Beloved by men, women, and children, Keen is a staple in any active family's shoe closet. The Keen brand was virtually an overnight success and has grown into an international sensation. Their quality manufacturing and thoughtful designs turn many first-time buyers into lifelong fans, but where did this inspiring success story begin? The history of Keen Footwear is a new take on the old saying: Necessity is the mother of invention
Creation of a New Favorite
Keen shoes were created by Martin Keen through a mutual love of sandals and sailing. As anyone who has ever been on a sailboat knows, open-toed sandals are not the best idea. Keen had worked as a shoe designer for big names like Saucony and Timberland, so he set out to create a hybrid shoe that would be comfortable to wear on his boat and in the outdoors. Keen shoes all feature the iconic rubber toe bumper that offers protection in a comfortable sandal/sneaker hybrid.
Keen's new shoes were an instant success. They debuted at a shoe trade show in 2003 and were named the "Launch of the Year" by the leading industry publication, Footwear News. Founder Martin Keen has been known to criticize big-name shoe brands that prioritize sleek design and marketing over comfort and functionality.
Unsurprisingly, Keen shoes are the subject of much fashion debate. They may not be the prettiest thing you have ever worn, but they are undisputedly the perfect shoe for outdoor activities such as boating and hiking.
After the shoe became such an undisputed success, Keen began to diversify their product lines. In addition to these idyllic hybrid sandals, they added cold weather footwear after they moved their manufacturing from Alameda, California to Portland, Oregon. These expansion lines became just as popular as the original sandal.
Building on these successes and Mr. Keen's other footwear experience, the brand also launched casual footwear, as well as socks and bags. Fans of the Keen brand can wear and use their shoes every day of the year, no matter what the weather or activity.
Hybrid Inspiration
Shortly after the brand's launch in 2003, a devastating tsunami hit Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004, killing nearly 300,000 people. The company decided to divert their entire advertising budget to disaster relief and a new portion of the company, Hybrid.Care was created. The company identifies the decision as a shift from a "smart business" concept to a "business with a conscience."
Through Hybrid.Care, Keen partners with humanitarian organizations that share the same outlook on social responsibility. These partnerships have included charitable foundations such as The Conservation Alliance, Leave No Trace, and Mercy Corps.
The Hybrid.Care initiative was so popular with Keen's consumers that, just a year later, their motto became HybridLife--a lifestyle of enjoying and protecting the outdoors. Keen customers are encouraged to live a HybridLife--to enjoy our environment and join in conservation efforts to protect it.
HybridLife also encompasses the company's efforts to reduce materials consumption and pollution in their manufacturing process and to reduce waste in their products and packaging. Keen prides itself on actively creating change rather than just donating money from the sidelines. Through their charitable partnerships, they've improved the environment and lives of people around the world.
Sticking to the Basics
Though Keen sales have skyrocketed, and the shoes are sold around the globe, the company stays true to its humble roots. Their headquarters are based in Portland, Oregon, and they employ just 100 people. They still boost the Portland economy, though, as they recently opened a new manufacturing plant in the city. They also opened the first Keen Garage in Portland--their legendary outlet store where you can find their fabulous shoes at incredible prices.
These do-gooders don't just hang around in the office, though. In cooperation with The Conservation Alliance, Keen sponsored Hybrid.pedal, a ride for serious cyclists from Portland, Oregon to Seattle, Washington. This 1,000-mile journey took place in 2007 to generate awareness of The Conservation Alliance and their extraordinary efforts at protecting the environment and the public's social responsibility to reduce waste.
Final Thoughts
From one shoe concept to an international success, Keen is the embodiment of the American dream. While they may not be the stylish shoe walking down the New York runways, outdoor enthusiasts insist upon Keens every time they walk out the door. With their diverse product line, there is definitely a Keen shoe out there for everyone.
You can feel good about supporting a company that supports so many great causes, both in America and around the world. So, go ahead, splurge on a new pair of Keens. It's for a good cause!
