The big news from KEEN at this year’s Outdoor Retailer 2014 Winter Market is the introduction of the Durand boot. OK, so KEEN comes out with new boots every year. What’s the big deal? Well, I’ll tell you:
First, the Durand is the first, active-wear outdoor boot that KEEN is making in the good old USA. Yep, All Durand boots will be manufactured at their plant in Portland, Oregon and will proudly sport a “Made in America” logo on it.
Beyond that, this waterproof hiker features a dual-compound rubber outsole for increased traction/flexibility/durability in the places you need it, as well as an integrated PU heel cushion to provide superior traction. The boots have PU as opposed to EVA, which tends to pack down easily. But tests with PU have shown that it doesn’t lose cushion after many, many uses.
It also has KEEN.Dry waterproof membrane, Nubuck leather and breathable mesh upper, TPU stability shank, and a metatomical footbed.
The Durand will be available in men’s and women’s versions in both mid and low-top options.
These boots are “American Built” and are not truly Made in USA or Made in America” as the author stated.
The difference is that many of the materials used are produced outside the USA thus they are unable to legally make the Made In USA claim. The badge actually reads “American Built”.
I look for the Made in USA label everywhere and while I applaud Keen’s move to assemble here they have a little more work to do to earn the badge “Made in the USA”.
Maybe if a few more of us shop homegrown we can really have a fully Made in the USA boot again.
(Recently I found Harley Davidson Shoes and Boots at the motorcycle dealership with a Made in China label in them).
For what its worth…
I just purchased these boots today and other than walking the dog a few blocks I’ve not enough time to give a full review. This said… These feel to be a quality comfortable boot that will stand the test of time, Lesser (Made in China) Keens I’ve worn in the past had quick separation of the soles and were disappointing. I fully expect this to be a superior book; they better be as I bought them to hike the Colorado Trail.