Mybeerbuzz .com Highlights The KEEN Utility San Jose 90° Boot (Review)

Just a few months ago, I put the KEEN Utility Red Hook boots through their paces, and if you read my review, you’ll know I loved them as a hiking boot as well as an all around utility boot. I still wear the Red Hook boots to this day, and I’m happy to report that even after a few hundred miles more, they’re still sturdy and comfortable.

Today I’m taking you on another footwear journey with another pair of boots from KEEN Utility that I know you’ll love. If you’re not familiar, KEEN Utility is the work boot division of Keen and I think you’ll find that they have a lot to offer. I’ll be test driving the new San Jose 90° in the aluminum toe version and I think you’ll find them as exciting as I do. This update to the San Jose boot features a 90° heel and as KEEN Utility puts it:

New for Fall ‘24, KEEN Utility introduces the new San Jose 90°. Featuring a 90° heel on the fan favorite San Jose, this work boot provides additional stability on ladders, scaffolding, and soft surfaces. Product highlights include lightweight aluminum safety toes, premium all-leather upper, KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, and KEEN Luftcell air-infused cushioning. Razor siping on the rubber outsole ensures slip-resistant footing, especially on wet surfaces. Adding stability and grip to a well-loved style, the San Jose 90° is available for both men and women in several colorways.

There were two things I noticed with these boots right out of the box. First they simply look great and second, they also feel really comfortable with no break-in required. I chose the bison/black color and this deep brown color with two tone light and dark sole make these a really good looking pair of boots. The boots are 6-inches high with seven eyelets for lacing and a convenient pull tab on the rear for easy on and off. These are plain cap toe boots and they look really fashionable despite their workplace heritage and function.

The San Jose 90° boots were comfortable right out of the box as I mentioned already, they were easy on and off, and they simply felt comfortable, durable and secure on my feet. The KEEN Luftcell air-infused cushioning makes for a soft but safe feel on the floor and the boots are available with or without an aluminum toe for safety in the workplace. These boots also feature KEEN DRY waterproofing so even after splashing around while washing the car, my feet remained dry from the outside and more importantly dry from the inside thanks to the breathable membrane.

I tested the San Jose 90° on wet and slippery floors and they were really secure and felt really safe. I’m also excited to report that while I initially didn’t get it, I get the importance of the 90° heel. After a few trips up and down a ladder to store my summer tires, I quickly realized how secure the heel design made me feel on the ladder and just how good the boots felt on normal surfaces too.

The San Jose 90° boots feature a premium all-leather upper and I can say that these have to be one of my most durable pair of boots I own. The leather is somehow both sturdy and durable while also being soft and comfortable and I have no doubt that these will last a long time.

Overall, I’d say the San Jose 90° have a lot of good things going on. They look great, they’re comfortable and durable right out of the box, they’re waterproof and breathable and the heel design and soles make them feel stable, safe and secure on wet and dry surfaces as well as ladders and scaffolding.

The Keen Utility San Jose 90° boots are available now in men’s and women’s styles, in several different colors and with (or without) aluminum toes…so get out there and try them for yourself. And when you do try them, be sure to let us know what YOU think.