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Are you looking for the best keen hiking boots? We decided to do a Keen Hiking Boots Review in response to a request for it. Let us put some context to all of this. When you go hiking, your focus is on the view and your surroundings rather than on your shoes.

The name Keen has been synonymous with great outdoor footwear since 2003. In comparison to other shoe manufacturers, this may not seem like such a long time. However, this brand has worked its way to the top of many hiking reviews.
KEEN HIKING BOOTS
Outdoor enthusiasts have worn Keen boots, shoes, and sandals with great pleasure. Most hikers like them for different reasons. They look great, they are very comfortable and they tick a lot of boxes.
They are light, waterproof, they have a great grip on wet surfaces and they have a rubber sole. If you like the feeling of stability whilst feeling close to the ground, then Keen’s are what you should be looking for.
Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst started their shoe company in 2003 on the US west coast. Keens use unique materials that help keep your feet dry, warm, or cool. This depends on the season. The materials they used were meant to protect your feet from the hot ground.
They also set out to build a sports sandal for active people with a big protective toe protector. The first shoe was called the Newport. It was an innovation that had never been done.
The toe protection on Keen’s is beneficial for beginners and professional hikers alike. In this article, we explore the various keens on the market.
In a Hurry
Are you looking for a quick guide to buying the best keens for hiking? There are a couple of things you need to think of as you make your purchase. The things that separate Keen from other shoes that make them so great are that they are lightweight and make great hiking shoes.
If you are looking to up your pace and turn your hike into more of a workout, then this is the right brand to be looking for. They are the best for all-around hiking.
If you are hiking on tough terrain, long distances, or a full pack, you will want heavier-duty hiking boots with enhanced support and structure.
Look for a mid-height boot so that you got extra ankle support and stability shanks for midfoot support and helped balance the weight of a backpack.
Our Top Pick
We have researched the various Keen’s hiking boots and have found our favourite to be the KEEN Women’s Terradora Mid Wp-w Hiking Shoe. They are made of 100% lightweight mesh, with a synthetic sole and breathable leather lining.
KEEN Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
There’s not much that will grab your attention immediately about these boots. That is not necessarily a bad thing. They conform to what we have come to know as the norm for how hiking boots should look.
What you may not realise from just looking at them is the fact that these boots are made out of 100% waterproof Nubuck leather.
What that means is that where are you would’ve had wet feet during a hike will be replaced with dry or perhaps even at the worst-case scenario just slightly moist feet.
You’ll probably notice straight away that the soles are made out of rubber. This guarantees you a good tread and grip regardless of what’s the terrain you’re taking on.
The boots have really thick lugs which can take on pebbles and rocks of all sorts of sizes. The opening of the boots is approximately 12 1/2 inches round. It makes it easy to slip into the boot and out of it.
This process is aided by a tab that is on the rear end of the boot which you can use to pull the boot up or to drag it down we are removing it.
The outsoles are lugged that they have a call into the lock on the heel. They are about 4 mm in multi-directional lugs. The multi-directional nature of these lugs ensures that you get better traction when you’re walking in these boots.
I will be the 1st to admit that these boots are not the lightest. They are almost half a kilo in weight that’s up and 17. 4 ounces to be exact. Weight is not necessarily a bad thing.
You are happy to know that they are a wide range of colours that you can pick your boots from.
Pros
- These boots are well-made.
- They have a waterproof upper.
- They have an easy-on tab on the heel.
- They provide great traction.
- They provide good arch support.
- They protect your toes.
Cons
- Quality control measures have been found wanting.
- Durability could be better.
KEEN Terradora Mid Wp-w Hiking Shoe
If you are after a boot that is distress I’m just in features to sit in the pot from another wise crowded market this might be the one for you. This is a boot that features I need design over the top.
Tidy up behind this is to deliver I can book that is faster lighter and delivers great breathability. Keen designed the upper part of the shoot to feel as though you were an extension of everything else that you’re wearing.
These are the sort of boots that would look in place regardless of what you wear them with. There was sick quite pretty underneath work at clothing as well as more heavy hiking regalia.
The front end of the month shoes benefits from toecap. This is important for the protection of your toes from impact while you’re out on your hike. You probably realise that this is not a new innovation.
Other manufacturers have similar features on the boots.
The lacing system is just as you’d expect of any other shoe it is easy to on do and to tighten around your ankles. It helps deliver a more compact fitting booked.
To get you in and out of the boots quite easily get two tabs one on the boots tongue and another one on the rating of the but the one on the tongue allows you to pull the tongue up and slip your food in. The one on the rear end of the boot allows you to hold it up while you sleep your foot.
From a to a perspective you will benefit from the mesh material that is quite lightweight it delivers great breathability the leather lining is similarly breathable. There is a wide range of colours to choose from.
Pros
- They are lightweight.
- They are highly breathable.
- They are reasonably priced.
- Returns and exchanges are free.
- They provide sufficient ankle support.
Cons
- Waterproofing leaves a lot to be desired.
- Underfoot support could be better.
KEEN Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot
While we are still in boots that are well vented let us introduce you to The voyeur yeah. This is a shoe that is designed to take on harsh weather conditions especially in the heat.
The ventilation should be a toll sign for a show that is not to be used in cold conditions they are mesh insert on either side of the foot which allow for free movement of air ensuring that you get great breathability.
If you’re engaging in activities of the highest setting such as hiking this will come handy.
You also be happy to find that these boots feature a natural order control system. This is called the clean spot NXT. As with other boots on this list this one has a protective talk.
It ensures that your toes are protected from impact. The hill of the shoes is contoured. You also be happy to find that the 4 mm multi-directional legs underneath each boat.
This guarantees that you get great traction as you when you’re up and about. It diminishes the chances of sleeping over. One of the key things that the team was people from buying such breathable boots is the issue of waterproofing.
They have taken this into account and plates some water-resistant leather and mesh on the upper part of the boot.
Them metatomical dual-density EVA footbed is removable. This allows you to replace it with the one that you may prefer.
Pros
- There are several colours and designs to choose from.
- It has a wide toe box.
- There is not much need for breaking in period.
- They provide good value for money.
- They are very comfortable.
- They are quite durable.
Cons
- The laces could be stronger.
- They tend to run small.
KEEN Utility Flint Mid Work Boot
Getting a balance between ventilation and a sturdy structure is very important for hiking boots. This is what the utility boots from kin deliver. You’ll be happy to find that they are made out of 100% leather which is important.
Either side of the shoe has few ventilation gaps. Therefore the mesh tied to be is it. They surrounded by leather. This leather shoe that your feet are kept well compactly how together.
To slip and into and out of the boots there are two pulling tabs to help. The first time is located on the top of the boot as we were noted on other boots from the same brand.
The second one is on the rear end of the boot. This comes in handy for putting your foot out of the boot as well as for slotting your foot in without having to undo the lace is too much.
I know this doesn’t sound like much but it saves you a few seconds each time. Over time who knows it saves you days off painstaking fighting with a foot and the boot.
From length perspective, these shoes go on only up to just above your ankles. They are comfortable as a work boot. The footbed of these boots is removable which makes them phenomenal.
It allows for some customisation to enhance comfort or just to change the loo bits to suit situations or personal preferences. The soles are non-marking ones. The tongue of the boot is padded as is the colour.
The pan and ensures that there is edit resistance to general wearing tear.
We have already mentioned the breathable mesh panels that are on either side of the boot. It’s worth reiterating their presence as they play such a massive role if you’re using his bus to hike in warm conditions.
You will also be happy to find that these shoes are resistant to abrasion. Another incredible addition as we found with all the keen boots is the steel tour protection which ensures that if your tall was a knock against the surface it will be protected.
Pros
- They are highly breathable.
- They are quite lightweight.
- They are very comfortable.
- They are very sturdy.
- Customer support is excellent.
Cons
- Durability varies from one boot to another.
- The tread does not always last.
KEEN Revel III Cold Weather Hiking Boot
Our final a pick are boots that look the business. They look like the sort of boots that are ready to take punishment and survive. Those who are used to hiking in all sorts of rough conditions will be excited by the sheer look at these boots.
Perhaps some of you may consider them to be somewhat too pretty to face summer conditions. But I will have you know that they can take on tough terrain.
There is nothing more comforting than the knowledge that your boot is ready to support you all the way through it. The first thing that with mentioning is the fact that these boots are made out of 100% leather that is aided by the placement of some synthetic material.
These are pushed to the made in the US although some of them are imported. As you already know keen is a US company. So any boot today imported are their designs that have been manufactured elsewhere.
The shaft of the boot measures approximately 5 inches from your arch. That is ample arch support when you need it the most. You’ll be happy to know that these boots are waterproof.
They come with hiking laces that are ready to face rough conditions as well. To drive this home these laces are threaded through speed hook eyelets that are made out of some metal material.
This makes them resistant to general wearing tear. The overall weight of these boots is just 200 g which is a reasonable amount of weight without being too heavy.
From the look of it, you can already tell that they are very warm, meaning that they may not be the right pick for the summer. But as a hiker, you should know what you need for what time of the year.
The soles are made out of rubber which provides you with great traction wherever you are.
Pros
- These boots are hot.
- They are well padded on the inside.
- They provide great arch support.
- There is enough room for thick socks.
- Those with wide feet can wear these as well.
- They are built to last.
Cons
- The toe area does not have as much padding.
- The toe box could also be larger.
Buyer’s Guide for Keen Hiking Boots
Keens makes a variety of hiking boots for different people. They all have their perfect wearer and it is up to you to take the pair that fits you and gives you the features you need.
The features that will make the biggest difference for you, are determined by where you intend to go hiking. The trail, its terrain and how long you will be hiking.
You will also need to consider the weather conditions of that particular trail. This way you will know if you need to get shoes that are waterproof, or shoes that are extremely breathable or light on the feet.
Are keen boots waterproof?
Keens uses materials that allow their shoes to be waterproof. This feature can be found on several hiking boots for both men and women made by Keen.
Are keen boots made in the USA?
Keen’s footwear is a collaborative effort from different talented people. Some of this footwear is made in the US Portland factory using raw materials from Asia and other parts.
Do keen boots run wide?
Keen footwear is well known for making wide fitting shoes. There are a couple of shoe styles by Keen that fit wide in the toe. Newport, Targhee II, Austin, Presidio, among some of those, and some that run more true to a traditional regular width.
Women’s sizing starts to overlap with men’s at a women’s size 8.5, which is comparable to a men’s 7.
How long do KEEN boots last?
Keen boots come with a one-year warranty. However, the boots last beyond that. This, of course, depends on how you use them and wear them. User reviews vary in this regard. Some say they can last up to three years and still be in perfect shape.
How do you waterproof Keen boots?
You may not need to waterproof your keens at first. However, when the need does arise, you can treat your shoes with a silicone-based waterproofing spray like Nikwax. This will keep the boot protected and stain free. You can spray your boots once every three months.
Are keen shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it means that you will need shoes with good arch support. Especially when you will be spending an extended period on your feet as you hike.
You want to be comfortable and not have to be thinking about your feet at all during your hike. Aside from athletic sandals, keen also offers some cute and casual flats and sneakers.
People with plantar fasciitis, say that those shoes have made an incredible difference in their lives.
Are keen shoes slip-resistant?
Keen footwear has a variety of shoes made to be used in different places and environments. Under Keen utility, you will find slip-resistant shoes.
They are designed to handle slick surfaces. These styles feature non-slip outsoles and technology for confident footing in any environment.
Conclusion
Keen footwear makes some of the best shoes for what you need. It is therefore important to know what you intend to use the shoes for. Different styles are carried by Keen’ and users across the globe are happy with the results.
When it comes to hiking in keen, you get great quality from these boots, that can help make your hike much more pleasant and beneficial on every level. We hope our top picks have helped you decide on the right Keen’s for you. Happy shopping!
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