Keen Portsmouth Shoe : Love at First and Last Step

I'm in love, and I don't care who knows.

His name is Portsmouth, and he's one of several new fall shoes in Keen's BLVD line.

Let me count the ways I love him:

1) He accepts me just as I am. It doesn't matter to him that I have extra wide forefeet, or a tender spot on my right foot where I broke a sesamoid bone years ago, or that I have to wear a clunky, full-length orthotic. He simply accommodates my foot with enough depth and a generous width so my feet can spread out and never ever ever feel pinched.

2) He protects me. When we go for long walks (something I've never been able to do in my street shoes), he provides a seriously stable, cushioned ride. Unlike so many flashy shoes that end up hurting me with their flimsy soles and empty promises of comfort, Portsmouth has a thick, anti-slip, oil-resistant sole. And his treads--they're trail-tough and street smart. I normally go out with shoes that have a super firm, virtually inflexible sole because they keep my sore foot from flexing too much. Portsmouth isn't that rigid, but his soles are thick enough to allow me to walk for a few miles without aggravating the sore spot on my foot. He's so thoughtful, too, with is rubber toe protector. I can tell he'll be around for quite some time.

Portsmouth never passes up an opportunity to demonstrate his concern for my health. His waterproofed uppers keep my feet dry in the rain -- something I really look for in a shoe since I live in the precipitation corner of the states - Seattle, WA.

3) He's soft and gentle. Right out of the box, Portsmouth was smooth and soft and all about my comfort. We spent an afternoon together, walking around Seattle, and my feet felt great when I got home. His moisture-wicking lining helps my feet stay dry, too, so there's no rubbing or chafing.

4) He's handsome. Portsmouth isn't sleek or shiny or show-offy; he's mature, dependable, and rugged. Which isn't to say that he's boring or lacks style. He's been around the block enough times to know how important it is to look great with jeans. And he encourages me to pair him up with khakis and shorts, too. Dressed up or casual, he's great to be with wandering around town, visiting museums, and walking on the trails in the park near our house.

He reminds me of an old pair of suede chukka boots from the 70s--except his soft broken-in leather uppers and contrast stitching give him a more classic look that's all about the street. Personally, I think his simple two-hole wallabee lacing is pretty darn sexy. Women and men are jealous of my relationship to Portsmouth, but they don't need to be. There's plenty of him to go around!

***Note: The Portsmouth is a men's shoe. I tested this model because I have extra wide feet (for a girl). Keen also makes a similarly styled shoe for women called the Boston.

Read our other Keen product reviews: Bronx shoes and Taos sandals for men and women. Coming in November, we'll review the women's Providence boot, and the Targhee trail shoe (for men and women).

Bottom Line: I know my love for Portsmouth will never die, but I can't promise to be exclusive. There are too many Keen shoes out there I haven't met yet .--E.D. (Oct. '05)

Price: $94.95(at Altrec.com)

Manufacturer's Site: www.keenfootwear.com

Buy Online: , Altrec.com