for them, and other factors. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to prolonging your shoes’ lifespan.

Maximum Lifespan Depends on Proper Maintenance

We’ve already noted that Keen footwear can last for 400-450 miles. But first, it’s important to note that longevity depends on the type of Keen shoe you buy. After all, Keen has styles from water sandals to utility boots to sneakers, all with differing designs and cushioning.

A sneaker may not last long on the worksite as it would on the track.

If you pick the type of Keen shoe that’s best suited to your daily routine, you can expect the following lifespan:

  • Keen Utility Footwear – Keen utility footwear generally lasts six months to one year
  • Hiking Footwear – A hiking shoe will usually stick around for 800 miles
  • Lightweight Keen Footwear (sneakers, water sandals) – 450 miles

Once you’ve picked the most comfortable shoe for the job, the next step is proper care.

Maintenance Techniques

It goes without saying that certain products require regular maintenance for continued use. To keep your car running, you get your oil changed, right? If you have a pool, you make sure that the pump is running.

So why not make your shoe investment last longer as well with these simple techniques?

  • Clean Them – But wait, I purchased these rugged shoes so I could kick up dirt and not worry about it, you might think. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to pick out the dirt, grass, rocks, snow, sludge, and mud accumulated through a big day on the trails. Not only does regular cleaning improve the performance, but it looks pretty cool too.
  • Unlace Them When You Take Them Off – It can be tempting to skip unlacing and wriggle your feet out of your shoes. But this stresses the stitching and seams on your running shoe or hiking boot (especially if you try to achieve the feat hands-free, crushing one heel with your toes as you go), impacting the amount of ankle support a boot or shoe can provide.
  • Wear High-Quality Socks – Wearing the right socks can prevent the inner soles of your shoes from getting wet from your sweaty feet. The solid sock will also censure comfort, providing a layer of protection and cushioning between your foot and the shoe’s sole.
  • Shoe Trees – This is an affordable and easy way to keep the shape of your shoes the same as when you first purchased them.
Why You Need More Than One Pair of Shoes

Consistently rotating your shoes will add longevity to your shoe life. Shoe rotation means taking turns wearing different pairs of shoes. Doing this can increase your shoe life by 25%.

Here are the main 3 reasons why shoe rotation is good for your shoe, and for you.


https://bootworld.com/men/keen-utility/

Recovery Time

Continually doing the same movement with the same shoes will increase the chance of injury. With a trailer runner or hiker, their foot strikes the ground in a certain way each and every time you touch down.

The thought here is that by allowing their athletic shoes time to recover, their body will recover as well.

Weight Distribution

If you’ve ever had a bed mattress that dipped in the middle, you’ll understand what foam compression is all about.

  • Your mattress should be flipped and turned every three or four months to prevent it from sinking further.
  • Likewise, shoe rotation keeps your body weight more evenly distributed (since your feet and body will adjust to different shoe types rather than settling into one groove).

This extends all your shoes’ longevity.

Leave the Water at the Beach

Most people who wear Keen shoes really wear them. We’re talking about strenuous hikes over rocks and rivers and miles on the mountains.

If you’ve partaken in these feats, you know that moisture can easily accumulate in your shoe over time.

  • Whether it be the natural sweat from your foot or a stray step into a stream while gazing at the clouds, things get slippery when wet.
  • If your shoe is not given the chance to properly dry out, mold and fungus can easily form.

Switch to another pair so that your shoes can dry thoroughly before your next adventure.

Skip the Research and Shop With Boot World

Finding the right shoes for your lifestyle can be time-consuming.

But one search at Boot World gives you the options you need to step onto the trails in the most comfortable and efficient shoe for your taste and budget. We offer Keen shoes for men, Keen shoes for women, and offer returns on unworn shoes within 60 days if you don’t find the perfect fit on the first go-round.

Make your choice. Then, take care of your shoes in the ways described above. You’ll get to experience firsthand how long Keen shoes will last.

To learn more about Keen shoes, explore Boot World’s blogs “Are Keen Shoes Good?” and “How Do Keen Boots Fit?”

Sources:
  • Gear Junkie. How Long Do Hiking Boots Last?
    https://gearjunkie.com/outdoor/hiking/long-hiking-boots-last
  • 50 Campfires. 13 Hacks to Make Your Hiking Boots Last.
    https://50campfires.com/13-hacks-to-make-your-hiking-boots-last/
  • The Clymb. Four Reasons to Rotate Your Footwear Daily
    https://blog.theclymb.com/tips/4-reasons-to-rotate-your-footwear-daily/
  • The Manual. How Keen is Making Good Shoes and Even Better Footprint
    https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/keen-supply-chain-footprint/
Reviewed By:
Ed Stone

Ed Stone brings over 45 years of footwear knowledge and passion to his role as President of Boot World, a family-owned company and an industry leader in safety and occupational footwear. A second generation "shoe dog” Ed's footwear knowledge is unparalleled, serving as an informal advisor for some of the worlds largest footwear brands including Wolverine, Timberland PRO, and Reebok Works.

A lifelong Southern California resident, and ardent conservationist, Ed enjoys hiking and open water swimming.