I’m Seki, the manager of the outdoor shop “FITTWO” in Ueno!
Today, I’m introducing the 2024 fall/winter new release shoes from the American brand KEEN, called “KS86”!
When you think of KEEN, the woven sandals “UNEEK” might come to mind, and you may have seen them on the streets.
Although KEEN’s sandals often steal the spotlight, today I’m highlighting other great shoes like the “KS86” and “JASPER”.
The JASPER model has been a long-time bestseller, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023. Its clean design and colorful appearance make it a favorite for city use and festivals!
KEEN has now introduced a new shoe that, like the JASPER, could become a staple, suitable for outdoor use as well. Let’s dive into the “KS86”!
TOC
【KEEN】KS86
Design
The KS86 is a revival of KEEN’s “A86 TRAIL SHOE” that was released years ago, now updated with a modern twist!
Unfortunately, the original model is no longer available, and I could only find it in catalogs. It features the bold “KEEN” logo across the shoe, giving it a distinct trail shoe appearance, different from the current model.
While this updated model is less bold than the original, it still features the “K” logo on the side of the shoe.
This logo isn’t a printed design but rather a separate fabric material, giving it a more refined look.
Color & Size Range
The colors include classic black and white, and for the 2024 fall/winter season, more vibrant color options will be available! (Additional colors not shown in the images).
As of 2024, the shoes come in two types: one made with mesh fabric and another with leather.
The mesh version includes an extra set of laces in addition to the ones that come pre-installed!
Both the leather and mesh options come in men’s and women’s sizes, with availability up to 30cm, offering a wide size range for various customers!
Functionality for Outdoor Use
First, the outsole (sole of the shoe) has a distinctive look with several round protrusions.
This outsole has the same structure as the older models, designed to provide excellent grip on various surfaces, such as gravel roads and dirt paths!
It features KEEN’s signature “Non-Marking Rubber Outsole”, which does not use any coloring agents.
The leather used for the upper is durable, and the mesh material is also a highly durable “Ballistic Mesh”, making it perfectly suitable for outdoor use!
There are extra holes for the laces, allowing for a heel lock (double eyelet). This ensures a snug fit when using the shoes outdoors!
Wearing Experience
After trying them on, I noticed that unlike the JASPER or UNEEK, which have thin soles, these shoes have a thicker sole. However, they provide a firm, high-resilience feel without being too soft.
Since I often stand for long periods due to my job in customer service, I found these shoes to be very comfortable, making them one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn recently!
I have wide feet myself, but I can wear these without any discomfort, thanks to the spacious design around the instep and the width.
The size runs true to what I usually wear. For reference, I usually wear a size 28cm in UNEEK, 27.5cm in JASPER, and 27.5cm in these shoes, which fit perfectly!
Conclusion
What do you think?
KEEN’s new sneakers, the “KS86”, offer a simple design while being equipped with features suitable for trails, making them versatile for various occasions!
Don’t just focus on sandals, take a look at these shoes as well!
You can find them in-store and at our online shop below, so be sure to check them out!
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