Introduction
When it comes to work footwear, there’s a clear distinction between work boots and work shoes. Each type excels in different environments. For a safety toe work shoe, like the one I tested for this review, the Keen Utility Vista Energy carbon fiber toe work shoes proved to be the perfect choice.
Pros and Cons
The Advantages
Here are the advantages of the Keen Utility Vista Energy work shoes:
- Lightweight compared to work boots
- Carbon fiber safety toes, lighter than steel toes
- Comfortable on hard floors
- Safer than sneakers
- Stylish and sporty appearance
- True-to-size fit
The Shortcoming
The only downside I experienced was that my feet tended to smell more than usual while wearing these shoes.
Editor’s note: If you’re interested in other work boots options, check out our comprehensive review article!
Keen offers a wide range of men’s and women’s Vista Energy work shoes, all featuring carbon fiber safety toes specifically designed for the right and left feet. Carbon fiber is an excellent choice as it is 15% lighter than steel toes.
Style and Color Options
For men, the low top Vista Energy shoes come in three color options: solid black, black with gray/white soles, and black with blue accents. The medium height options are available in the same colors, except for the blue tint.
Women have several low height options to choose from, but there are no medium height options available. Additionally, both men and women can find ESD-specific drop-cut options.
Design and Functionality
The Keen Vista Energy work shoes have a sportier feel compared to traditional construction site work boots. The outsole features a tread pattern specifically designed for concrete floors and other hard surfaces.
These shoes are 100% non-metallic and carry an EH rating. However, it’s important to note that they don’t focus on puncture protection. If you work in an environment like a metalworking plant, it’s advisable to opt for footwear with built-in puncture resistance.
Keen Utility Vista Energy Fit and Comfort
The Vista Energy shoes provide an excellent fit. As someone who usually wears size 11 sneakers, I ordered the same size for the Vistas. The safety toe doesn’t compromise the fit, offering the comfort I’m accustomed to.
The heel of the shoe features Keen’s KonnectFit technology, ensuring a secure and stable fit. The Vista Energy work shoes are exceptionally comfortable. The roomy midsole section, when viewed from the side, provides ample space. The KEEN.REGEN midsole delivers more than just EVA foam, offering cushioning and claiming to provide 50% energy return.
The upper part of the shoe is made of mesh and synthetic materials, similar to a sneaker. The mesh lining enhances breathability, keeping your feet cool and fresh. Additionally, Keen has included a removable PU anatomic footbed with extra cushioning for added comfort.
However, it’s worth noting that I experienced an increase in foot odor while wearing these shoes, despite Keen’s anti-microbial treatment. This is not a common issue with breathable shoes, so it could be specific to my body chemistry.
Additional Features
- Nylon support handle
- No-mar upper and outsole
- Lace capture system for a secure fit
- Oil-resistant and non-slip outsole
- Safety Rating: ASTM F1677-96 Mark II Non-Slip, ASTM F2913-17 Non-Slip
Keen Utility Vista Energy Prices
The Vista Energy work shoes are priced between $120 and $125, depending on the chosen style. While this might seem a bit high if you’re used to buying cheaper shoes, the build quality and comfort levels of the Vista Energy shoes far surpass those of cheaper alternatives.
The Bottom Line
Keen Utility set out to create a lightweight work shoe with a secure safety toe that feels like a sneaker, and they succeeded with the Vista Energy. These shoes offer superior comfort and safety compared to sneakers for extended periods on concrete floors. Additionally, the lightweight safety toe provides crucial protection in environments that demand extra safety measures.
To learn more about the Keen Utility Vista Energy work shoes, visit Keen’s official website.