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Why do we venture outside? Because there’s something deeper out there, something lasting and time-tested. It inspires us to create things, to transform it into something we can share. Maybe that means art, photos, or crafts—whatever enriches our understanding of our larger roles in nature. Meet two of these makers here, people who inspire us all to go outside, play hard, and care for the planet and each other. And learn how KEEN has adopted this same spirit to build that will stand the test of time.

The Watercolorist: Max Romey

Mission: Get a Million People Painting

Max Romey is a man of big dreams. The latest: get a million people painting in the next three years.

“It’s kind of terrifying, to be honest,” he says of the goal. But Romey has done plenty of terrifying things before. Over the years, the Alaska-based trail runner, filmmaker, and environmental educator has made critically acclaimed documentary films, completed 100-mile endurance races, and chased the world’s best ultrarunners across the Alps with a camera and sketchbook.

Romey credits his grandmother for first putting a paintbrush in his hands when he was just a few years old. “I’m dyslexic. School was frustrating at times,” he says. So he went outside, and watercolor became a medium for recording what he learned.

Painting, Romey says, is the epitome of conscious creation. It’s a timeless medium with no shortcuts. To make accurate brushstrokes, you have to slow down. To mimic the lines and shapes around you, you have to look and really see your surroundings.

That’s why Romey is so passionate about sharing the art form. He launched a watercolor tutorial series online and became KEEN’s —creating much of the brand’s vibrant art, playful videos, and environmental education content.

 

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“I really do think the world would be better off if everyone painted,” Romey says. “You just need a couple little tools, and then you have this excuse to sit and stare at the world. And if you look long enough, you see some amazing things.”

Tested:

“They’re really comfortable. No break-in—they just fit,” says Romey. “I’m also excited to have a shoe that’s going to stay with me. During the work I do in Alaska, cleaning up marine debris and ocean plastics, we find a lot of shoes on the beaches. The best way to avoid waste is to not make it—to build things that last. The don’t delaminate, which means they’ll stay out of the landfill for much longer than the average hiking boot.”

“And they’re versatile,” says Romey’s partner, Eve. “The Targhee IV has the stability of a hiking boot without the weight. Perfect for getting up a mountain carrying my 22-pound toddler!”

Consciously Created

Building anything authentic and sustainable—anything that will stand the test of time—starts with intention. Intention to apply a planet- and people-first philosophy that acts as a north star for any endeavor, from making art to designing products. KEEN calls it —a way of reimagining how gear gets made so it supports both humanity and the environment from start to finish. Here’s how that approach resulted in the new Targhee IV, a shoe that won’t delaminate and is free of forever chemicals.

The Crafter: Connor Lamoureux

Mission: Inspire Others to Be More Creative

Growing up, Connor Lamoureux never thought of himself as an artist. One of his brothers became a singer and musician. The other became a painter with gallery shows. But Connor? He wasn’t sure where he belonged.

“I had so many creative interests. I did woodworking, photography, video creation,” he says. But to be a “real artist,” he wondered, would he need to have a strong, singular focus? No. About a year ago, Lamoureux left his marketing job to create full-time—and to inspire others to be more creative in their own lives. Today, his Instagram is filled with playful, accessible DIY projects and crafts, many of which involve upcycling everyday household objects.

“I want people to know that they don’t have to buy fancy art materials,” Lamoureux says. “You can do a lot with a hammer and some wood you find on the side of the road. Buy paint brushes from the dollar store. Use materials you find in nature.”

Upcycling also has another benefit. Instead of sending old junk to the landfill, Lamoureux inspires his followers to give those items new life. And he teaches viewers how to craft with care. That way, their new lamp, chair, or wall hanging will be sturdy enough to stand the test of time. “If I can encourage more people to find ways to be creative, that’s a win,” he says. “Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just focus on having fun.”

 

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Tested:

“I can’t sit still. I’ve got no chill,” says Lamoureux. “So it’s really nice to have a that’s super durable as well as really comfy. I know I can just keep charging and I’m not going to wear them out. They also feel surprisingly lightweight for such a durable boot. The traction is great. I used them on rock, snow, and steep switchbacks this spring, and I felt secure on all of it.”

KEEN is a shoemaker with purpose. Family owned and values-led for more than 20 years, KEEN has been consciously making unapologetically comfortable, innovative footwear that lasts and using its business to do good. In 2003, KEEN started a revolution with the introduction of the original hybrid sandal, the Newport. As a revolutionary, thoughtful shoemaker, KEEN is determined to reduce the impact of how it makes shoes. The brand has been PFAS-free since 2018 and envisions a shoe industry that has a net-positive impact on lives. To get there, KEEN is sharing its sustainable innovations to do more good together. Learn more at .