The KEEN collection is now at SSS

With the launch of KEEN Inc. in 2003, the company has gone from strength to strength by sticking to a simple yet innovative way of thinking: to find new solutions to old problems. Like, “Can a sandal protect your toes?” The answer was yes, and so the Iconic Newport sandal was born, sparking the idea for a hybrid design, shooting KEEN into the Outdoor and Performance scene in a reliable style.

Inspired by a love of the great outdoors, KEEN set out to combine the lightweight, free feeling that a sandal brings, with the features required to push the wearer into a more rugged terrain; something that could only be achieved with enclosed footwear. The designers found a way to keep the best of both worlds by encasing the toe area in a thin but reinforced rubber cap, as well as beefing up the sole with a more aggressive traction pattern.

With the Newport Hybrid sandal flying off of the shelves, KEEN quickly developed into other ranges with three segregated footwear categories named, “Trailhead, Waterfront and Boulevard” — featuring more than 300 different styles for men, women and children — going right the way from trail running shoes for high performance activity, all the way to slim profile, workplace-worthy footwear.

It is with a simplistic mindset that KEEN has made revolutionary breakthroughs, including the latest range: the UNEEK collection — born from an entirely new construction technique to deliver a truly unique fit and feel.

The UNEEK creation began by examining the foot in depth and piecing together a design that best suited the shape of the foot. Then, with a just a single material — the cord, the designers began creating the shoe. Using a pull-through construction technique of two cords with a free-moving junction feature, they created an upper that adapts to the fit of each wearer’s foot, making them individualised to the person for a secure and comfortable fit. With the upper perfected, rubber pods were placed in the heel and toe area of the outsole to protect high-wear areas whilst a lightweight and durable PU midsole delivers a long-lasting comfort.

Prepare for your next outdoor adventure with the collection from KEEN – now available at selected Sun & Sand Sports stores. Stay tuned for the launch of our wider Outdoor collection which will be hitting the stores in October.