SUS-D carbon roadmap

Lower-waste safety footwear programs for practical buyers

For KEEN Utility, sustainability is tied to better purchasing behavior as much as material choice. Wrong sizes, unsuitable protection levels, unclear alternates, and reactive reorders all create waste. A more responsible program starts by buying footwear that fits the work and is more likely to be worn for its intended service life.

Safety footwear inspection and lower-waste ordering station

Roadmap

Reduce waste by improving the decision before the order

This roadmap focuses on actions a footwear buyer can influence. It avoids broad guarantees and instead tracks the everyday details that reduce unused stock and rushed substitutions.

Audit the current list

Identify duplicate styles, low-use sizes, recurring returns, and protection features that are not tied to a clear work condition.

Trial the fit curve

Use small test quantities to confirm width, break-in feel, heel hold, and worker acceptance before a full rollout.

Set approved alternates

Document safe substitutions for waterproof, ESD, EH, and lighter-duty roles so urgent orders stay controlled.

Review replacement timing

Use wear observations and job role notes to replace footwear neither too late nor too early.

Program tools

Small data points that make purchasing more responsible

Size Curve

Width and fit tracking

Records common widths, women's sizing needs, and feedback after the first week of wear.

Use Case

Role-based footwear paths

Separates indoor ESD shoes, outdoor waterproof boots, and heavy-duty safety toe styles.

Stock

Approved alternate lists

Keeps reorders practical when a preferred style is unavailable or a season changes.

Shared responsibility

The program works when every participant sees the same notes

Safety teams

Define protection needs and document where ASTM F2413-18, EH, ESD, or slip resistance should guide selection.

Procurement

Controls approved lists, alternates, order cadence, and supplier communication.

Supervisors

Report fit problems, premature wear, surface changes, and seasonal requirements.

Workers

Give feedback on comfort, traction, break-in, waterproofing, and the practical realities of a long shift.

24%Potential reduction in unused pairs when size curve notes are reviewed before reorder

3Approved footwear paths can cover many crews without a confusing SKU spread

90 daysUseful feedback window for comfort, outsole wear, and waterproof performance

1 listShared reference for safety, procurement, supervisors, and distributors

Review your footwear program for fit waste and reorder drift.

Send the current list, return issues, unused stock notes, and the work conditions behind each footwear choice. KEEN Utility will help organize a practical review.

Footwear request

Tell us what your crew needs underfoot

Share work setting, toe protection needs, EH or ESD expectations, sizing concerns, and rollout timing. A program specialist will respond with practical next steps.