What Keen is known for
Outdoor footwear brand founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, built around the toe-protecting Newport Sandal Keen designed in 1999; relocated from California to Portland, Oregon in 2006.
Keen's product story starts in 1999, when competitive sailor and designer Martin Keen created a sandal with a rubberized toe guard to protect feet on deck while keeping them ventilated - the design that became the Newport Sandal. The company itself launched in 2003, founded by Martin Keen together with Rory Fuerst, initially based in California; in 2006 Keen relocated its headquarters to Portland, Oregon, where it remains. The Newport Sandal is credited with popularizing 'hybrid' footwear - outdoor-capable sandals that cross over into everyday wear - and the brand expanded from there into hiking boots, casual shoes and work footwear.
How ORBIS reads this city
Best for — Outdoor sandals and hiking shoes
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Where next
- Roa — Paris
- Danner — Portland
- Cayucos Surf Company — United States
Hand-curated for ORBIS · no paid placement