Why it belongs in ORBIS
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.