Keen (shoe company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear, accessories |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Martin Keen, Rory Fuerst |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Footwear, bags, apparel, safety work boots |
| Website | keenfootwear |
Keen (presented as KEEN) is a U.S.-based company specializing in footwear and accessories, with its main office located in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2003 by founders Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, the brand markets its products both domestically and internationally.
History
The Newport Sandal, created in 1999 by Martin Keen in Jamestown, Rhode Island, was notable for its unique black toe bumper designed for protection. Production of Keen’s sandals and shoes commenced in 2003, initially focusing on the sailing and outdoor activity sectors. Over time, the product range broadened to encompass casual shoes, cold-weather footwear, bags, apparel, and safety work boots such as the Keen Utility Tacoma.
Since its inception, Keen has witnessed swift expansion; Footwear News honored it as the "Launch of the Year" in 2003. Sales were projected between $130 million and $140 million in 2009, growing to around $240 million by 2011.
In response to the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster, Keen chose to allocate its $1 million advertising budget toward relief efforts, leading to the creation of the ongoing Hybrid.Care initiative. This program collaborates with groups like The Conservation Alliance and Big City Mountaineers, supporting veterans, environmental conservation projects, and distributing protective footwear through efforts such as Project Build.
Keen moved its headquarters from Alameda, California, to Portland’s Pearl District in 2006. By 2010, it had established a manufacturing facility in Portland dedicated to producing footwear for its American Built line using materials sourced worldwide. In 2012, the company acquired its Pearl District headquarters building for $10.8 million, integrating office space with retail operations. The renovation emphasized eco-friendly practices by reusing nearly all existing materials and limiting waste to less than a single dumpster load.