PCT Sponsorships: KEEN

I have since updated my stance on KEEN and their supposed “sponsorship” of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. Find out the truth here.

A 2,600 walkthrough bear-infested wilderness provides the ultimate stage for testing and evaluating backpacking gear.

Fortunately KEEN, a footwear company based in Portland, Oregon, has recognized the value of said testing stage and has elected to sponsor my feet on my journey north to Canada with some of their “most durable” socks to date: the Olympus Socks (which are in turn sponsored by Zeus).

GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

Apparently, KEEN stands behind their products 100 percent – this is good.

They have forgone joining the planned obsolescence bandwagon and are instead choosing to guarantee their Olympus Socks for life. That’s a long time. But what does “Guaranteed For Life” really mean?

The life of the person who purchases the sock? The life of the company that manufactures the sock? The life of the first foot to don the sock? Can I pass these socks on to my children? My children’s children?? Their children’s children???

I suppose only time will tell (although I plan to outlive all my children).

SUPER SOCK TECHNOLOGY

So why am I so excited about KEEN socks?

Well first of all, just look at how their socks come packaged: folded with the heel down. None of this flattens the sock the incorrect way business. Once you remove the sock from its cardboard placenta it is immediately ready to assume the position wrapped around your foot. Excellent.

Each pair also comes with a distinct right and left-footed sock. Another first for me. I attempted to wear the socks reversed and ended up falling down a flight of stairs (the sensation resembles that of wearing shoes or sandals backward).

KEEN points out that the socks provide:

• Contour arch support for comfort (and to make you look taller)
• Dura-zone high-tenacity nylon fibers in the heel and toe area for comfort and durability (sounds fancy, so it must be good)
• Heel hold cup construction for secure, natural fit (nothing I like more than having my heel cupped)
• Impact cushioning in key areas (hopefully, this includes my feet’s balls)
• Seamless toe in flex zone to avoid bunching and chafing (because nobody likes chafe-filled toes)

I never knew how much technology could go into something as simple as a sock. If only these same people made toilet paper.

Did I mention they are guaranteed until the end of your grandchildren’s lives?

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

Ultimately the Pacific Crest Trail will be the ultimate judge of the Olympus Sock’s merit, but I have faith in their promise (since their failure will result in my feet being blistered and chafed – aka no longer able to flee from bears).

But for now, I thank KEEN and what they have done for me, and I trust that my feet are in good hands. Heh.

Let the games begin.