KEEN Footwear Unveils New Lightweight, Versatile Shoes

The new low-profile KEEN.CNX collection offers outdoor enthusiasts a lightweight collection of KEEN shoes and KEEN sandals that provide comfort and protection.

This spring, KEEN introduces KEEN.CNX, a new footwear collection that gives outdoor enthusiasts a low profile, lightweight way to jump, dive and scramble into summer. Just as KEEN's part-shoe-part-sandal Newport brought lovers of the outdoors a new, hybrid way to connect with the outdoors 10 years ago, this new collection from KEEN brings fresh thinking to lightweight footwear while providing the essential KEEN fit and protection.

Designed to feel like a natural extension of the foot, each of the 20 CNX styles weighs 10 ounces or less each and was created to take people on brave new outdoor adventures.

Available in styles for the waterfront, trail and around-town categories for men, women and kids the CNX styles share the following features to achieve essential KEEN fit and feel:

• Low profile - The durable midsole with a four millimeter heel-to-toe drop positions the foot in a truer stance to the ground encouraging natural movement without sacrificing support or comfort.
• Tried and true KEEN fit The underfoot design features a slight ridge under the base of the toes, a contoured arch, and secured heel cup which provides the wearer just the right amount of protection.
• Simplified upper construction The simpler design eliminates layers of material for a better fit.

"We've lightened up an entire line of footwear with each shoe weighing in at less than 10 ounces, but kept the fit and protection that made KEEN famous," said Ron Hill, vice president of merchandising at KEEN. "City, trail or water, the new CNX collection is ready to protect brave new toes to play on all terrains."

Waterfront CNX
For wet adventures, KEEN introduces the Clearwater CNX for men and women. This low-profile hybrid sandal contains a washable polyester webbing upper, durable midsole with a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, and toe ridge in the footbed. The outsole has multi-directional flex grooves for enhanced traction on slick surfaces. With its dynamic bungee lace system, the Clearwater CNX is an easy-on-easy-off breezy water sandal and is perfect for a playful romp along the river or shore.

Multi-sport CNX
The Tunari CNX for men and the Haven CNX for women offer lightweight agility and comfort for light day hiking and scrambles. In addition to having enhanced fit, being low profile and lightweight, both are stitched so the seams are on the outside for an extra-smooth, streamlined feel. Multi-directional flex grooves on the outsole provide freedom of motion and high grip contact with the ground.

Casual CNX
Connecting as easily to hiking trails and the waterfront as to urban playgrounds, KEEN unveils casual KEEN.CNX styles inspired by city streets.

The women's athletic-inspired Mercer CNX collection is offered in three silhouettes: Ballerina, Lace and Mary Jane. Each features a breathable mesh and suede upper with a streamlined interior. All three are ready to transition from a day in the city, to a walk in the country in colorful style.

In late March, KEEN is hitting the road on a Twitter tour of several cities along the West Coast introducing the CNX collection through a series of fun and daring challenges to its Twitter fans. Others can follow where the KEEN team is with the #BraveNewToes hash tag for a chance to win a pair of shoes.

Keep up with all things KEEN at keenfootwear.com. Connect with KEEN at facebook.com/KEEN and @KEEN on twitter.

About KEEN
KEEN Inc., manufacturer of original hybrid footwear, bags, and socks was founded in 2003. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, KEEN offers innovative hybrid products that enable outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy an active lifestyle. Known for its innovation and creativity, KEEN started with the invention of the first sandal that protects the toe - the Newport. Since its inception, the company has applied that same problem-solving design approach to expand its footwear collection and offer bags, socks and clothing. KEEN offers products that allow people to go anywhere, from trekking the wilds of the world, exploring a cool city, heading to work, or skipping to a playground down the street. KEEN's products are sold in specialty footwear, travel and outdoor retailers, premium-sporting goods retailers and major outdoor specialty retail chains worldwide. In 2010, 2011, and 2012 KEEN was named one of "America's Best Places to Work" by Outside magazine. KEEN strives to demonstrate integrity and leadership while promoting a vibrant, inclusive community.