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KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy Shoes – Detailed Review

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Rating : 8.3/10
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Performance Breakdown

7
9
10
8
9
5
10

Bottom Line

Fitted with a composite toe cap and static dissipative outsole, the KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe is built to protect your foot against safety hazards in challenging environments.

Pros

  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Carbon fiber safety toe
  • ESD outsole
  • Outstanding design and durability

Cons

  • Not very comfortable
  • Not waterproof

Material

Mesh and synthetic

Type of Toe

Yes (carbon fiber toe)

Weight

1.34lb / 0.608kg / 21.45oz

Waterproof

No

Shaft Size

4.5 inches

Outsole

Rubber

Shoes type

Energy Shoes

Manufacturer

KEEN

Safety certifications

No

Price range

$92.20 to $199.00

Summary

The KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe caught my attention at first with its attractive appearance, but its performance made it stand out even more against other work shoes. I liked the increased protection offered by the composite toe cap as it made this shoe suitable for harsh settings. The static-dissipative outsole minimized static electricity, while the nonmetallic construction made this shoe an ideal choice for secured areas that have metal detectors. I appreciated how the mesh upper allowed a lot of air to get in and circulate to prevent overheating.

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The midsole was designed to cushion the foot, providing a high level of energy return that kept me walking more easily for longer. I was impressed with the tough yet beautiful construction that I knew I’d be able to enjoy for a long time. In this article, we’ll look more intimately at the shoe’s features to discover those that contribute to its superb function and form.

To ensure that you’ll walk safely in the workplace, this safety shoe has the protective features you need in a beautifully constructed package.

Ideal For

  • People who are after cute but very durable work shoes
  • Jobs in harsh work environments
  • Those who are looking for safety toe work shoes with ESD soles

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Performance Analysis

Comfort

While comfort isn’t the KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe’s best feature, it does its best to prevent pain from completely setting in, especially with long hours of continuous use. The proprietary KONNECTFIT heel capture design was an impressive feature that kept my heel locked in place. This resulted in a more stable walking experience, preventing my foot from accidentally sliding sideways or back and forth when I had to walk in a hurry. The locked-in position of my heel also contributed to pain prevention because my foot was saved from rubbing uncomfortably against the interior of the shoe. I appreciated the ergonomically designed footbed that naturally followed my foot’s shape, delivering an almost customized feel underneath. Its curved structure worked to keep my foot in its correct position to minimize the stress on my joints when I needed to walk for prolonged periods.

I especially liked the midsole that was built to resist compression for long-lasting cushioning that helped ward off intense pain even with extended walking or standing on hard surfaces.

This midsole was 50% bouncier than the conventional EVA foam that’s fitted into other work shoes, providing increased energy return that kept me walking more easily for longer. The upper that is made of mesh and synthetic materials not only allowed more air to enter for increased breathability but also made walking more manageable as it didn’t restrict my movements. The soft material quickly adapted to my foot’s movements, flexing easily so I was able to enjoy unrestricted mobility without the burden of stiff materials that would’ve bitten painfully into my skin. A nylon shank was placed to increase midfoot support, enabling me to enjoy a stable walking experience while maintaining the shoe’s structural strength.

I liked the way the lacing system was designed as it ensured a secure fit for long periods.

Somehow, with all these comfort features in place, I still didn’t feel completely comfortable while using this shoe.

I believe this was due to the safety toe – they made my toes feel a bit pinched, so they weren’t able to wiggle freely when needed. It was a little strange that the shoe felt more uncomfortable when I was just sitting down than when I was walking – something that can probably be explained by the safety toe component pushing down on my foot even without movement. It’s also worth mentioning that this shoe didn’t feel as soft and as supportive as other work shoes I’ve previously tried, which may have enhanced the slight discomfort that I experienced while wearing this product.

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Weight

I expected this shoe to be heavier than it turned out to be, so I was very pleased when I discovered that it was of average weight. It had a satisfying heft that added to the stable feeling but didn’t feel excessively heavy. This allowed me to walk and stand for prolonged periods without feeling like the shoe was dragging painfully on my foot. The shoe maintained a fairly comfortable weight because it has a carbon fiber safety toe that offered increased protection against compression and impact hazards without the unwelcome weight that’s expected from steel toes. The mesh and synthetic materials used on the upper also contributed to the shoe’s benefits by preventing excess weight to the overall structure.

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Traction

The oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole delivered a strong level of traction that helped me walk more safely on challenging surfaces. I easily walked on slippery surfaces and even on hilly terrains without losing my balance, with the shoe’s sole firmly gripping the ground to maintain my stable gait. The non-marking sole allowed me to move from the outdoors without worrying that I’d track mud or dirt onto clean indoor floors. I especially liked the tread design because it easily shed off debris while walking, making it a lot easier for me to keep the sole clean.

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Fit and Sizing

This shoe is true to size and easily accommodated my foot for quick-wearing convenience, unlike other shoes that require extra effort before they can be used comfortably. It had a snug fit that added to the stable walking experience as it hugged my foot in a secure position all day long.  However, I felt some discomfort on my toes as they felt pinched, probably because of the composite safety toe. I won’t recommend this for people with wide feet or toes as they may feel a great deal of discomfort, especially when wearing the shoe for extended periods.

 

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Waterproofing

This shoe isn’t designed with waterproof features, so it won’t be able to maintain comfortable foot dryness when you’re working in wet conditions. The mesh upper can easily let in water and other liquids that may splash onto the shoe, so this shoe isn’t the best option for job sites that are always exposed to wet elements.

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Breathability

I loved how breathable this shoe felt, with the mesh upper encouraging plenty of air to come in and circulate inside. This stopped an overly hot feeling from developing inside the shoe, especially with long hours of nonstop use in extremely warm or humid settings. The mesh lining helped dissipate excessive warmth and moisture, so these didn’t have an opportunity to build up, protecting the shoe from overheating and instead, prolonging a cool atmosphere.

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Quality and Durability

I was impressed with the KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe’s attractive appearance, with the black and hydrangea color combination delivering a stylish aesthetic that’s still easy to match with uniforms and other workwear.

The color scheme stands out but not in an extreme way, enabling me to enjoy the eye-catching look while still giving me the confidence that my footwear won’t look out of place in a work setting. The strong construction assured me that I’d be able to maximize this shoe’s features for a long time as it’s tough enough to withstand the demands of my job without easily getting damaged. The lacing system had a sturdy structure for prolonged strength that will surely last through almost countless fit adjustments when needed.

I loved how the hydrangea-hued lace loops kept the laces firmly in place while adding a vibrant color splash, effortlessly elevating the stylishness of the shoe while still maintaining its sleek profile.

The upper comes in a non-mutilating design, greatly minimizing the risk of the shoe scratching or marking other items around. The carbon fiber toe cap offered reliable protection against impact and compression hazards, guarding the foot so it won’t easily be harmed in case heavy objects accidentally drop on the shoe from elevated areas. I welcomed the composite toe enhancement because it kept my foot protected in harsh environments, but it wasn’t as heavy as steel toes.

However, I still felt a bit of discomfort, especially when I was sitting down as I felt the presence of the carbon fiber toe cap leaning on my foot from above.

The static-dissipative outsole delivered extra protection against static electricity buildup, enhancing safety and comfort in specific work areas by allowing the charge to conduct from the body to the ground. I liked the anatomically shaped footbed that provided good cushioning, supporting my foot’s proper alignment for a more stable walking experience. This component also helped maintain comfort by following my foot’s shape for an almost customized feel. The footbed can be removed so it was easy for me to take this component out of the shoe for washing, enabling me to maintain the interior’s cleanliness in a hassle-free way. The proprietary KEEN.ReGEN midsole delivered a higher level of energy return with a bouncy feel that helped ward off extreme discomfort even with hours of nonstop walking or standing on unforgiving ground conditions. This foam midsole resisted compression and offered lasting durability that I can rely on for long-term benefits. I appreciated the exclusive KONNECTFIT system that worked to secure my heel, increasing my stability while walking, so I didn’t feel wobbly even when navigating challenging terrains and surfaces. The mesh upper and mesh lining worked in tandem to keep the air circulating generously throughout the shoe, fighting overheating by quickly dispersing excess warmth and moisture to keep the interior comfortably cool for longer. The shoe’s 100% nonmetallic structure makes it a suitable choice for highly-security areas, where it won’t accidentally set off metal detectors that are already in place. It has a mid-tier price range, but with all the enhancements in place and the durable construction, I believe the extra expense is worth it. This isn’t a waterproof shoe, however, so it’s not recommended for work areas that have constant exposure to water and other liquids that can quickly seep in.

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Other Versions

The KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe is offered in a black and hydrangea color scheme as well as an all-black color option. It has a non-safety toe version and a mid-height safety toe version.

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The Challengers

The Skechers Work Bulklin Lyndale Shoe

The Skechers Work Bulklin Lyndale Shoe features mesh overlays that make the upper flexible, easily accommodating the foot’s movements for unhampered mobility and increased comfort. The mesh material allows the air to move freely into the shoe, maintaining the cool interior for longer even with nonstop shoe use in humid or hot conditions. The composite safety toe keeps the foot protected from serious injuries in case heavy tools or machinery are accidentally dropped onto the shoe from a great height. The composite material isn’t as heavy as steel, so the shoe maintains a minimized weight structure that doesn’t weigh the foot down with uncomfortable bulk. The memory foam insole delivers personalized comfort by following the foot’s shape, relieving pressure spots to stop blisters from forming with extended shoe-wearing. The rubber outsole’s slip-resistant construction offers enhanced protection against slipping accidents when navigating slick or unstable surface conditions. The padded tongue and collar cushion the skin, so it won’t easily get irritated or chafed when you walk for hours on end. It’s worth noting that the toe and heel area can feel a bit too tight so the shoe may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.

The Wolverine Jetstream CarbonMax Safety Toe Shoe

The Wolverine Jetstream CarbonMax Safety Toe Shoe has a carbon fiber toe enhancement that shields the foot, keeping it protected so that impact and compression threats won’t cause serious harm. The composite enhancement isn’t as weighty as steel, so the shoe maintains its reduced weight for superior comfort and increased mobility all day long. The memory foam footbed molds to the foot’s curves for maximum comfort, delivering the right level of cushioning to ward off the pain without the bulky feeling. The midsole that’s made from a combination of EVA and rubber materials works to add much-needed support and cushioning from the bottom, improving stability to make it easier to walk on challenging surfaces. The mesh upper permits the entry of generous amounts of air to promote superb breathability, preventing the interior from feeling overly warm when the shoe is used for extended hours in hot or high-humidity environments. This comfortably lightweight shoe has a slip-resistant lug outsole that grips different surfaces firmly, so you won’t easily slip when navigating tough ground conditions. But because it doesn’t have waterproof materials, it won’t stop liquids from getting in.

The Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Shoe

The Reebok Sublite Cushion Work Shoe is built with alloy toes that protect the foot from compression and impact risks, making it safer to work in hazardous work areas where these threats can suddenly drop from high places onto the shoe. It offers electrical hazard protection to keep you safe from getting electrocuted if you accidentally touch an electrically charged item in dry conditions. The signature MemoryTech Massage footbed follows the foot’s natural shape for superb comfort and at the same time prevents blister formation by easing the foot’s pressure zones. The Sublite foam midsole provides extra cushioning to keep the foot protected against the pain that can come from walking on hard surfaces for long hours at a time. It has deep flex grooves that work to accommodate the foot’s movements so you can walk more freely without any unwelcome stiffness that can hamper your mobility. The mesh upper lets in a lot of air to keep the interior cool and fresh for longer; however, it doesn’t prevent water from penetrating, making this shoe unsuitable for exceptionally wet work sites.

The Puma Elevate Composite Toe Shoe

The Puma Elevate Composite Toe Shoe has a sporty profile concealing a host of protective features to keep your foot safe in demanding work environments. The composite safety toe acts as a barrier against tools, pieces of equipment, and other heavy objects that can drop and otherwise cause serious foot injuries. The TPU enhancement protects the toe area against abrasion, making it more comfortable for you to kneel on rough surfaces with the confidence that your shoe won’t get easily scuffed in the process. The anti-static sole protects against the risks that can be encountered when working in areas that are prone to static electricity buildup. The rugged construction is designed to take on challenging settings without easily deteriorating even with heavy footwear use. The exclusive Evercushion BA Plus insole provides ample cushioning for all-day comfort and support, while the idCell component on the heel absorbs the shock to prevent foot fatigue. The proprietary BreathActive lining promotes continuous breathability and moisture dissipation to keep the foot dry and comfortable. However, this isn’t a waterproof shoe, so it won’t prevent wetness from seeping in.

The Caterpillar Streamline Composite Toe Work Shoe’s

The Caterpillar Streamline Composite Toe Work Shoe’s exclusive ERGOlite design maintains the reduced weight profile without compromising outstanding performance. The composite toe cap blocks compression and impact hazards to protect the foot against grave injuries.  The electrical hazard protection keeps you safe against electric shock if you accidentally touch open circuits in dry conditions. The shoe’s flexible and lightweight construction ensures that you’ll be able to walk naturally without anything getting in the way of your comfort and agility. The EVA midsole offers strong shock absorption, dispersing the impact to stop foot fatigue so you can walk comfortably for longer. The PU footbed delivers ample padding to protect the foot from feeling the extreme hardness of unyielding surfaces. The nylon mesh upper sections let in plenty of air, keeping the interior well-ventilated to stop moisture and heat build-up. The slip-resistant rubber outsole prevents slipping accidents on trick surfaces for increased safety. However, this shoe doesn’t have waterproof components, so it’s not the best option for exceptionally wet work settings.

Conclusion & Verdict

The KEEN Utility Women’s Vista Energy ESD Shoe’s cute profile conceals remarkable features that deliver maximum performance. I loved the enhanced protection delivered by the carbon fiber toe caps and ESD outsole, making it safer to walk around hazardous work environments. The breathable upper promotes good air circulation to keep the interior feeling cool for a long time. I especially liked the exceptionally durable construction that’s tough enough to withstand being used extensively in challenging conditions. It’s worth noting, however, that this shoe felt a bit uncomfortable and caused toe pinching because of the presence of the composite toe cap.

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Emma Ray

Emma is a senior editor at workwear.org where her role mainly involves testing and writing about women’s safety work wear. Emma has 12 years of experience with leading work wear stores in Houston and San Antonio alike, where she helped hundreds of customers to choose the right work wear for their profession.