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This is my Keen San Jose review. These are offered in both soft toe and aluminum toe versions, and also in waterproof versions. Despite being work boots, the Keen San Jose is very lightweight and flexible. They have very soft midsoles that provide extra cushioning under the foot. I ordered my normal sizing and they fit true to size.
These are Keen’s most popular work boots:
- Keen Cincinnati Work Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Braddock Work Boots (click here to view)
- Keen San Jose Work Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Pittsburgh Work Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Atlanta Work Boots (click here to view)
Below you can watch my review video of me wearing these Keen San Jose boots and explaining why I like them. I personally own the Keen San Jose Aluminum Toe Boots that are also waterproof.
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Keen San Jose Aluminum Toe Work Boots
Lightweight and Flexible Design
These Keen San Jose Work Boots are designed to be lightweight. Although these are offered in both soft toe and safety toe, even the safety toe version (which I own) is made with an aluminum alloy toe to help keep the weight down.
Because they are lightweight and because they are made with a soft midsole, they are very flexible and easy to wear. If you watch my review video at the top of the page I demonstrate how flexible these boots are.
I tried to show on the screen here just how easily the midsole compresses.
Waterproof Protection
These boots come in both waterproof and non-waterproof (unlined) versions. I personally own the waterproof version. That means my Keen San Jose boots do have an internal waterproof membrane.
If you are unfamiliar with how these waterproof membranes work, they are sewn onto the inside of the boot and act as a barrier. They have tiny microscopic holes that are so small they hold out water, but vapor can still escape, which allows your foot to breathe.
The tongue is gusseted. I tried to show that in my video review at the top of the page. This is done so the waterproof membrane can be wrapped along the tongue.
This gusseted tongue not only helps hold out water, it also holds out small debris like rocks from slipping down inside your work boot. It also keep the tongue stabilized and prevents it from sliding left or right.
Outsole
Keen offers the San Jose in both a wedge outsole, and a raised 90-degree heel outsole. I have the wedge outsole version.
I like wedge outsoles because I think they add more comfort under my foot. The outsole also has siped channels built in to help provide traction on wet surfaces. If you watch my review at the top of the page, I give you a better look at these siped channels.
Sizing and Fit
In my video review at the top of the page I tried to show how these boots react on my foot. The midsole is very soft and compresses under the foot to add cushioning.
I ordered my normal sizing, and I do not have any heel slippage, and my toes do not feel crowded, so normal sizing worked best for me.
Additional Features
- KEEN.DRY Membrane: Offered in some versions.
- Heat-Resistant Outsole: Rated up to 572°F/300°C.
- Siped Outsole: Channels water away for better grip on wet surfaces.
- Shellback Heel Support: Adds stability for the back of the foot.
- Nylon Shank: Provides midfoot support.
- Removable Insole: Offers comfort and can be replaced.
- Waterproof Leather Upper: Durable and resistant to moisture.
Table of Features
These are the features in the Keen San Jose boot that I own:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety Toe | Aluminum |
| Waterproof | KEEN.DRY breathable membrane |
| Outsole | Slip-resistant wedge with siped channels |
| Heat Resistance | Outsole rated up to 572°F/300°C |
| Support | Nylon shank, shellback heel support |
| Comfort | KEEN Luftcell midsole infused with air bubbles |
| Leather Upper | Waterproof and durable |