Author Topic: Keen R.I.P.  (Read 7861 times)

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Offline dombrosk

Keen R.I.P.
« on: January 19, 2015, 04:32:34 pm »
Shoes/sandals for touring is a recurring topic on these forums.

I'm sorry to pass along the news that Keen has exited the bike footwear business.  Their leather lace-up spd shoe was a unique product, and their sandals were very popular.

Amazon seems to have a few sandals left in stock, and Sierra Trading Post has a few small size shoes, but they've mostly disappeared.

Offline Tandem Tom

Re: Keen R.I.P.
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2015, 05:51:05 pm »
I thought the same thing last Fall and posted a similar comment on Bike Forum. Keen responded and stated they will be offering cycling sandals this Spring!

Offline dombrosk

Re: Keen R.I.P.
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2015, 06:27:05 pm »
Thanks for that info, Tandem Tom!

On the theory that the more they hear from cyclists the better, I also sent an inquiry. 

Here's what I got in reply:

"Thanks for contacting us.
 
KEEN took a hiatus from the cycling business and did not produce any pedal styles for 2014.  We are planning to release new cycling styles in April 2015.  Check out our site, www.keenfootwear.com, at that time for details.
 
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
 
All the best,
 
Brad
KEEN Footwear"

This gives me hope that perhaps a new leather lace up shoe will also be available, which I really like both for daily commuting and touring.  It was also nice to get an actual reply from a human being!


Offline Huli

Re: Keen R.I.P.
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2015, 09:01:53 am »
Keen Newport and low profile MTB platform pedals are my favorite combo.  The carbide teeth agree with the soles.  Does not tear them up at all with tons of grip.
See me go places on Insta @Over_that_way

Offline sanuk

Re: Keen R.I.P.
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2015, 10:20:14 am »
This is preciely my current dilema: no shoes around that I can find here in southern Germany that are good for walking/maybe some light hiking too, and for cycling.  My heavy-duty Keen sandals slide strait off my metal Shimano pedals. I use no cleats, clips or other means of attaching my feet to the pedals. The Jack Wolfskin hiking shoes I have are better but too hot for summer and too heavy to carry on a tour although they do somewhat repel water.   A pair of almost worn-out light-weight Teva sandal/shoes I've had for years and are partially glued together are best but only when it's warm and not wet, although they do dry out fairly fast.  Outdoor store staff just look confused when I ask for a light-weight cycling/walking shoe.  I keep looking.