At just over 21 ounces, these Kenton work shoes are the lightest workshop footwear I’ve tried. They come in a wide range of sizes that should cover just about every foot size, from 7 to 15.

The sole, toe and heel of footwear take the most punishment. These shoes feature a carbon fibre toe that is stronger and lighter than steel and doesn’t conduct heat or electricity. The sole is made of a tough non-marring genuine rubber compound that is slip, oil, and abrasion resistant and very long wearing.  The treads are quite deep, helping to improve  stability and traction. The front and rear of the sole extend upward to provide some added protection for the toe and heel. The front of the toe also has a durable rubber-like coating that provides good resistance from scuffs and scratches.

The upper part of the shoe is made of a tough breathable canvas with a mesh inner lining that helps wick moisture away from your foot. KEEN doesn’t specify whether the lining is antimicrobial, which helps to prohibit the growth of odor causing bacteria. The shoes haven’t picked up any noticeable odour over the 2-1/2 months that I’ve been wearing them – upwards of 6 hours a day in the shop.

The collar is amply padded – thick enough to enhance fit and comfort but not overly tight. It provides good support for the bottom of the Achilles tendon. The back of the shoe is slightly angled downward, which I find more comfortable, as it doesn’t dig into the top part of my heel, especially when flexing my foot.

One area where water penetrates footwear is the seam where sole is joined to the upper part of the shoe. As you’ll find on a lot of work boots and shoes today, the sole and the uppers on the Kenton are joined with an adhesive rather than sewn, which means the sole can’t be replaced. However, this is a less costly method of construction which makes the shoes more economical for the end user.

The eyelet arrangement is fairly standard – five pairs of eyelets and one pair of ringed metal eyelets at the top. I can loosen the laces at the top and easily slip my foot out.

The midsole (the layer between the upper and the sole) is made of a dual-density, compression-molded EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) copolymer material (what KEEN calls KEEN.ReGEN). According to KEEN their midsole provides up to 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and these shoes are just great to walk around on.

The replaceable insoles (footbed) are made from polyurethane, which provide some level of shock absorption and increase overall foot comfort. The only reason to replace them is if you have specific support requirements such as fallen arches or flat feet, or if you feel that you need even more cushioning than these insoles provide.

Whether you’re working in the shop or on a job site, the last thing you want is sore and tired feet. And, you certainly don’t want to throw good money after crappy footwear. These Kenton work shoes have pretty well all the features that you’d want in a protective footwear – comfort, light weight, easy lacing, durability, and a tough oil, slip, and abrasion resistant sole. The fit is roomy, arch support is very good, and I can wear them all day long without any discomfort.

These work shoes were comfortable from day one – they didn’t require a break-in period. These shoes are perfect for use in the workshop and for tradespeople and service technicians who don’t want to wear thick, heavy work boots yet want toe and foot bed protection. Great value at a competitive price, and they come with a one year warranty.