Review Keen KELOWNA CASUAL SHOES BISON
First of all, I need to learn how to spell it here, Hehe - Anyways, I just got lucky and acquired a pair of Keen Kelowna Water Proofs and I gladly accepted them being a Keen sort of fanatic, as well as Cushe brand as of late and considering the circumstance I was greatly surprised with the overall comfort level of this model. Like the previous poster I also find these very comfortable in fact more comfortable than many a Keen models I have in my lineup. One thing I've heard quite a bit in regards to the Kelowna is a little discomfort in the tongue area, as Keen joins the sides with the tongue in the upper part of the shoe in which I believe is to make a total water resistant environment for the foot in general, on top of the heavy water proofing in this particular model. This particular feel, or Burdon to a few select is very short lived actually, the sides quickly contour to the foot shape and I watched for this and could feel it getting less and less noticeable without much time factor either, so this will pass upon the quick break-in if you will with the Kelowna model, that I've read about from other reviewers in the past.
On top of the nice soft leather interior lining Keen has added a KeenDryTM overlay on the bottom � of the interior that also wraps up and around the inner tongue as well, I believe Keen was out to make the most waterproof shoe yet with this particular makeup, Hehe, one reason why I have always wanted this model, there are times here in the NW, and then some, Hehe - The insole looks familiar but yet also different then all the other models I have, I'm not sure if this is a special type of insole for this particular model because it does look a bit different, but not yet that familiar with this model and wondering if maybe that may possibly have water resistant factors that normal Keens don't have either, but then again that's just a guess on my part but does appear different, at least on the model I received anyways.
The top of the shoe body is very thick and high-quality leather like all keen shoe lineup, if not a little thicker, or at least appears that way and stitching is top level on the model I received and rather meticulous actually, I cannot find a flaw anywhere there. It reminds me a bit of the Briggs II model yet has a different feel upon the foot, not as much control in the heel area as the Briggs II but then again no Keen model has the heel dominance the ole Briggs II has but yet reminds me a bit more of the Briggs model then most of the other models anyways. Size wise, it's pretty on par with the its other close related cousins like the Briggs and Finlay, etc., maybe a smidgen shorter but nothing to noticeable.
Weight wise, we're looking pretty hefty here folks, but that's what happens when you put allot into a tough type work shoe and the weight drops the ole needle on the digital shoe scale at a whopping 1 lb. 4 oz. in the 11 � sizing I have, and yes, that's per shoe, Hehe
Overall I was quite impressed with the internal foot comfort in regards to the Kelowna model, I didn't expect that with all the waterproofing technology built into this model but as the description write-up says, "molds to your feet" is no exaggeration behind the model Kelowna and again I like the fit surrounding the internal foot better than most Keen models I have but with just one slight negative with all this and for me I noticed with all this waterproofing technology behind the Keen Kelowna making it what it is, despite the part where it states "lets the vapor out" I personally found my feet rather smothered and a rather lack of air, or circulation of it when I slid them on and off at different times, but an effort to make a complete waterproof type model, I guess comes also with another price in the overall end resulted factor.
I think the Keen Kelowna is well worthy of a considerable glance. if you're seeking a heavy-duty type footwear with strong waterproof accented attributes in its overall makeup, or already a Keen enthusiast like many of us, or need a wide frontal toe area that Keen is well known for, to battle the upcoming fall drenching rains, and sloppy icy slush a soon a coming. No doubt the Keen Kelowna will more than likely get us to and back with our dogs completely warm and dry, yet a little more circulation incorporated with the applied technology would hold high warrant from my particular angle anyways but no doubt the Kelowna is more than up to the seasonal job... Now I think I'll go find some deep NW puddles for further shoe testing, lord knows they're going to be getting deeper here, very soon!
UPDATE: 10/31/2012 - I just wanted to chime in on this model, It has been a real winner for me! We had a recent pump problem with our well and with that, had to take down tree's, move fences and god knows what all and the Keen Kelowna WP was my workhorse to protect my feet from all the abrasive activity and keep my feet dry as well with all the present hard-core rains we are incurring at this time of the season in the Northwest region, in which is typical here in the NW area this time of year. I have used this model mostly exclusively, considering the low-price points I got them for, for all outside activities, work, hauling well pipe, tree's, putting back up fences, logging, you name it and the Kelowna might just might out-last me, Hehe - This is one TOUGH Work Shoe, and it does appear to breathe better than all the other Keen models I have after all... Boy, am I sorry I didn't grab two pairs at the sale price I got these for! I can't believe how much I put these shoes through and they still look brand new! Hehe - I have several shoe models by Keen and although I have never put them through the testing this model has gone through, but I tell ya, Keen has won my admiration with this particular model, it's been a real Work-Horse, breathes well, keeps my feet well protected and also internally dry and also one of the most comfortable shoes in this category I am aware of, for me anyways. Keen without a doubt makes a great and effective work and play shoe! The Keen Kelowna WP has been a real Winner for Me!!
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I am finicky with shoes. I spend my day on concrete and evenings taking care of a house in the woods. Because of this I need a shoe that is durable, comfortable and provides good arch support without being so over-constructed that they feel like they weigh 5 pounds each at the end of the day.
So far I have been very impressed with this shoe. After a day on the concrete I don't have the lower-back discomfort other shoes have left me with. They have very good arch support and leave my feet feeling just as good in the evenings as they felt before I put the shoes on in the morning.
An added bonus is that they hide dirt well enough that they don't look awful when you wear them out to the restaurant when you don't have enough time to go change shoes after work.
I have 5 various pair of Keen Men's shoes. All are very comfortable, with a wide toe-box and excellent arch support. They generally wear very well. I would recommend Keens highly
These shoes are for my husband who is very hard on footwear. They are sturdy and have maintained their looks even with the rough treatment they receive. I would buy them again.
Keen has become one of my favorite brand of shoes. I consider myself a shoe aficando. While I don't have a ton of shoes, I have more then the average male. I used to sell shoes so I understand quality when I see it. Keen has an ability to make a shoe that feels comfortable from the moment you put them on. They also are built like tanks. I purchased a pair of Keen sandals that I wore for about 5 years and only recently tossed them aside (mostly because they were really starting to stink and not from the fact that they still had good support).
These shoes are no different. They are my 4 pair of Keens in the past 2 years. I love the look and the fact that they are waterproof (which I didn't know when I bought them) is a huge bonus for the winter. Fit is accurate - I take a 10.5 and these are perfect. Also, I have flat arches and these are the only shoes that I've worn where I don't need an insert for. Pretty amazing shoes. If you are on the fence - get them. I think I paid under $60 for these so if they are still at that price or under $100, get them!! Waterproof, casual, comfortable shoes for under $100 - no brainer.
I really wish Keen started to make dress shoes. I'd buy everyone of them. For dress shoes, I'm all about Ecco. If you want the same comfort in dress shoes, I highly recommend Ecco.
Let me admit up front that I've always had a weakness for Keen water shoes (Newport, Kreek, etc.) but hadn't ventured into any of their 'closed' shoes. Well, as they say, better late than never. Several years ago I happened across this shoe on sale at a local shoe store. It was love at first step. the pair of kelowna Keen's I bought then fit like a glove from the very first, required no break-in beyond the first few hours, and lasted like they were built of iron. They were without a doubt the most comfortable pair of shoes I'd ever owned, but, alas, time and miles took their toll and this fall they had to be replaced. I couldn't believe my eyes when I found them on Amazon, and at an even better price. Well, I'm several months into my second pair and my experience with this pair matches my experience with the first. I just hope they're still being made in a few years when I'll once again need a new pair.
This is the Keen you Need and WANT if you like the WIDE toe KEENS Are FAMOUS For.Very well built,ROOMY and Good looking.
I am a HUGE Keen fan and I wear and use Keens for there ruggedness and quality,This type,KELOWNA , is Both.
Will be ordering a back-up pair soon.
It was packaged nicely and arrived timely. I ordered a size 14,even though I'm a solid 13. Glad I did. Fits nicely and it gives a solid feel. Hope it helps with my heel/Plantar f. Issues...time will tell.
I bought these for my husband who walks our dog daily, whatever the weather! He loves them - says they are extremely comfortable and keep his feet completely dry. Worth every penny!
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