Purchase them 3 weeks ago and right away took them on a 10 mile hike on the Canadian Rockies. The terrain we went through was a mix of everything you can find on a trail. I carried a pair of trail runners from Salomon that I had previously used on this same trail as a precaution as I was afraid the Keen boots will not be a what expected. They were surprisingly comfortable and at the end of trail as the review say, they still didn’t feel like I had a big weight on my feet’s. I highly recommend them.
Now that trail runners are getting less durable and no longer featuring Vibrams rubber, I’ve switched to similar style boots. I have a pair of Solomon XA Forces mid boots that I love. I specifically got the ones with no Goretex, and they have no bright, annoying colors. The soles are a little harder than the standard hiking boots, but still provide decent grip. I would never buy boots less than 10” tall with Goretex. They just become water buckets.
Salomon Sidleys have worked for me. They are light weight goretex hi shoes. Hiked about 370 miles with them in northern sweden ( long 2 trips) and still in use after 2 years. Minimum wear on upper, fantastic water resistance and the outsoles are almost brand new despite overpronating. I dont need ankle support in my shoes/boots. Two main criteria are light weight and waterproofness
Tested these in store today and by far the comfiest of the lot and fits really snug. The cut out at the back was great and didn't rub against my Achilles. A bit bummed out hearing it's not fully waterproof if submerged as my timberlands hiking boots were and they were great for when I visited Canada heavy rain and snow! I generally only hike in nice weather so not too fussed but annoyed I may need another pair of boots for the rain/snow trips.
My choice depends on the terrain; in the NE the trails are very rough, rocky and wet - boots for sure, in CO or CA - trails (in my experience) are smoother and runners are ok. If you are going long (the AT, PC or CD), then weight becomes a real issue, these new Keens might be a good compromise!
I just got them and the top of my foot near the front hurts a little, and tightening doesn't help. Hopefully that will go away once I wear them more. I have the EVO NXIS regular shoe (non-waterproof) which was really comfortable. So I wanted a waterproof variety for rainy days. But the waterproof version of the EVO NXIS was surprisingly uncomfortable, so I decided to try the boot version.
For the last 6 or so years I’ve been through a couple pairs of Hoka Tor Ultras. Used mostly for fishing however had numerous 4-15 mile hikes on them. Love those boots. Being a lil heavier the cushion helped a LOT! Unfortunately Hoka stopped making them. I switched to their Kahas however the lugs don’t stay glued down and start peeling! Sent one pair back and when I get these in a few days (ordered) hopefully they will work out. Any comments on the Hoka vs these Keens are appreciated! I need cushioned boots, the more cushion the happier my feet are. Blessings!!
Good first impression vid, thank you. I am a bank fisherman, and many times, the grass is long when walking the banks. In the summer, in Saint Louis, humidity takes over, and early in the morning the grass can be very wet from dew, almost as if it rained overnight. What I am looking for is dry feet when walking through this wet grass. In your opinion, would my feet be dry? Thanks
Were you able to kick it into a trail run? If so, how did they feel? I've been looking for a great Lightweight hiking boot that protects the ankle and can also allow for jogging
I wearing them for deliveries after 6 months insoles warn out. Can't find insoles came with the boots. I emailed company no reply. The bottom of heal is coming apart. They are super comfy. The laces you have to double not them or get hooked up on other boot causing a tripping Hazzard. They not worth what they asking for them. Could be alot more durable.
This is the first pair of Keen boots I've tried, so I can't say how they compare to others, but I would say they have adequate toe room. Not a ton of room, but enough that I don't feel cramped.
There’s a review on the website for the low top version that stated that it’s too narrow. Keen replied stating that these are a slimmer fit than their traditional toe box and might not be for wider feet.
The tow box is wide but not very tall. But they flex so well that it’s not a problem. I took them on a 16 mile overnighter on the Appalachian Trail right out of the box and developed a small blister on the outside of my left toe. But nothing on the right side, odd. I’ve worn them a lot since with no problems. I’ve wore them through water that came up to about mid lace. No problem.
