The History of Keen Footwear & The Story Behind the Jasper Shoe

The History of Keen Footwear & The Story Behind the Jasper Shoe

If you have even a passing interest in outdoor footwear, you have probably come across Keen Footwear and, more recently, the Keen Jasper. This Portland-based brand has gone from a left-field sailing sandal idea to a global name in hiking, lifestyle and work shoes in just a couple of decades. 

In this article I want to walk you through the history of Keen, how the Jasper came to be, and why this climbing-inspired shoe has quietly become a favourite for people who split their time between crags, commutes and casual wear. I will also touch on practical details such as fit, care and sizing, and link this all back to how we style and wear the Keen Jasper Shoes at Urban Industry.

From Sailing Sandal to Portland Icon: A Quick History of Keen

Keen’s story starts in 1999, when designer and competitive sailor Martin Keen created a sandal that could protect your toes on deck without sacrificing ventilation. That early idea evolved into the now-famous Newport sandal, with its chunky rubber toe bumper and water-ready design. By 2003, Keen had launched officially as a footwear brand, initially based in California before relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2006. 

The early 2000s were all about carving out a niche in sailing and water sports, but Keen grew fast, expanding into hiking boots, casual trainers and work footwear. Recognition followed, including “Launch of the Year” from Footwear News, and by the early 2010s the brand’s revenue was estimated in the hundreds of millions. 

Alongside product growth, Keen built a reputation for conscious manufacturing and social impact. They famously diverted a seven-figure advertising budget to tsunami relief in 2004, which evolved into their long-term Hybrid.Care programme supporting environmental and social causes. Today Keen highlights recycled materials, PFAS-free waterproofing and ethical sourcing across much of their range. 

Into this backdrop of innovation and responsibility, Keen introduced one of its most enduring “everyday outdoor” designs: the Jasper.

How the Keen Jasper Was Born

The original Keen Jasper arrived around 2008, just as the “climbing lifestyle” look was beginning to cross over into everyday streetwear. 

Rather than building a full technical climbing shoe, Keen took cues from approach shoes worn by climbers on the hike to the crag:

• A low-profile silhouette

• Rope-style laces that pull right down towards the toe

• A snug, supportive fit that keeps your foot stable on scrambles and paths

Over time the Jasper line has broadened into:

• Jasper Suede: the modern classic, with a soft suede upper and cushioned midsole

• Jasper Nylon Waterproof: a lighter, nylon-based update with PFAS-free waterproofing for all-weather use 

• Jasper Zionic: a more technical evolution that fuses the Jasper upper with a Zionic hiking sole for extra trail performance. Check out our collection of Jasper Zionic Shoes here.

At Urban Industry we lean into the Jasper as that “do-anything” shoe: casual enough for daily wear, but clearly rooted in outdoor design, especially in versatile colourways each season like Hairy Black / Black and the Gramicci Brown versions from 2024. 

Key Features of the Keen Jasper

Let us get into the details. If you are scanning this on your phone, this is the section that tells you, in plain language, what the Keen Jasper actually offers.

1. Climbing-Inspired Upper

Most Jasper models use a suede leather upper, often described as “environmentally preferred” leather, meaning it comes from tanneries assessed for reduced environmental impact. 

Key points:

• Soft yet robust suede that breaks in quickly

• Extended lace-to-toe system for fine-tuned lockdown across the whole foot

• Rubber toe bumper and heel overlay to guard against knocks and scuffs

The result is a trainer that feels supportive like an approach shoe but wears comfortably all day.

2. Underfoot Cushioning & Grip

Underneath, the Jasper keeps things simple and effective:

• A cushioned EVA midsole to absorb impact

• A rubber outsole with a casual tread pattern designed for mixed urban and light trail use 

• In some variants, such as the Zionic, more aggressive lugs and a stability shank for proper trail confidence 

So while it looks like an approach shoe, the ride feels closer to a comfortable everyday trainer.

3. Everyday Comfort Details

Keen’s outdoor background shows up in the small things:

• A contoured insole that supports your arch and helps with long-day comfort

• Soft lining around the collar to minimise rubbing

• Practical pull tabs to slip the shoe on and off quickly 

It is the sort of shoe you forget about once it is on, which, to me, is pretty much the goal.

4. Conscious Materials & Build

Keen talk a lot about their “Consciously Created” approach, and the Jasper line is part of that push:

• Use of harvested materials and recycled content in components such as webbing and outsoles

• PFAS-free waterproofing in models that need it

• An emphasis on ethical sourcing and community impact throughout their supply chain 

If you are trying to make more considered choices, this is a nice extra tick in the box.

Where the Keen Jasper Really Works: Use-Case Scenarios

One of the reasons the Jasper has stuck around for so long is how versatile it is once you start wearing it.

1. City Commuting & Everyday Wear

For most people, the Keen Jasper lives as an everyday shoe. The low profile and neutral colour options mean it pairs as easily with loose fit trousers and a shacket as it does with smarter trousers and a shirt. You get:

• Enough cushioning for long days on your feet

• A sturdy feel that handles rain, kerbs and cobbles

• Subtle outdoor details that give your outfit a bit of character without shouting for attention 

If you do a lot of walking between trains, buses and the office, it hits that sweet spot between trainer comfort and outdoor durability. It gives that easy going, softer 'trainer' look without all the tech from something like a Saloman or Norda.

2. Light Hikes & Weekend Walks

The Jasper is not a technical mountaineering boot, but for:

• Woodland paths

• Low-level hikes

• Coastal walks

…it is more than capable, especially if you go for the Zionic-equipped variants with their more aggressive tread and stability shank. 

I like it for those days where you do not want to commit to big boots but still want something that can handle uneven ground.

3. Climbing Approach & Indoor Walls

The climbing DNA is obvious when you look at the lacing. Climbers use the Jasper as:

• An approach shoe for the hike from the car park to the crag

• A comfy option for belaying or walking between problems at the indoor wall

The close fit and rubber toe guard give you enough precision for scrambling around the base of routes, while the casual midsole means your feet are not wrecked at the end of the session. 

4. Travel & City Breaks

If you are packing light, the Jasper is a good “one pair does most things” shoe:

• Looks smart enough for coffee shops, restaurants and city exploring

• Sturdy enough for spontaneous hikes and park walks

• Comfortable on flights and long train journeys

You will see why a lot of people end up buying a second colour once they have lived in one pair for a trip.

Style, Fit & Sizing

How the Keen Jasper Fits

Generally, Keen Jasper shoes fit true to size for most people. The extended lacing system means you can tighten the forefoot for a close climbing-style feel or loosen it off for casual use. Reviews and product info from Keen suggest a regular width with room in the toe box, and many customers confirm the true-to-size guidance. 

If you have particularly wide feet, you may appreciate the adjustable lacing, but most wearers stick with their usual UK size.

How to Style the Jasper

Because of its outdoors-meets-street shape, the Jasper works nicely with:

• Relaxed or straight leg trousers and jeans

• Technical hiking trousers rolled at the ankle

• Shorts, socks and a simple tee for warm days

In darker colourways the shoe works as a subtle black trainer, while lighter suede options lean harder into the climbing aesthetic. 

Washing & Care Instructions for Keen Shoes

Looking after your Keen Jasper properly will help it last longer and keep the suede looking fresh.

• Brush off dirt regularly with a soft suede brush once the shoes are dry.

• Spot clean marks using a damp cloth and a mild soap solution, then blot with a towel. Avoid soaking the shoe.

• For suede models, use a suede eraser on scuffs and a dedicated suede cleaner if needed.

• After cleaning, let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature. Do not place them on a radiator or in direct heat, as this can damage the leather and adhesives.

• Once dry, re-brush the suede to lift the nap and restore texture.

• Apply a suede protector spray suitable for outdoor footwear to help repel water and stains, following the product instructions carefully.

• For waterproof Jasper variants, avoid waxing the upper unless Keen specifically recommend it, as it may affect breathability. 

Keen Jasper FAQs

1. When did the Keen Jasper first come out?

The original Keen Jasper debuted around 2008, inspired by climbing shoes and approach footwear. The more technical Jasper Zionic followed later as a hybrid of the Jasper upper and a trail-ready Zionic sole. 

2. Is the Keen Jasper good for hiking?

Yes, for light hikes, everyday trails and mixed terrain the Jasper performs well. If you plan to tackle steeper or very rocky ground, consider the Jasper Zionic or a full hiking boot for added ankle support and grip. 

3. Is the Keen Jasper waterproof?

Classic Jasper Suede models are not fully waterproof, though the suede will resist light drizzle. If you need more weather protection, look for the Jasper Nylon Waterproof, which uses a PFAS-free waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. 

4. How does the Jasper fit compared to other Keen shoes?

Many people find the Jasper more snug and low-profile than some of Keen’s roomier hiking styles. The Jasper Zionic in particular is noted as slightly snugger, thanks to its trail focus, but most wearers still stick to their usual size. 

5. Can I climb in the Keen Jasper?

The Jasper is climbing-inspired, not a technical climbing shoe. It is ideal for approaches, scrambling and time at the base of routes, or for wearing between climbs at an indoor wall. For serious climbing, you will still want a dedicated climbing shoe. 

6. Are Keen Jasper shoes sustainable?

Keen puts emphasis on conscious manufacturing, using harvested and recycled materials, PFAS-free waterproofing and ethical sourcing where possible. While no shoe is impact-free, the Jasper sits within Keen’s wider push towards more responsible production. 

If this is your first look at the Keen Jasper I hope you enjoyed my quick overview of this classic Portland outdoor brand and its iconic Jasper Shoe. As always you can check our full collection of Keen footwear over on our brand page here.