Latest news with #Keen
The Review Geek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Knock Out – Season 1 Episode 4 Recap & Review
Episode 4 Knock Out Episode 4 brings us back to the kissing with Keen removing Thun's shirt. That's only the beginning as the two take things to the bedroom, only to be interrupted by a call from Typhoon. He congratulates Thun for finally letting him go. And with that, the moment is ruined. Keen throws his shirt back on, asking the question. Thun explains their argument but not his previous relationship with Typhoon. Unsettled, Keen tucks himself into bed telling Thun to rest up for the fight. The next day, Thun weighs in then Keen takes him back to get ready, requesting a massage. Caught by the others, Keen ducks out to let Ait take over. READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews At the preceding fight, Win bets, triumphs and talks up Thun for the next match. While Typhoon gets his trainer to increase his dosage of whatever he's taking. After the needle, his veins seem to darken. Typhoon knows he'll have 12 hours of extra strength and then severe pain as it recedes. As the team sets up, Klao mentions that the judges may have been bribed in the previous match. Five rounds later, Typhoon and the Cannon are both still standing. But Typhoon is awarded the win via points. Petch immediately disagrees with the call but Thun is resigned. Backstage, Keen accuses Pakorn of owning the judges. With the press, Thun gracefully concedes saying he and Typhoon are even now. At dinner later, smiling giddily, Thun suggests it's like a date. Keen can't help but appreciate his expression, agreeing they'll eat out together more. Passing a game room, Keen is checking out the punching bag. But Thun is more interested in the claw machine toys. They win a boxing plushy at the punching bag with Thun landing the final blow. Ait and Win visit Keaw in the hospital. As they exit, Win asks if Ait will still do massage work on the side once the transplant is complete. He tells Ait that he'll take care of him so Ait agrees to focus on boxing. The guys run into Ms Muay on their way to Keen's apartment and Keen hears that Thun paid the last of his debt. Keen is annoyed but Thun says he wanted to do something for him. Keen can't stay angry and thanks him saying he'll pay as soon as he can. To that, Thun asks if Keen would like a boxer as a boyfriend. They agree with a kiss and things quickly heat up. The Episode Review Typhoon's untimely call puts a dampener on things though it's only a matter of time for Thun and Keen. But to what could Typhoon have been referring? Their friendship? Their friendly matches? Or something more? And no matter what was between them, how disappointed will Thun be when he finds out Typhoon not only cheated but took drugs and risked himself to do it? Whatever is going on with his hulk-like blood vessels, it can't be healthy long-term. Even if the trainer tried to dissuade him. Meanwhile, during the fight itself, it didn't seem like Thun was holding back but at the same time, he was quietly pleased for his friend's win. Maybe he's at bygones now that he's found a love interest. Maybe he wanted his friend to take the prize. Then there's Win saying he'll take care of Ait. Sweet but doesn't it seem like it could be difficult for him to achieve? He lost the boxing bet and it seems like he has yet to pay that debt. Will Ait (and his little sister) really be able to depend on Win? What are your thoughts on these Knock Out romances? Drop-kick your views into the comments below. Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes READ MORE: Thai and BL drama reviews
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Keen Whisper sandals review: Not-so-cheap, not-so-cheerful
If you enjoy long walks and casual hiking, you'll need a pair of sandals that's breathable and quick to dry — like the Keen Whisper sandals for women. These sandals feature an easy-to-wear pull-on design so you can put them on within seconds, and they have toe protectors that keep debris and pebbles out. If you want to take them to the beach, they're quick drying, too. But these aren't the most comfortable sandals out there. While they're comfortable for everyday use, their straps tend to rub against little toes, and the arch support feels non-existent. The Whispers aren't earning any accolades at Paris Fashion Week either. Should you ditch the best hiking boots for these? Read my full Keen Whisper sandals review to find out. Specs Keen Whisper Price $120 / £90 Size availability (women's) U.S. 5-12 U.K. 2.5-9.5 Weight 9.88 ounces per sandal Colors (women's) Various, including: Granite Green/Peach Parfait, Black/Magnet, Cayenne/Fired Brick, Original Tie Dye, Taupe/Coral, etc. Material PFAS-free polyester Waterproofing Yes (no Gore-Tex) The Keen Whisper sandals are available for women only. In the U.S., they have a retail price of $120 at both Amazon and the Keen webstore. In the U.K., they retail for £90 at both Amazon and Keen. These sandals come in 13 different colors, and I won't bore you by listing all of them, but some examples include Cayenne/Fired Brick, Original Tie Dye, Dark Shadow/Ceramic and Chalk Violet/English Lavender. I tested the Granite Green/Peach Parfait colorway, which looks good but is bright enough to draw a fair bit of attention. There's also a range of sizes available. Americans will be able to buy the sandals in sizes 5-12, while Brits can get them in sizes 2.5-9.5. Half sizes are available in both countries, too. As I said, the Whispers are available for women only, but I'd honestly describe them as unisex, at least in the darker colorways. Men don't need to feel left out, though, as the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals ($120) are great alternatives available in both men's and women's sizes, and share the same price. Much like the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals, the Keen Whispers have what can be best described as a divisive design. As someone who rotates between Doc Martens, the Keen Zionic Mid hiking boots ($170) and the Salomon Super Cross 4 Gore-Tex shoes, the Whispers aren't shoes I'd usually go for. You get to choose from 13 different colorways, as I mentioned. Personally, I don't think any of the colors (yes, even black) make the sandals more fashionable. But I suppose the primary focus here is function over form. And that almost rings true, because the Whispers are comfortable… but not for long periods. Let's start with the things the sandals do well first. The Whispers are wearable straight out of the box and don't need to be broken in, just like the Zionic Mids. They sport a pull-on design with zero velcro or laces so you can slip them on in seconds. They can then be tightened via the bungee lacing. Unlike the Hyperport H2s, the Whispers sport Keen's Contoured Fit design (also seen on the Zionic Mids), which, compared to a straight or wide fit, is narrower. This helps the sandals fit snugly around your feet. The soles have a decent level of bounciness to them. The foam midsoles have lightweight cushioning, while the insoles' foam is shock-absorbent. The latter provides impact protection from the ground, floors and pavement. If you jump from, say, a boulder to the ground, you won't feel the impact as much as you would with sandals/shoes that aren't shock-absorbent. Each sandal also features rubber toe protectors — or 'bumpers,' as Keen calls them. These keep rocks and debris from getting in, especially when traversing rocky terrain or standing on a sandy seabed. It works as intended. No debris got inside the sandals when I stood in an ankle-depth stream in the woods. The protectors also shielded my toes effectively when walking over muddy and pebbly ground, too. Not all is right in the world, though. While my feet remained free of blisters after four days of wearing the Whispers, each morning I hesitated to wear them again. That's because the sandals' front straps kept rubbing against my pinky toes, and it kept happening regardless of how tightly or loosely I wore the Whispers. Wearing socks negated the issue, so that's what I did the second time I went on a long walk — but I immediately felt my coolness factor drop another few points. Another issue with the Whispers is that the arch support feels non-existent. Arch support helps with proper weight distribution and posture maintenance, so having none can add extra pressure to certain parts of your feet, which ultimately can result in fatigue and discomfort — I'll discuss my experience in the performance section below. The Keen Whispers are a decent pair of sandals, but I don't think they're as good as the Keen Hyperports H2s. I found the Whispers more comfortable while wearing socks, but this meant that I had to be careful dipping my feet into water lest I have soggy socks. The Whispers are great for trails and walks, thanks to how grippy they are. I went on a few long walks in and around Bath and Bristol in south-west England, and I found the sandals up to the task, whether walking on jagged rocks, a muddy woodland floor, or gravel. I didn't lose my grip even when jumping from a boulder to the ground. While the Whispers aren't the lightest sandals, weighing 9.88 ounces each, they still didn't feel so heavy that I was dragging my feet. They're heavier than the Hyperport H2s (9.2oz each) and the Keen Zionic Mids (8.11oz each). I still had a spring in my step when wearing the Whispers. As is the nature of sandals, I found the Whispers very breathable. My feet didn't get too hot or sweaty even when walking in 26°C / 78.8°F heat. The Whispers also utilize eco-friendly, pesticide-free anti-odor technology that keeps bad smells at bay, so you don't have to worry about bad odor emitting from them after a long day of walking. Similar to other Keen shoes and sandals, the Whispers use Keen's proprietary waterproofing rather than Gore-Tex. Water will, of course, get in because these sandals aren't closed off. But the good news is that they're quick to dry. To test this out, I drenched the Whispers in the shower and left them to dry in indirect sunlight indoors, timing how long it took. After just under two hours, the Whispers were bone-dry again. This makes them great for use on the beach, and the toe protector will also keep debris and small pebbles/rocks out. Like I said, the Whispers aren't the most stylish sandals, which may affect how often you'd like to wear them every day. That said, they're great if you want to run errands around town or pop to the grocery store (as I did). Naturally, they are just as grippy on tarmac and pavements as on rugged terrains when hiking. The pull-on design also means that you can quickly slip them on if, say, you need to run to the grocery store in the middle of making dinner because you forgot to buy mushrooms (speaking from experience). If you want sandals more about function than form, the Keen Whisper sandals might be for you. They're much easier — and quicker — to wear than boots and shoes, thanks to the pull-on design, while their toe protectors ensure your toes remain unscathed regardless of the terrain. I also really appreciate how quick the Whispers are to dry. I wear boots all the time, and a problem I encounter frequently is that while they keep water from my socks, they can sometimes take a very long time to dry. But it's important to note that the Whispers aren't the most comfortable. Yes, they're good for everyday use and are grippy on all terrains, but their straps tend to rub against your little toes. I wish the arch support were better, too. And I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but the Whispers aren't particularly… attractive. I'd recommend the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals as a better alternative, frankly. Everyone keeps telling me that I need to give sandals a chance, but given that the Whispers left me feeling short-changed, that will have to wait.
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
The Shoes You'll Want To Wear All Summer
On those in-between days when it's rainy and sunny, or when you want to give your feet some air without giving up support, you want a shoe with the ease of a sandal but the utility of a sneaker. You want a sandal-sneaker hybrid, or maybe a sneaker-sandal hybrid. To keep your feet feeling good, we curated a selection of highly-rated women's sneaker sandals all with reviews about their comfort, stability and/or breathability. Enjoy the breeze of a sandal without stressing about how badly you need a pedicure, as these kicks cover your toes and keep your feet feeling happy. This mesh-sided Hoka option These Hopara 2s feature mesh overlays for easy draining, hindering rocks and dirt from sneaking in. Wear them on a long beach walk or a day in the city. These come in five 5–11 Promising review: "The surprise to me was the stable and supportive foot bed. Feels similar to my Hoka Clifton's. Apart from the sole, I appreciate that this wears like a shoe. It is not a sloppy fit. My thought is the upper is a nice upgrade from the previous years Hopara. The upper is comprised of a fine mesh fabric. Has adjustability in the heel strap, and an appreciated heel loop to grab if needed. Had ACL, MCL and meniscus injury to my knee - no issues found after walking all day at work in these shoes. Would I recommend this shoe? Absolutely - and if they come out with other colors (suggestion denim blue!) I would buy another pair." —MidwestannieGet them from Hoka for $135. A pair of secure Teva Omniums We love Tevas here, now including this sporty, closed-toes option. They have a buckle around the ankle for extra support, a covered toe for extra protection and a quick-drying upper that can go with you from the water to the market. These come in five review: "After a recent foot surgery, my feet are very picky on what is comfortable. I could wear these shoes for 24 hours straight." —Sally XXXSizes: 5–11Get them from Amazon for $61.31+. A pair of Keen cord sandals Made with nylon cord, these Keen sandals feel natural and free-moving on the feet, while still giving you plenty of stability and structure. They're interesting enough that you can wear them while sightseeing or running errands and still feel put together, but they're durable enough to go to the lake or mountains. These come in four 5–11Promising review: "These felt like a dream right out of the box! My podiatrist recommended them to me because I have almost no cartilage left in the joint of my big toe. The top of the shoe is wide and non binding, and the adjustable elastic makes for a secure fit. I wore them on a 3 mile hike the first day I bought them. They are so lightweight that you barely know you are wearing them. I'm ordering another pair for gardening as they dry quickly. You can't go wrong. They are the best newly designed shoe Keen has ever come up with." —Renee GGet them from Zappos for $140. A pair of Adidas Astir sandals With a molded EVA outsole and eye-catching top design, these Adidas kicks are form and function. The zig-zag design makes them eye-catching while the supported footbed will keep your feel feeling great. These come in the pictured color, as well as white with pink detailing. Sizes: 4–11Promising review: "I quite like this! Bought it for my mom to wear to the gym and it's perfect for yoga class that she can easily slip on and off. There's cushion at the sole so it's comfortable." —AnneGet them from Amazon for $55.09+. A pair of budget-friendly sporty sandals Another take on the classic outdoor sandal, these budget-friendly kicks come in an array of vibrant and neutral colors. They have a protective toe cap and adjustable strap to fit right to your feet. These come in 11 colors. Sizes: 5–11Promising review: "I first bought a pair of these eleven years ago and I still wear them. When shopping for summer shoes I went looking for Dream Pairs and found more colors. I bought two more pairs and plan to buy the other colors. They are comfortable all day. I have a high arch, bad knees and a bad back and I can wear these sandals all day in comfort. Rarely do you find women's shoes that are comfortable and well-made but these are both. I highly recommend them." —Jane HarrisGet them from Amazon for $30.99.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shoemaker Looks to Outsmart Tariffs, Labor Woes with Automation Boost
A factory in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, reliant on automation, looks to help a shoe manufacturer navigate tariffs and labor shortages. The Wall Street Journal reported that Keen Footwear recently closed its facility in Portland, Oregon, with plans to relocate production to a 60,000-square-foot site in the Bluegrass State, scheduled to open next month. The company expects the new location to nearly double its domestic output and credits that growth to increased automation. Most Read on IEN: Another EV Maker Is on the Brink of Collapse Ford Worker Accused of Stealing Millions in Parts The Cybertruck's Staggering Depreciation Podcast: Car Shatters Record; Ford Worker Steals Parts; Nissan's Big Cuts Keen noted that the Kentucky plant's automation would support the 24 workers it plans to initially hire. According to the Journal, the machinery would handle mundane tasks, allowing the employees to focus on more detailed work. The report mentioned that Keen plans to expand its payroll as it increases production. The development arrives at a timely moment amid U.S. President Donald Trump's multiple tariff threats. However, the Journal reported that Keen Chief Operating Officer Hari Perumal said the decision to invest in U.S. manufacturing predates the latest trade war drama. Founded in 2003, Keen began domestically producing footwear in 2010 in response to rising Chinese manufacturing costs and a desire to diversify sourcing. Keen has since shifted production of its hiking shoes, thick-soled sandals and work boots out of China. Now, the company makes a third of its shoes at its factories in the Dominican Republic, Thailand and the U.S. The rest comes from contract manufacturers in India, Vietnam and Cambodia. Keen can avoid the new tariffs on Chinese-imported goods, but the same could not be said for the nearly 1.2 billion pairs of shoes shipped from China last year. This compares to the approximately 25 million pairs manufactured annually in the U.S., according to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Footwear company Keen moves manufacturing facility out of Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland-based footwear company Keen has moved its manufacturing facility out of the Rose City, the company says. According to the footwear company, Keen's transition from its Portland facility was completed in April as part of a 'planned shift' to its new U.S. factory in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, which will be fully operational by June. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Keen planned the move 'long before,' President Donald Trump imposed global tariffs against U.S. trading partners. 310 animals seized from Bandon safari park 'The decision to consolidate U.S. manufacturing in Kentucky was driven by both long-term strategic and operational advantages,' Keen said. 'The new Shepherdsville facility is centrally located, placing the brand closer to several of its core suppliers and our U.S. distribution center. This will allow KEEN to reach 80% of its U.S. consumers within two days via ground shipping, helping the brand reduce both transportation costs and carbon emissions.' 'Operating from a single, scaled facility also allows KEEN to streamline operations, concentrate investments in advanced manufacturing technology, and reduce logistical complexity, all while staying true to its values of efficiency, sustainability, and responsible growth,' the company continued. It is unclear how many jobs were affected by the Portland factory closure; however, Keen says the impact was 'limited' adding, 'several of the team members have relocated to Kentucky to continue in their roles.' 'Completely ghosted us': PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor Keen said the company offered a comprehensive transition support package, which included relocation options, along with extended healthcare coverage, and career transition services to impacted employees. While the manufacturing facility has moved out of state, the company says Keen's Global Headquarters will stay in Portland. 'Portland continues to serve as a critical hub for KEEN's product design, innovation, sales, operations, brand leadership teams, and community engagement efforts,' Keen said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign in to access your portfolio
