Keen: Two Feet in the Great Outdoors

In the rapidly growing niche of hybrid outdoor footwear, Portland-based shoemaker KEEN is making great strides. Outdoor footwear used to be the exclusive domain of hiking boots, but the huge uptake of adventure pursuits has led to the development of a hybrid sneaker/hiker - a shoe with all the comfort of a classic sneaker but with the rugged go-anywhere functionality of the hiking boot. The aesthetics are not everyone's cup of tea, but these are shoes designed for performance. KEEN's raison d'etre is to produce hard-wearing super comfortable shoes that can handle anything, from a Sunday morning jaunt to the coffee shop, to running up Snowdon.

Founded in 2003 in Alameda, California, by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, Keen set out to revolutionize the outdoor footwear industry with a focus on creating innovative, comfortable, and versatile footwear. Martin Keen, a designer with a background in architecture, brought a unique perspective to the brand, emphasizing both form and function in their products. Keen's first product, the Newport sandal, was an instant hit and set the tone for the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. They now proudly brand it as the 'world's ugliest sandal'.

One of the defining features of Keen's early designs was the patented toe bumper, which provided extra protection for the toes—a feature that quickly became an iconic part of the brand's identity. This commitment to foot protection, along with a dedication to sustainability, has been central to Keen's success over the years.

This season at Oliver Spencer Studio, we have curated the perfect capsule of Keen shoes, designed to seamlessly amalgamate into your off-duty wardrobe, while also providing you with supremely functional outdoor expertise. 

The Jasper collection is the perfection embodiment of KEEN's approach to the outdoors - it's a hybrid trainer designed in the mould of a traditional bouldering shoe, only with a super-soft cushion bed, making it perfect for everyday styling or serious activity. The Jasper Rocks style features a low-profile rubber outsole to heighten ground feel, and environmentally preferred premium leather from LWG-certified tannery. A contoured fit, anti-odour protection, bungee lacing system, and a removable PU insole all contribute to long-lasting comfort. The Jasper II model is constructed with KEEN.DRY, a waterproof membrane, as well as including a padded collar, textile mesh lining and an EVA midsole.

Keen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They have introduced initiatives like the "Detox the Planet" campaign, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes. Additionally, Keen has implemented a number of sustainable materials and practices in their products, including using recycled materials and eco-friendly dyes.