Really great shoes.

Review New Balance Varsity Fashion Sneaker

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!!

Get your New Balance Varsity Fashion Sneaker Now!