Are Keen Boots Good for Hiking?

Keen Boot

When looking to take on the magnificence that is a day hike, nothing can quite compare with some quality hiking boots. The right footwear not only makes you feel more confident on your feet, but it also protects your sensitive skin from the elements.

Hiking in the winter can be especially challenging and downright miserable. So where do you turn if you’re looking to take on the hills this season? If you’re a hiker, then it might be worth looking into getting some keens instead. These rugged hiking boots have been around for ages, so they must be beneficial for something.

If you’ve ever hiked in the backcountry, chances are you’ve encountered snow and ice. This makes great trekking boots a must-have item for any serious hiker. Keens are made of water-resistant leather, so they should be able to handle anything Mother Nature dishes out.

And best of all, these versatile shoes come in a variety of styles, colours and patterns to perfectly complement any look and mood. Here are 4 reasons why you should get yourself some keens.

Are Keen Boots Good for Hiking?

The answer is yes—knee-highs are perfect for hikers. While they can make life more challenging as they are often heavy and bulky, they make a great choice when you’re looking to challenge yourself outside.


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4 Reasons Why You Should Get Yourself Some Keens

So if you’re looking for some new and exciting ways to spend your hard-earned cash, check out these top 4 reasons why you should get yourself some keens.

I. They’re Insanely Durable

This is one of the most important things people don’t know about keens. These boots are far from delicate, and as such, they are incredibly durable. There are lots of choices out there on the market today that are made of synthetic materials, but none of them are as durable as real sheepskin. In fact, it’s been proven that keens only wear out after 3-4 times of heavy use, which is pretty incredible.

II. They Can Keep Your Feet Tougher Than Other Shoe Types

Getting to the top of that mountain doesn’t mean having to go through shoes with feet of iron. That’s not the case with keens, which have been around for a while. These boots are known for having a rugged sole, which makes them ideal for hiking in all weather conditions.

They’re also great for snowboarding and skiing as well since they have a special grip sole that’s perfect for icy slopes. They’re especially durable on the outside, thanks to their handmade nature and the fact that they’re made of genuine sheepskin.

III. The Right Boot for Any Occasion

You might have an idea of what kind of hiking boots you should get, but are you sure that they’re the right ones for you? Consider the following: you’re probably a casual hiker who’s only interested in short, occasional walks. In this case, a trail running shoe might be the perfect match. On the other hand, if you like to hit the trails regularly, then a hiking shoe with a dedicated trail mode is what you need.

Here are a few examples: If you’re a beginner hiker, you may want a more casual shoe to accommodate less-experienced feet. On the other hand, if you’re an advanced hiker who loves to push your limits and has seen fit to acquire blisters, then a trail running shoe with a higher instep is what you need.

IV. You Can Look Like A Boss in Them

Not only are these shoes super fashionable, but they can also double as collectables. If you go long distances regularly, you may want to keep these classic hiking boots in top shape so they look and function like new.

This is where the rich, worn-in look of a good pair of keens comes into play. When you wear them, you instantly look like a pro, hunting down those distant peaks.


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Our Top 4 Tips on Choosing The Right Boot for Hiking

If you’ve got some extra cash to spend or are happy to splurge on quality, we’ve rounded up our top 5 tips on choosing the right boot for hiking.

I. Cushioned EVA Midsole

There are a few different types of midsole cushioning. In some shoes, the midsole is the actual footbed, making it a separate piece. In other shoes, the midsole is the cushioned insert that sits between your foot and the ground. You want the EVA type in the former case because it is designed to support your foot.

You can find a memory foam, air, and responsive foams in hiking shoes. Define what you want your footbed to feel like and stick with that. When it comes to responsive foams, you want the memory foam type that gives you good support without being too squishy.

It’s smart to get a softer, more responsive foam for the landing zone because you’ll be putting pressure on it when you’re hiking in rough terrain. This helps you get a good workout while supporting your feet and preventing blisters.

II. Keep Your Feet Dry

The most important tip when it comes to hiking in the rain? The shoes have to be able to keep your feet dry. Make sure they have a water-releasing bladder and a waterproof sock liner. If you’re not absolutely sure, check out this guide to buying the right boot for hiking in the rain. Once you’ve got the right shoes, make sure they stay dry.

It’s not luck; it’s science—shoes that are able to stay dry are going to perform better and get you a better workout. Waterlogged shoes don’t respond well to massage or provide a good workout. There’s a reason hiker-specific shoes are specifically designed for the outdoors.

III. Look out for Natural Treading

Most hiking boots will have a synthetic “tread” pattern on the bottom to help you better traction in the muddy or snowy terrain. This is great for hiking but not so great for the streets or sidewalks where you’d like to walk. Luckily, there are a few options that let you choose between natural and synthetic soles. Depending on your preferences, you can pick either pattern.

Natural soles offer more grip while also looking more natural. However, if you plan to wear your boots frequently outside, you should probably go with the synthetic option. Natural soles wear out quickly while synthetic soles can last a lifetime.

IV. Get a Discreet Liner

If you’re looking for something a little more discrete, you can go with the GoreTex lined Gore-Tex Pro or the CDA or CDA Pro. These are the most popular types of hiking boots and come with a built-in easy-to-use liner. They’re a perfect choice if you’re not wanting to advertise that you’re wearing them.

If you’re someone who wants to show off your boots and wants to make it obvious that you have them on but doesn’t want to advertise it to the world, a zipper-lock polypropylene bag is your friend.

These bags are odour- and moisture-free, easy to clean, and can retain their shape after being stuffed full of dirt and rocks. You can even wash your boots in the bag if you want to.


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Conclusion

If you’ve ever hiked in the backcountry, chances are you’ve encountered snow and ice. This makes great trekking boots a must-have item for any serious hiker. Keens are made of water-resistant leather, so they should be able to handle anything Mother Nature dishes out. And best of all, these versatile shoes come in a variety of styles, colours and patterns to perfectly complement any look and mood.

So get out there, start hiking and don’t forget your keens. That’s it. We hope that together, we’ve given you a better understanding of the importance of getting yourself a pair of keens.

To put it simply, keens are the best hiking boots available today. They’re rugged, reliable, comfortable and withstand extreme conditions well. They’re also very affordable, which makes them an excellent investment for anyone looking to get into hiking this season.

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Written by Jane Miller

I'm Nomadic Jane, a digital nomad and travel blogger. Since 2009, I've been traveling the world and exploring cultures through my travel blog.