KEEN is best known for its hiking sandal with a protected toe. These trailblazers hit the market in 2003 and found instant fans with the sailing crowds. The brand also sells shoes to use in other outdoor water sports as well as everyday lifestyle use. KEEN was officially founded in 2005 and is based out of Portland, Oregon.

In 2003 KEEN was named “Launch of the Year” by Footwear News and has enjoyed tremendous growth and success since its inception. Since the launch, they have released additional styles of shoes including cold-weather and a line of socks, bags, and clothing.

Where to Buy KEEN Shoes Near Me? 

Where are Keen Shoe Sales?

If you are looking for KEEN shoes on sale then your best bet are some KEEN promo codes and coupons.

We have pulled together KEEN shoe sales just for you! Check them out below.

Where are KEEN Shoe Factory Outlets?

KEEN Return Policy

Generally, returns should be procesed through the method it was purchased.  See below for more details on the KEEN return policies.

KEEN Online Return Policy:

The return period is 30 days from the original online order date. They ask that you set up your return as soon as you have had a chance to try on the KEEN shoes. KEEN online returns are processed starting on their website.

There may be a 7-10 business day delay between the warehouse receiving the item and the refund being issued. KEEN will send you a confirmation email when they have refunded the money. The company will not refund any upgraded shipping costs.

KEEN is not able to process returns that were purchased at another online retailer, or stores, or donated shoes sent during our Together We Can Help campaign.

If you have a return and it is past 30 days email them at info@keenfootwear.com  

Not all companies are as generous as KEEN with their free shipping on returns is available to the lower 48 states. If your items were shipped to Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, please contact KEEN for return authorization.

KEEN does not offer exchanges. Instead, they offer a return, refund and re-order approach. You will first return your item and receive a refund, you can order the replacement at your leisure.

What if I don’t have the original packaging? If you return your item within the 30 day window, you can return it in any box, it does not have to be the packaging the shipment came with.. If there are any hazardous material markings on the package you use, the refund may be delayed due to extended processing for packages marked with hazardous material warnings. There is the KEEN uneek approach to service.

What if I want to return a gift?

 Call KEEN to see what options you may have for returning gift shoes.

Can I return my KEEN shoes for women to a local store?

All orders can be returned and handled through the original method and vendor. Only KEEN items sold from the online store can be returned to the online warehouse.

Where Is KEEN Footwear made?

Most KEEN shoes are made in various locations around the world. A small portion of them are assembled in Portland.

The shoes that are assembled in Portland are the work boot line called American Built. These shoes bear a label that says “Assembled with pride in Portland, Oregon using the finest materials from around the world”.

The American Built series is the KEEN Work Boots series that offers a great variety of KEEN boots for women and also safety boots for the toughest jobs. The KEEN hiking shoes women love are rarely made in the US, most shoes are made overseas.

Who Owns KEEN Footwear?

Martin Keen sold his share of the company to the cofounder, Rory Fuerst in 2010, pocketing tens of millions of dollars a little over 10 years after his first prototype. Talk about an American dream come true.

Where are KEEN Headquarters?

In early 2006 KEEN moved headquarters to Portland, Oregon in a restored five-story building from Alameda, California.

Brand Origin and History of KEEN

KEEN was founded in Alameda, California by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst in 2003, making this is one of the youngest company’s with such a strong and committed following. The original shoe was designed in 1999 by Martin Keen in the state of Rhode Island.

The special sandal with a distinct rubber toe bumper became known as the Newport Sandal. Sailors and other outdoor water enthusiasts were quick to take up this new product.

The shoe and the brand was born out of necessity and solved the tender toe issues for sailors. The signature toe bumper offers the protection of a sneaker with the comfort and water-loving nature of a sandal.

There is no doubt that they won’t win any styl awards any time soon, but KEENs offer such appropriate performance for so many activities that no one seems to care once they put them on.

After a few years of success with the first line of shoes, they began to diversify the product line. They offered different shoe and sandal styles. Eventually, KEEN began to offer more diverse products like bags, socks, and work boots.

The Newport Sandal

This the sandal that started it all. Anyone who has ever worn sandals knows the pain of stubbing a toe and wishing for a toe guard. The Newport Sandal answered the question of whether or not a sandal can protect the toes with a resounding ‘Yes!’.

The designers of the orginal Newport sasndal did it with performance in mind over style. This approach was counter to the common practice in the industry. The owners of feet were all in for these comfortable and effective sandals.

This sandal has become an icon in its 15 years of existence and you can see it on the playground, in marinas on hiking trails, and even the golf course.

Long Time KEEN Footwear Favorites

We have just discussed the original and favorite KEEN sandals women wear for so many occasions. Not to be underestimated, but Keen sandals for women and Keen water shoes for women really do great work on and off the docks.

It really didn’t take long for the stellar design of sandals moved to incredible design of KEEN hiking shoes and Keen boots for women to take the stage.

For more information check out: KEEN Hiking Shoes for women

HybridLife

After the success of the post-2004 Tsunami in southeast asia giving program, called Hybrid.Care, KEEN extended the program to include consumers.

The HybridLife campaign includes the company’s effort to reduce waste and material usage in their product manufacturing processes.

KEEN Gives Back to the Global Community

There are few company’s which have given so much so early in their tenure as KEEN did in 2004 when it pulled its $1M marketing budget and put it toward disaster relief. This initial effort lead to their long term Hybrid.Care program where they partner with other organizations who share a common vision.

They have supported and partnered with The Conservation Alliance, 1 KG More, Leave No Trace, and Big City Mountaineers; making them a front runner in the game of making a big social impact.

Since 2009, after expanding into safety footwear, KEEN Utility with non-profit partnerships within Project Build has been able to do even more good. Project Build has made amazing impacts on communities across the US with the donation of protective safety footear for people in need and the conservation corps.

When they decided to renovate a building to act as Headquarters and a retail store in Portland, Oregon they did it with one dumpster of trash. What? Yes, they repurposed everything in the building and did it with as little impact as feasible. They also spent $10 million and it was a historic building. This is one super fantastic company.

More recently, at the start of the COVID19 pandemic, they offered 100,000 free shoes to those families who were nominated as in need of footwear.

How to Clean your KEENs

Sandals: All KEEN water sandals (polyester and leather) can be washed on a gentle cycle in a washing machine.  Be sure to use cold water and mild detergent. Allow to air dry.  The leather uppers are specially designed to not crack, shrink or stretch when washed.

Waterproof shoes: To protect the performance of the waterproof shoes, it is recommended to wash in cold weather with mild soap or detergent and allow air to dry it without adding any heat.

How to Care for you KEENS

How to Clean KEEN Waterproof Shoes: It is not necessary to waterproof new shoes. After you wear the shoes for a while, it is recommended to treat the outside of the shoe with a silicone-based waterproofing spray. Retreat every three months for the best results.

How to Clean KEEN Leather Shoes: The materials are specially selected and the leather is no exception. The leather used in the uppers of KEEN shoes is designed to last. If you wear these KEEN leather shoes every day it is unlikely that they will be clean and scuff free. When cleaning use nubuck leather cleaner and conditioner like Nikwax or Saddle Soap.

How to Clean KEEN Synthetic shoes: Clean these products with mild soap and cold water. Use a stiff brush or cloth to remove debris before cleaning for best results. Make sure to allow it to air dry without heat.

How to Clean KEEN Wool Shoes: Never put these products in the washing machine. Clean with light brushing. If there is a bad stain, use a spot removing foam and then brush them.

How to Clean KEEN Canvas Shoes: To remove loose dirt gently brush the shoe with a soft, damp sponge. Stains must be treated immediately with a gentle cleanser. Machine washing is not recommended.

How to Clean KEEN Footbeds: Hand wash with a soft cloth and light detergent and air dry without heat. It is recommended to clean foot-beds after extended use. Do not machine wash. Get replacement foot beds here.

Frequently Asked Questions About KEENs

My KEENs squeaks, is there a solution? Sometimes the slick material in the shoe slides around and creates a squeak with each step. To fix this situation, remove the footbed, take a piece of medium-grit sandpaper and gently buff the leather lining around the bottom of the shoe interior. Be sure to rough up the bottom of the footbed in the same way. If this does not work, the squeak is likely coming from the outsole, which is a workmanship defect. If you believe this is the case you can file a warranty claim.

My KEEN shoes smell funky, what can I do? Try removing the footbed and machine washing on a gentle cycle and then allowing air to dry. If you rub tea tree essential oil into the upper lining of the shoe and the dry footbeds this can add a lasting odor-fighting element. If you cant take the footbed out, you can try hand washing the inside of the shoe with a gentle cleaner.

My KEEN sandals smell funny, what can I do? First, don’t feel bad. Then, machine was washed gently in cold water. Then, air dry in the direct sunlight. You can rub tea tree essential into the upper lining and footbed for extra help.