Keen – Functionality meets innovation

Words: Anne-Marie Becker

Like many great brands, Keen started with just one simple idea: creating a sandal with propper toe protection. In fact, designer Martin Keen got the initial idea through his years of experience as a competitive sailor. In the early days, there was no place for sandals in competitive sailing, as open-toed shoes regularly led to foot and toe injuries. To resolve this issue, the founders of the Portland, Oregon-based footwear company developed the first sandal with toe protection in 2003. Besides sailing, the extremely sturdy sandals from Keen found their use in almost any outdoor activity.

With the groundbreaking creation of this outdoor-friendly sandal, Keen aims to provide comfort and functionality to their customers as well as strive to connect people, create communities and provide equal accessibility to nature for everyone. Regardless of whether you’re wearing Keen footwear in a city park, by the sea or climbing a mountain, Keen has become a symbol of passion for adventure and travel, along with innovative design.

Keen’s corporate culture reaches beyond the promise of sturdy footwear. The company always strives to commit to helping others and doing something worthwhile. Ranging from fair working conditions and sustainable solutions during production, to supporting communities and charities, in case of humanitarian and environmental emergencies, Keen is committed to taking on responsibility and providing support wherever it is needed.

On a mission to exceed their current production standards, the innovation team of the American manufacturer developed the absolute Keen icon almost 10 years after the company’s launch: the UNEEK sandal. The concept of the sandal is quite simple since less is more when it comes to this design. Consisting of just two cords and a sole, the sandal offers a high level of comfort that is adapted to the individual who wears it. With its purist look and functional design, the UNEEK sandal resonates with both outdoor enthusiasts and city wanderers.