Our verdict

88
Good!

Considered a refined combination of urban style and rugged trail capabilities, the KEEN Highland shoe, belonging to No break-in period, is built with premium materials that deliver the utmost comfort, durability, and versatility both on the trail or on any city street. History of the KEEN Highland add a modern twist on the classic concept of a leather-lined shoe with quality features that are perfect for transitioning between everyday wear and trail adventures.

Pros

  • Super stylish
  • No break-in period
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy
  • Nice bounce
  • Well-cushioned
  • Nice to know
  • Very good quality
  • Easy to put on and off

Cons

  • Who should buy the KEEN Highland
  • Soft foam treads

Who should buy the KEEN Highland

Nice to know:

  • You want a shoe with a lace-lock bungee system that gives a secure fit.
  • You are after a sneaker with enough elasticity which allows easy slip on and off.
  • Style of the KEEN Highland.

KEEN Highland logo

Size and fit

The KEEN Highland sneaker fits true to size. For a leather shoe, the athletic fit makes them feel more like a sneaker. However, they are only available in men’s sizing so women who would want to cop a pair, are advised to go a half or full size down. 

KEEN Highland midsole

Moreover, the lace-lock bungee system is used for the shoe’s closure, replacing the standard laces. This system is secure, adjustable, and has enough elasticity that make the shoes easy to slip on and off. Also, they are threaded through nylon loops so they aren’t stretching the leather. 

KEEN Highland laces

Style of the KEEN Highland

Blending street-smart style and tough trail features, this low-profile, hybrid-style sneaker is an all-terrain and casual sneaker that is crafted with an environmentally-preferred premium nubuck leather upper. It has a sporty cut that provides a soft, supple, and durable fit and adds an eye-catching street style that comes into play. 

KEEN Highland side

The sneaker’s original model is in blue, while the tongue and trim are a contrasting tan. This contrast in colors makes the sneaker achieve a pretty attractive look, and a half dozen different color combinations are offered if the original color doesn’t suit your fancy.

KEEN Highland outsole

Some available colorways are cherry mahogany and plaza taupe, steel grey and drizzle, black and magnet, and a lot more. With a trail-inspired and casual look, these sneakers go perfectly well with a sporty, street style, or casual ensembles.

KEEN Highland heel

An ensemble that consists of a pair of jeans, baggy or loose-fitting pants, joggers, and shorts can be topped with a plain shirt, oversized shirts, parkas, or even hoodies.  

Notable Features

A hybrid shoe that’s made for the street to trail, the KEEN Highland sneaker is made of high-quality leather upper in contrasting layers that provide breathability and style.

KEEN Highland toebox

For added breathability, the ventilating perforations and mesh lining are found all over the upper and tongue. With a Luftcell PU footbed, which is embedded with air cells, all-day underfoot support and comfort are guaranteed. 

KEEN Highland other side

Complementing the footbed, a thick, high-rebound EVA midsole offers resilient cushioning, shock absorption, and ample support that keeps one’s stride comfortable.

KEEN Highland Back profile

Furthermore, the durable and lightweight EVA outsole provides reliable traction and stability for an all-day comfortable stride. The diamond-patterned treads also help in delivering excellent grip. 

Poor leather collar

Founded in 2003, KEEN, an Oregon-based brand, launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has continued to launch disruptive products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design.

KEEN Highland tongue

Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently-owned brand that is on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire adventures outside. It fuses outdoor heritage with progressive styling in all its collections.

KEEN Highland collar

As a family-owned company, KEEN has made doing a good part of doing business since day one. By working with non-profit partners, consciously creating its products, providing grant funding to grassroots organizations, and activating communities and individuals who protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion that leaves the world a better place. 

KEEN Highland Laces front view

KEEN’s new styles for everyday adventures include the Oregon City casual collection for women and new silhouettes and waterproof offerings in the Highland sneakers for men. It is designed with an all-leather upper that has a casual style and a lot of comfort features for an outstanding performance whether on city streets or simple adventure trails. 

No break-in period

  • The KEEN Highland shoes feature an eco-antimicrobial treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the footwear.
  • These sneakers feature an upper with an environmentally preferred premium leather from LWG (Leather Working Group)-certified tanneries.