KEEN Men's Finlay Casual Shoe Review

 Rating: 4,5 of 5 stars====================Product price: Check new Price in amazon====================Buy with Secure Transaction Amazon now…====================
Product DescriptionThe KEEN Finlay oxford is designed for life's adventures that happen in urban, casual environments, but with the attitude of an outdoor explorer. The water-resistant leather upper of this men's casual shoe features a moisture-wicking fabric lining and patented KEEN Toe ProtectionTM. The removable, anatomically shaped insole keeps you supported, while a non-marking rubber sole delivers grippy traction to the KEEN Finlay oxford.

KEEN Men's Finlay Casual Shoe

Customer Reviews:* This is my third pair of Keen shoes, and the first that I dared buy online, sight-unseen. You see, I loved my last pair (a design they apparently don't have anymore) so much that I wore them thin--really, I wore the sole right through underneath the ball of my foot! I still continued to wear them long after I could feel every pebble or crack beneath my feet... Finally, in an effort to ween me away from the weary old pair, my wife suggested I buy a new pair (gasp!).As I mentioned, I bought these online because I know that (a) every pair of Keens I've had has been a favorite daily-wear shoe for me, (b) I know my usual shoe size will fit just fine with whatever style they have, and (c) they're bound to be comfortable. I could hardly handle waiting for them to arrive, and was checking for new packages several times a day.Once they finally did arrive, I opened the box and was pleased to find that their actual color is perhaps a bit darker than I had imagined from some of the pictures, and that's just fine with me. (I tend towards the more casual, active shoes even with my spiffier work clothes, so the darker leather looks good.)The very next day I wore them to work, and the day after that too--something about the comfort level of Keens makes them wearable from the very start, no "break-in period" necessary.Of course, since it's the middle of winter here, the shoes have already gotten their share of testing in snow and sleet. The treads do fine if there's any grit or edge on the ground, but as expected the shoes are still slippery on ice (for some reason I feel my heels slipping more than the toes).Okay, so maybe you'll think I'm a "nutcase" for loving these shoes so much (get it? "nutcase" is the color description, ha!), but I don't mind... I'm just happy to have a new favorite pair of shoes! * This is my first pair of Keen shoes. I am coming from a Merrell Jungle Moc, which I still think is more comfortable at this point. But I wanted something a little more capable for hiking, and I live near Seattle so good traction on wet surfaces was important. Basically, I wanted something for everything I do outside of work and church: hiking, sports, around town... That's a lot to expect from one shoe but I think I made a good choice. The Merrell were slip-ons, but I did go hiking in them many times and they did quite well for what they are, and they are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.The first few days, the Finlays were very stiff and somewhat hard. They actually made my feet a little sore. I considered returning them, because I had read many reviews where people said Keen shoes don't seem to need a break in period and they are comfortable right away. But I had tried on so many Keen shoes in stores and they all felt wonderful, so I gave them a couple weeks. That turned out to be a good decision, because they did soften up and they are quite comfortable now. These are VERY well made shoes, so it stands to reason if they are going to last 5-10 years, they'll take a week or two to break in and soften up.Haven't been hiking in them yet, but I did play volleyball the other night, and for not being a basketball or purpose-built sports shoe, they did quite well. Good shock absorption in the heel when I run or jump. Great lateral grip and control for dashing from side to side. The "toe box" is quite roomy compared to other shoes I've had, but as a whole the shoe feels snug and not loose on my foot. There seems to be a very stable heel platform. The heel sole doesn't look that wide, but when you are moving, it feels like your heel sits down into it in a way that provides great stability.My sizing strategy was to try on as many Keen shoes in stores as I could. Never found Finlays, but trying on other Keen models the sizing seemed consistent, and I think I got the right size when I ordered online. Took a little extra time, but it saved me from exchange hassles, and I learned more about Keen shoes in the process. I had actually never heard of them, but when I wore all the tread off my Merrell slip-ons after 5 years, my wife suggested the brand, and I checked it out.For such a solid shoe with high grade materials and a chunky looking sole, they are amazingly light and comfortable (once they break in a bit). For a capable multipurpose shoe, I'm happy with my purchase.