Keen Utility Liberty work boots bring a fresh take to the brand’s well-known comfort and durability. The Liberty has been around for a while, but the 90° heel version I’m reviewing is a new option. Are they as comfortable as our favorite models? And what stands out about the design?
Now that I’ve had a chance to wear them for a while, I’ll share the key design elements that set these boots apart, along with some fitting and comfort notes so you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable right out of the box
- All-metal hardware
- Assembled in the USA
- Stylish design
- 90° heel
Cons
- Sizing runs a half-size small
- A little expensive
Looking for more options? Check out our best work boot recommendations of the year!
Keen Utility Liberty Work Boots Basics
Construction
Keen takes pride in using quality components for their boots, and their Liberty work boots are a perfect example of this.
Like many of Keen’s work boots, these employ a full-grain barnyard-resistant leather upper. This leather is flexible and soft to the touch, while still providing plenty of protection against the rigors of the jobsite.
These boots are fully waterproof and feature Keen’s Luftcell midsole that offers improved cushioning on hard surfaces. The midsole call is critical: Luftcell has been the key to every Keen boot we’ve reviewed that’s earned top marks for comfort.
Where the rubber meets the road, they have a durable Keen Toughsole outsole. While the original modes have a wedge sole, this version features a 5/8-inch 90° heel that helps provide secure footing on ladders, scaffolding, or loose, uneven surfaces. It’s not as comfortable as a wedge on hard surfaces, but the cushy midsole still makes these a good all-around option. On top of that, the smooth low profile lug pattern offers some versatility if you work on multiple surface types.
The boot comes together with Keen Fusion bonding that uses a direct attach and features an aesthetic welting. It makes for a boot that has virtually no break-in period while giving it a classic work boot look.
What’s more, these boots are assembled right here in the USA using global materials.
Comfort and Fit
Of all the work boots I’ve reviewed over the years, these have got to be the comfiest pair straight out of the box. The 8-inch leather upper feels like it’s already broken, offering plenty of movement and avoiding common pinch points around the heel and ankle areas.
I typically wear a size 11 regular, and while these boots were comfortable, they did run about a half-size small. To confirm this, I passed them along to our on-camera talent, Tom Gaige, who normally wears a 10.5 work boot. These boots fit him like a glove!
Generally speaking, Keen boots feature a wider toebox than most boots, and the Liberty is no exception. Even though the size was slightly off, I didn’t have any complaints about the width.
Additional Features
- Oil and slip resistant
- EH rated
- Heat resistant outsole
- Carbon fiber safety toe
- All-metal hardware
Keen Utility Liberty Work Boots Price
Keen Utility Liberty work boots are available in a few different varieties. The 8-inch 90° heel model we’re reviewing today retails for $300, and is only available with the carbon safety toe. There’s also a 6-inch soft toe boot available for $290, or a carbon toe version for $295.
All three models are available in half sizes from 7 to 12, and whole sizes up to 15.
The original wedge models are still available and run $285 – $300.
The Bottom Line
Overall, Keen Utility Liberty work boots strike an impressive balance between comfort and protection, and the 90° heel makes the line more versatile. Between that, their waterproof construction, and surprisingly soft out-of-the-box feel, these boots cater to Pros who need dependable footwear across a variety of surfaces and work environments.
Despite running slightly small, they deliver standout performance and join Keen’s elite list as one of the most comfortable safety-toe options they’ve produced. Plus, the fact that they’re assembled in the USA shows that Keen is dedicated to quality and supporting the American workforce at large.
