Customer Reviews KEEN Austin

This is my 3rd pair. I like them a lot better after the leather has softened and broken in better. They do last along time and are very comfortable. I wish I could do something about the squeak.

After searching and trying various shoes in the US in an attempt to find an alternative to my european lurchi shoes which are not available in the US, I came across the Austin shoe. In my opinion, the Austin is the American brother of the fabled Lurchi shoe. The one piece sole, backed by a firm and comfortable EVA is very durable and the rubber compound holds true even in cold temperatures and hostile factory environments. I'm an engineer, and outdoor enthusiast and put my gear through alot of difficult situations. I wear these shoes exclusively daily, from the factory floor, to the rocks on the scramble to the climbing crag. I'm currently on my second pair and already have my third pair fresh in the box waiting for the sole on my current pair to wear out. My first pair the sole wore out before the upper and so I've repurposed them for applications where i don't need much grip. The inside back of the shoe has a comfortable and proper leather suede that keeps the heel engaged beautifully and prevents wear from occurring. the ankle cuffs are also leather instead of fabric and have a nice soft foam underlay which provides very comfortable ankle articulation. The toe cover uses a very good adhesive and is contoured in a shape that prevents it from being torn away from the leather upper. The move to brass eyelets is more durable and wears the laces less, but expect to go through at least two sets of regular laces before the end of life of this shoe, or opt for waxed paracord if you prefer. I am now wearing the new version with the brass eyelets and I think the adhesive used on the sole on the old version was better. I opted for the waterproof version of the shoe and the interior liner breathes adequately that I don't notice a difference between a regular shoe in terms of ventilation. The interior fabric has not shown any signs of wear either. I use the stock insoles since they are very comfortable. However, give your foot some time to get used to the new feel because it is a more planted feel than other shoes. The toe box is nice and large and the rest of the shoe fits very snugly to prevent movement between your foot and the shoe, while still giving you room to spread your toes as if you're wearing sandals or toe shoes. My brother has also gotten hooked on these shoes and word is spreading of their greatness. In my opinion, this is the toyota landcruiser of shoes. a little utilitarian, yes, but gets the job done splendidly. they're not overly heavy for how durable they are, and work fine for the occasional trail run. Its a great do-anything shoe. after they are broken in, I clean and polish the shoe every week to keep the leather in good shape which takes only about 5 minutes once a week. Keen used to make a steel toed work shoe version of this same shoe, and the Austin in my opinion keeps all the durability of a work shoe/boot without the added weight of the steel/composite toe. If you're looking for a daily driver shoe to be a worthy partner for your darn tough socks then this is your shoe.

I have very wide (and quite tall) feet and finding comfy shoes is a pain, as most brands are too narrow in the toe box. I've had Keen shoes previously and they've been great, so I've kept an eye out for a style for about town and outdoors and the Austin's seemed ideal. Unfortunately I could only get them mail order, and on first fitting I found the leather construction very stiff, in particular the heel 'rim' which also included a stitched joint (which is a bad idea due to heel rub risk there). Hoping/assuming I might break them in I wore them outside, but got a bad blister on one heel where the stitched joint was! Even applying Nikwax did not significantly soften the shoes, so I've had to put them on Ebay. Disappointing.

good product

always good

A stiff shoe, feels strange, cheap as if it came from Walmart.

Need slip resistant sole

Love Keens!

Comfort and consistency with Keen.

New $135 shoes. The sole is already flopping loose on the left shoe. I already went to buy "shoe glue". Just like all the others.

The laces on these shoes are too short. It is hard to get a knot tied.

Seems theres a difference this time around- not as much footbed support, and they feel stiff and not as flexible as previous pairs. Ive got a big callous on the bottom of my foot, first time ever. I work at a nursery, on my feet all day. These shoes hold up much better than tennis shoes and look nicer too. They feel a bit shorter too

Second purchase after wearing the first pair out. Wider toes work well for me.

Quality shoes! Great quality as always with Keen and very comfortable. These are my go to casual shoes. I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Fine

Hands down most comfortable shoe ive owned. Ive had 2 surgerys on my feet, and their just that comfortable. Ive bought these shoes for the past 15 years and will buy them as long as they sell them.

Only shoes my husband wears - they take him from his home office, out to dinner, leisurely walks, and to formal occasions (father of the groom shoes last month).

I like the lacing and stronger lace holes. This would be my third pair of Keens over the last ten years or so. (Wish I could remember the other model names), but this Austin model may be my favorite so far. Definitely my go to if I dont need to dress up. Always liked the roomy toe box on Keen. The fit of my size 9 was perfect. I have an medium width foot. Thanks!

Dressy casual but with the same comfort of Keen hiking shoes/boots. QUALITY, good-looking leather, and comfortable enough to stand in, alllllllllll day.

I have a bad knee and I can wear these with very little discomfort in my knee most of the time. Do you still sell the canvas shoe with the same soul? If they come up on sale anytime soon let me know. Thanks.

I wear my Keen's almost every day to work. They are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have. The low heel height and wide toe box helps with my Plantar Fasciitis and Morton Neuroma's.

My first pair lasted two years before the soles started to leak through when I walked in puddles. But theyre a solid shoe and Ill make sure not to drag my feet as much, ha

Great product. Very comfortable.

I have owned a pair of these shoes for 15 years plus. The pair I currently have is just about worn out and I am certainly going to buy the same exact shoe. I highly recommend this shoe and this company. Unfortunately, they stopped making Keen pants.

Really comfortable shoe once broken in.