KEEN Men's Austin Low Height Leather OxfordLeather Working Group

Wow. I really like these shoes. I just wanted a work shoe with a wide toe box. These aren't exactly work shoes but close enough. They're tough and protective, lightweight, have decent leather, good traction, and slip on/off easily (no hands). They're a bit hipstery for my taste but the comfort is undeniable. I think I'm gonna buy Keen again. Great shoes. Really hope they last more than a season.

Best shoes for comfort, stability, strength, rain, and look good in any situation. The wide toe box provides enough room where other brands are lacking. The front raised rubber helps with toe space, and provides protection. I was dropped a 37” tire on my toe and didn’t feel anything. Their high arch sole that is sold separately is another best in category. Would like to have the option to buy either their standard arch sole or their high arch, however it’s worth the additional price regardless.

This is probably the 5th or 6th pair of these shoes I have bought in the last 15 years. The first time I ever put them on I found them to be the most confortable shoe I've ever had. I wear them every day. They are somewhat waterproof, and I usually treat them with a spray on waterproofing before I use them, and then maybe every 6 months after that.I did have one pair where the sole started to separate after a couple years, but given the amount of use on them I did not feel like they owed me anything. They are warm in the winter with good traction soles. I just bought another pair when I found them on sale, expect to break them out when the cold weather arrives !

I'm 6'4", 225 pounds, and have an active lifestyle, skateboarding and biking on platform pedals. My shoes are not going to have an easy life, but my demands seem like reasonable, common expectations. It's surprisingly hard meeting these demands no matter the budget: Durable. Stiff flex. Human foot wide. Good or replaceable inserts. Resilient foot bed core materials. Comfortable and stylish. Not prone to stink.My solution to this problem for decades has been the original Keen Bronx. My first pair were my exclusive daily drivers for a couple years before I had to consider replacing them. I've tried several unsatisfactory Keens over the years. Maybe 20 years ago when they replaced the Bronx with the Bronx II, (identifiable by arched eyestay and a different sole that was nowhere near as durable) I bought and hoarded original Bronx from eBay for over a decade. That well is dry and my last pair of original Bronx are ready for the trash. These Austins are my newest hope for a Bronx replacement.Before ordering I tried canvas Austins on at a local retailer and was surprised I needed to go down .5 from my usual Keen 12 (46).Keen nails the Austin fit and comfort, with the exception of the insert, which seems like it was designed by Keens accounting department, then went through marketing, before going to manufacturing. Too thin and floppy to offer any real support or much cushion. I pop in the older more supportive Keen inserts and we're in business. Toe box is uncramped. No weird pressure points. No normal pressure points like the Achilles and front tendons. Uppers feel a bit stiffer structurally than I expect from a canvas shoe, more like a boot, but 0 miles on these so expect they'll flex easier as they break in.Beneath the insole I see just what I like: A durable looking felt core stitched to the uppers. These should survive cycles soaking and drying in sweat, streams, or weather.The sole of the original Bronx was the same Keen still uses on the Newport Sandal, but tragically not on any shoes for some reason. None of the other Keens soles I've tried have been nearly as durable as the Newport, some wearing through to the spongy core after a couple months, then disintegrating rapidly. The sole of the Austin seems to be of quality construction, but I won't know for a few months.I like the Austin's fairly flat, unobtrusive tread for skating and biking, a willing sacrifice of traction on loose surfaces or wintery streets. The flex feels stiff and supportive, just as I prefer.Short of bringing the original Bronx back, Keen could just glue the Newport sole to the Austin upper, upgrade the inserts, and I'd have a winner. You listening Keen? I've bought a dozen pairs of your Bronx used at no profit to you, and countless other shoes, all money I'd gladly have given to Keen for new pairs of my old favorite. I'm hopeful I have a runner-up favorite shoe in the Austin.

I purchased these from Amazon after trying on a different Keen in a retail store, I figured that Keen would be across the board with sizing. These aren't available where I live. I ordered a 12 and they were a half a size to large. I sent them back and exchanged them for 11 1/2. I received these and they fit perfect. The box toe is something to get used to, I am coming from Merrell's and never owned Keen.Here was the big issue. I have never had an issue with Amazon like this, maybe this was a fluke. The right shoe looked like it had been worn and something splashed all over the shoe and it stained. I tried to wipe clean with a wet rag, no go. It was very noticeable. I called Amazon already having a Prime account, I requested these be 1 day shipped for this mistake. The rep placed me on hold for a few minutes then came back and said she will email me the results. I advised her that if it can't be 1 day, just refund. SO, in a few minutes I received an email saying they refunded me. I think this is pretty sorry on Amazon's part. Blessing anyway, the chocolate color was available on another site for 79.95, a full 30.00 dollars cheaper than Amazon.Bottom line, watch for used products to be shipped. I read feedback when I was shopping for buzzers recently, customers were receiving used buzzers. This order of mine was fulfilled by Amazon, someone didn't check both shoes prior to re-shipping them out from another return. And you may want to do a quick web search before buying. You may find a blessing of your own.What little time I had the shoe on, it seems comfortable. I can tell there is some breaking in to do, I would hope they break quick. The box toe is roomy, but not too much just make sure you get the correct foot length fit. They seem like they will be rather comfy. Another plus is the footbed is removable and not cloth. I have found non-cloth insoles wear longer, and fend off odor causing bacteria better.