Keen is an American footwear and accessories company based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst. The company's products are sold in retail locations throughout the US and Canada and also are distributed worldwide. What eventually became known as the Newport Sandal, was invented in 1999 by Martin Keen in Jamestown, Rhode Island. In 2003, the first Keen sandals and shoes were put into production and feature a signature protective black toe bumper.