The work boots created by Keen tend to offer plenty of comfort over other boot companies. This is why many people are talking about how much they love their Keen work boots. But many of them also have questions about how some of their models are different from each other. There are so many different options that sometimes, they are very similar to one another.
We have created this Keen Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee comparison because many people would love to know what the real differences between these work boots. It is in reading this article that you may find an answer to your questions.
We’ll discuss the similarities between the Pittsburgh and the Milwaukee in order to make sure that you understand what features they have in common. We will then be listing out everything that they have in their designs that are unique from one another.
Keen Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee
How They Are Similar
Most of the basic features of these boots are almost identical. Here, we have made a list of the features that these boots share so that you can see what makes them awesome before you see what makes them different.
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Sizing:
Apart from being able to choose the length of these boots, you also have the option of selecting from either ‘regular’ or ‘wide’. You are given this option because work boots are meant to be used in rugged terrain for a variety of purposes. Having plenty of room in the toe box gives you flexibility of movement, as well as comfort for all day wear.
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90° heel:
In order to provide for more stability of the foot, both of these boots have a 90° heel. The heel area is covered with plenty of reinforcement in order to protect your foot against awkward movements, such as twisting your ankle.
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Steel toes:
The Pittsburgh and Milwaukee are both made with steel toes. While there are other models that do not have steel toes, these work boots are made with them for those who need that extra toe protection against drops and other issues. Steel toes are sometimes a requirement in some workplaces, and these boots are excellent at keeping within the workplace safety guidelines.
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Asymmetrical toe:
It would be strange to assume that your toes are the same length on the left and the right of the foot. In fact, many boot makers make their boots without taking into account the fact that the total area is asymmetrical. Thankfully, Keen has made these boots to represent the asymmetry of the forefoot. This makes it easier to be comfortable in these boots, as they have in asymmetrical toe box.
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Lacing:
Many of Keen’s work boots are made with fabric eyelets. While these are sufficient for most uses, metal eyelets do have their advantages. Both the Pittsburgh and the Milwaukee have metal eyelets and hooks for the lacing. This has two major advantages. First, the eyelets will have a longer lifespan instead of coming undone with multiple uses. Also, it will be easier to tighten and untighten the boots throughout the day.
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Comfort:
These boots both provide plenty of comfort by offering a lot of arch support. The souls of these boots cradle the natural contours of your foot so that you can be as comfortable as possible while at a tough job.
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Rubber toe:It goes without saying that having toe protection in the work boots is extremely important. But besides the fact that these boots have a steel toe, they also have a rubber material covering up the toe. The material extends from the outsole to the top of the toe. This helps to prevent abrasion, as there will be a lot of sliding against the ground another surfaces. In addition, it makes the boot last longer before needing to be replaced.
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Oil and slip resistance:
The Pittsburgh and Milwaukee are made to be oil and slip resistant. This is a requirement at many workplaces, and these boots fulfill this requirement very well. The lugs on the outsole of these boots are specially designed to provide with the best traction possible for the workplace.
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Non-marking:
The outsoles of these boots will not make any marks as you are sliding on the ground. This is also another requirement in many areas of work. Even if it is not a requirement, it is always best for someone who does a lot of rugged work to have a non-marking outsole. This means that there will be less damage done to the floors, walls, and other areas that might touch the outsole of these boots.
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Collar height:
With these boots comes the fact that the collar above the heel reaches higher up then your regular boot. The collars on these boots have a height of 6 inches, thus protecting your ankle from any sharp or abrasive objects. This will also provide for more ankle stability while you are on a roof or simply crouching down on the ground.
Comparing Keen Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee
Here is the most important part. Will be comparing the features and comfort of both of these boots so that you can get a better idea as to which would be most suitable for you. Below is a list of all of the features that make them different from one another.
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Comfort:
While the Pittsburgh is made for tough conditions, it still provides plenty of comforts for the ankle and heel. It is made with good cushioning and has a special design on the ankle that conforms to the shape of your leg. The material in the upper of the Pittsburgh is more pliable than that of the Milwaukee. This means that you will be more comfortable in the Pittsburgh. But this is mostly due to the fact that the Milwaukee is made for heavier duty conditions.
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Heavy duty vs medium duty:As previously mentioned above, the Milwaukee is made for heavy duty workplaces, while the Pittsburgh is made for medium duty work. This is an important consideration to take into account. Generally speaking, the Milwaukee will be heavier on the foot, as well as less pliable. If you’re looking for something that is lighter duty and that will feel super comfortable on the foot, the Pittsburgh may be for you.
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Waterproofing:
The Pittsburgh is made of a waterproof membrane that is breathable. In contrast, the Milwaukee does not come with special waterproofing. However, the Milwaukee does come with some water resistance due to the fact that it is made of a fullgrain leather in the upper of the boot.
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Type of leather:
The Pittsburgh is made of a nubuck leather, while the Milwaukee is made of a fullgrain leather upper. This means that the Milwaukee is generally more durable than the Pittsburgh. The thickness of the leather accounts for making it more durable. Keep in mind that the Pittsburgh is also pretty durable, as nubuck leather tends to be rugged as well.
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Reflective material:
Reflective material is a great addition to any work through for those were going to be working in low light. The Pittsburgh has plenty of reflective material around the upper of the boot. However, the Milwaukee does not come with this material. The added safety feature of the Pittsburgh is something you might want to consider if working at night.
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Toe protection:While both of these boots have rubber toe protection, the Milwaukee has extra protection extending beyond the top of the toe. As you can see from the image above, the rubber toe material extends almost to the tongue of the boot. This simply means that there will be more protection against abrasion on the toe.
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Weight:
Due to the fact that the Milwaukee is made for heavy duty use, it is also about 6 ounces heavier than the Pittsburgh.
Keen Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee: Price Comparison
Despite the fact that the Milwaukee is the heavier duty boot, it generally comes at a lower price point than the Pittsburgh. But the Pittsburgh does provide with more comfort than the Milwaukee. If you would like to see current prices for the Pittsburgh and the Milwaukee, please see below.
Keen Pittsburgh vs Milwaukee: The Verdict
In general, the Milwaukee is made for those who are going to do heavy duty work. It is less pliable than the Pittsburgh, but it is also a little bit more affordable regardless of the fact that it is more rugged. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh offers the most comfort, but it is a medium duty work boot.
Selecting a work boot that is heavy-duty for medium duty work may be disadvantageous if you want your foot to carry less weight. The choice to make is up to you and what you would be most comfortable with.
