KEEN

KEEN was founded by Martin Keen, inventor of the Newport Sandal, in Alameda, California in 2003. Within a year, Martin Keen’s company sold some 500,000 shoes and sandals in 800 retail outlets across the United States. Footwear News called it the footwear industry’s “Launch of the Year.” Since then, business has continued to boom for the now Portland-based company thanks to a winning combination of distinctive product, superb customer service, and sense of social mission. KEEN sells mostly outdoor and utility footwear known for its patented rubber bumper to protect the toes, but there is no sacrifice of form to function here. As beautiful as they are practical, KEEN’s distinctive designs stand out from the crowd. And this company’s mission isn’t just to sell shoes. In its second year, KEEN pulled its entire million-dollar marketing budget and donated it for tsunami relief. Currently the company funds a grant program to bring youth outside for nature-based education. And with a headquarters built from repurposed materials and shoes made from recycled canvas and plastics, KEEN is working hard to reduce its environmental footprint, because future generations need a planet too.