View Full Version : Keen Hiking Boots - Question
AeroGuyDC
01-04-2010, 16:35
First of all, this is my very first post to WB.net, and I must say that i'm very glad to have found this forum!
My goal is a thru-hike, although it's probably more realistic that I complete the AT via section hikes.
With that being said, I am doing a ton of research for my first "real" section hike, and I had a question about Keen hiking boots. I have come to really like Keen boots for their exceptional comfort and what I believe to be great durability. I wore a pair for three months in 120+ degree heat in Iraq (walking 30+ miles per day) and didn't have any problems other than a little tenderness from the radiation heat coming from below.
Does anyone have experience with Keen boots on the AT? Since I know my feet are comfortable in Keen's, I'd like to stick with what I know. However, if this brand is a bad option for the AT, I would certainly like to know that!
Thanks again for this awesome forum.
Michael
(Trail name yet to be decided!)
drifters quest
01-04-2010, 16:46
Not a bad option from what i've heard. I'm also hiking in a pair of keens (the low cut shoes). Not only do they do great in the heat, but my feet have never gotten cold in them with a pair of smartwools. Mine didn't have any break in time and I imagine they are easily found for replacements along the trail. Trail runners are also very popular on the trail, but I would rather stick with the keens for now.
drifters quest
01-04-2010, 16:46
By the way, welcome to White Blaze :)
The_Saint
01-04-2010, 16:47
Alot of people who had Keen's liked them alot in 2009. I'd recommend the shoe version, non waterproof. You're going to get alot of different opinions, but remember everyone's foot is different, so you can't take everybody's advice.
sasquatch2014
01-04-2010, 16:47
I too love them for the comfort but I have had a few issues with them. The first issue is that the lugs that come up from the sole on to the side of the boot have had a tendency to peel back some shoe goo or the like can fix this fairly well. The bigger issue I have had is that the webbing they use for the eyelets have worn through.
I have had pretty good luck with Keen replacing the boot due to this but they stressed to me upon the replacement that this is a light hiker and not ment to be used for backpacking. I have had foot issues before so I will pay the cost of replacing boots rather than having a hike runied by foot issues. I have been very happy with them and how they have held up durring my hiking.
Raul Perez
01-04-2010, 17:03
I use Keen Growlers for the winter time hikes. Great boot as it keeps my feet warm submerged in up to 2 feet of snow.
mweinstone
01-04-2010, 17:08
keen fall apart on the first miles of AT. everyone knows that. we all love them. cause the company replaces them forever it seems. all glue on them fails. thats the only issue. we buy them with goo knowing to put it on before a hike. ask anyone. but yeah, their comfy as heck. yall with the succesfull uses?......cause you aint hikein hard as us.
YoungMoose
01-04-2010, 17:17
keen fall apart on the first miles of AT. everyone knows that. we all love them. cause the company replaces them forever it seems. all glue on them fails. thats the only issue. we buy them with goo knowing to put it on before a hike. ask anyone. but yeah, their comfy as heck. yall with the succesfull uses?......cause you aint hikein hard as us.I did a day trip on the AT by my house and i only wore the boots around my neighboorhood for a couple days before it and the soles totally came off without any warning. THen when i looked at my other boot the sole was starting to come up. I will never touch another pair. But they were comfortable ill give you that
I wore Keen Targhee II's on the A.T. and they worked great. I totally whooped two pairs and the third still have some miles left in them. I say if it's working for you, then go for it.(Keen's or otherwise)
Rocket Jones
01-04-2010, 18:38
If Keens do it for you then great. I tried them and didn't like them at all. I finally settled on Asolo boots, they fit my feet and are wonderfully comfortable.
Don't be afraid to try a pair of something else on. You might find something you like better.
Feral Bill
01-04-2010, 18:41
My Keen hiking shoes blew out a seam on a hike in Oregon. I returned them to REI and got some trail runners on sale. My everyday Keens and sandals work fine.
Jester2000
01-04-2010, 18:43
Keens are fine for the AT. The company has had delamination issues, which I understand was a function of Keen experimenting with a Greener adhesive. They have supposedly solved the issue for shoes produced from Spring '09 forward, although I haven't heard a lot of recent reviews.
I had the same issue that Sasquatch had with a pair of Keen Voyagers (regarding the forward facing side edges of the sole), solved it with superglue carried for cracking feet. I think that is partially a function of poor design on the part of Keen, but it didn't affect the shoe's performance or overall durability.
I wore Keen Targhee II's on my 2009 thru and had a love/hate relationship with them. While I never got a single blister in them they typically only lasted between 300-500 miles before the soles began to delaminate. Keep in mind, it was a wet year on the AT and I believe that had a lot to do with the mileage I was getting out of them. The cost of superior comfort is usually lack of durability.
Garmont boots were my second favorite brand. They were a bit heavier and lasted longer but I kept going back to the Keens. Comfort wins!!!!!
I also discovered Goretex or any other proprietary waterproof protection (like Keen-Dry) for that matter only lasts about 5-7 days in consistent wet conditions. Once water finds a pathway into the boot that's all she wrote.
All the Best,
Spokes
Johnny Thunder
01-04-2010, 19:09
The popular Targhee-like shoes you see in every store fall apart for the same reasons Jester/Squatch mentioned. If you can avoid it then you probably take different steps than normal people.
Try finding a Keen boot with a different tread type. I made it from Springer to Marion in a pair of Newport trails. they have an almost basketball sneaker type outsole so it might be a bit slick for some. Only gave up on them because they had waterproof such-and-such in them. Plus, they fit like those other boots.
The popular Targhee-like shoes you see in every store fall apart for the same reasons Jester/Squatch mentioned. If you can avoid it then you probably take different steps than normal people.
Try finding a Keen boot with a different tread type. I made it from Springer to Marion in a pair of Newport trails. they have an almost basketball sneaker type outsole so it might be a bit slick for some. Only gave up on them because they had waterproof such-and-such in them. Plus, they fit like those other boots.
Not sure about the Newports but whatever you do AVOID the Vasque Velocity. They should be outlawed!
Johnny Thunder
01-04-2010, 19:19
Not sure about the Newports but whatever you do AVOID the Vasque Velocity. They should be outlawed!
and the Vasque Mantra. I got the Newports from Keen as replacement for broken targhees. Vasque told me to piss up a rope...which made me impose upon outfitters who were not involved in the original sale and therefore had no interest in helping me.
A pair of Sundowners lasted me two summers of trail work for SCA. Mantras didn't make it from SNP to Harpers.
johnnybgood
01-04-2010, 19:37
The Targhee II has been my shoe of choice and I wear them so much that another pair will be somewhere in my future.
I know they have a spotty track record for holding up , seems like you either love them are not so much.
With that said I'd prolly listen to those who have tried different brands and get to an informed decision after that.
Jester2000
01-04-2010, 19:57
Not sure about the Newports but whatever you do AVOID the Vasque Velocity. They should be outlawed!
On my PCT hike, I wore New Balance, Keen Voyager, Vasque Velocity, and Montrail Hardrock. Had excellent mileage from all of them. Folks who have told me that the AT is rougher on shoes haven't hiked through lava fields.
Unless you're buying a full backpacking boot, you really shouldn't expect to do a long trail on one or two pairs of shoes. I've seen many hikers going to midweight boots and trail runners for weight/comfort reasons who refuse to accept the fact that they're going to be compromising on durability.
Normal wear and tear isn't covered under warranty, and most manufacturers of trail runners will consider 400-600 miles with a backpack to be normal.
Bulldawg
01-04-2010, 20:05
I've got a pair of the Targhee II Keens myself. Walked right out of the box at Neel Gap for a overnight hike with my son back in the summer. 10 or so miles in two days and not one blister. Zero break in time. Now at somewhere between 100 and 150 miles I guess the soles do seem to be coming apart from the leather lowers of the shoe. I first noticed in while hiking in the snow a few weeks ago. I thought my feet were getting wet but wasn't sure how. Then I got home and saw the small crack starting to form. Then when hiking in the snow again last Thursday my feet got soaked, from the sides again. Alpine at MTNXINGs told me I had to call Keen myself to get it handled. So this week I am calling Keen I guess. On the other hand, Cool Breeze suggested I try some seam sealer on them to see if that would seal them up.
They are very comfortable, lightweight, and have a good sole thread pattern. Other than the small issue I have loved them.
Anumber1
01-04-2010, 20:55
Every boot is different, every foot is different, all terrains are different.
There is no one boot that is best for the AT or anything. Wear whatever fits well and is comfortable. People hike barefoot so to each his own. Go to a reputable outfitter, talk with a footwear specialist and try on a whole bunch of differnt shoes/boots/etc until you just 'know' its the right one for you.
To each his own.
PS: I sell Keen shoes/boots for a living
Johnny Thunder
01-04-2010, 21:06
Every boot is different, every foot is different, all terrains are different.
Everyone is different.
No two people are not on fire.
(where's The Cheat in all of this?)
Hi, Aeroguy.
Welcome to Whiteblaze.
I've had two pair of Keen Newport H2 sandals which, except for the thin soles, have been excellent for hiking. I also had a pair of the shoes with leather and nylon uppers - not so good. The uppers stretched when they got wet in the Hundred Mile Wilderness which I did in the fall of '08. They fit fine at the beginning, but began to twist around my foot on sidehills when I was about 3/4 of the way through. Luckily I had brought along the H2 sandals for stream crossing. I used them for the last 25 miles of the Hundred, the hike to Katahdin Stream campground, the ascent and descent of the mountain, and the hike out. I hope, as another poster above seemed to indicate, that they solved the problem with the leather shoes.
I switched to Asics trail runners.
mweinstone
01-04-2010, 21:13
keens are my shoes for like 6 pairs so far. all totaled, maby 2500 mi. witch is fine. glue costs aside. maby 3 pairs were replaced. but some after walking so little. i got bitchy. me and johnney thunder glued shoes for more miles. they do work well. and they last okay. my ones im wearin are shreaded but im not ready to say goodbuy. spring. in spring everything will be better. my boots are asolo big boys but i want the new keen pct. its cool as ......i got nothin.
keens are my shoes for like 6 pairs so far. all totaled, maby 2500 mi. witch is fine. glue costs aside. maby 3 pairs were replaced. but some after walking so little. i got bitchy. me and johnney thunder glued shoes for more miles. they do work well. and they last okay. my ones im wearin are shreaded but im not ready to say goodbuy. spring. in spring everything will be better. my boots are asolo big boys but i want the new keen pct. its cool as ......i got nothin.Do we have someone who speaks Matty-ese in the house to interpret? :rolleyes::D
its cool as ......i got nothin.The other side of the pillow? :D
Johnny Thunder
01-04-2010, 21:20
t i want the new keen pct. its cool as ......i got nothin.
I thought I taught you about chicken sandwiches and no more boots.
Jester2000
01-04-2010, 21:51
Every boot is different, every foot is different, all terrains are different.
I have to disagree. My foot is exactly like the severed ones in my hall closet. That's why I'm collecting them.
Live the Journey
01-04-2010, 22:19
I had every intention of starting my thru hike with Keen Targee IIs and switching to chacos when the weather warmed up.
Once the weather warmed up, I was soooooo (SOOOO VERY) happy with my feet and my boots that instead I stayed with my Targees. Yes, I replaced them about every 600 miles, but I felt that spending the $ was well worth it, as I had the very prettiest bare feet of any thruhiker I met for the entirety of my hike:D
Everyone is different and everyone will give you different advise, but it comes down to getting something that fits your feet, finding a good sock/shoe/insole combo, and knowing when to switch up shoes BEFORE they die on you.
~Houdini
mweinstone
01-04-2010, 22:19
boots for working construction in the city johnney
AeroGuyDC
01-04-2010, 22:58
Wow, this is a great community! I never expected so many responses to my Keen question!
Thanks to everyone!
It sounds like Keens get about a 70 or so on a scale of 100. It also sounds like keeping a tube of goo handy is a good idea on long hikes.
I have a pair of Targhee II mids that I use here in the DC area. My favorite short hike is the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls National Park. Fairly technical walk, and my Targhees have performed well. That's what made me curious if they would hold up to a 100-mile section hike.
I appreciate the responses...keep'm coming!
Jester2000
01-04-2010, 23:17
. . . My favorite short hike is the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls National Park.
Wasn't the Billy Goat Trail the trail that woman fell off of after being proposed to?
AeroGuyDC
01-04-2010, 23:26
Wasn't the Billy Goat Trail the trail that woman fell off of after being proposed to?
Yep! Sure was! It's an awesome trail. Very rocky - as in cliffs and steep faces - and overall a twisted ankle or broken bone waiting to happen. My Keen Targhees have performed well there.
Jester2000
01-05-2010, 00:18
Yep! Sure was! It's an awesome trail. Very rocky - as in cliffs and steep faces - and overall a twisted ankle or broken bone waiting to happen. My Keen Targhees have performed well there.
Nice! I'm in Harpers Ferry. I'll have to get over there sometime.
Just a Hiker
01-05-2010, 00:40
I have used Keen hiking shoes exclusively the past couple of years and I like them. My foot size is 13EE and the Keen shoes and boots fit me the best.
I also have had very good luck with the Targhee boots, non gortex. Each pair will last about 800 miles, about 1 season for me. Daily mileage has been up to 30, no blisters, ever. I do use superfeet insoles in them, as the originals are a bit light.
300winmag
01-05-2010, 21:35
Keen eVent boots lasted me exactly FOUR DAYS hiking the slot canyons of Utah. Then the seams began to come apart and the top lining of the right boot inched toward the toes and bunched up. Took 'em right back to REI for a refund.
No more Keen hiking boots for me. (But I love their sandals.)
I just got a pair of Keen Voyager Mids on sale, saved around $20, not a huge savings, but better than paying retail I suppose. I am looking forward to putting them to use. Been wearing them around the house tonight, will wear them to work tomorrow and planning an overnighter this weekend in them.
SMSP
Two Tents
04-22-2011, 08:57
I wore out my Targee II's. I mean they were realllly baaadd worrree oouuttt! They were held on by the nylon.They were so bad they looked like sandals. I have a picture some where that says 1000 words. They were comfy till the end. Then I got another pair just like the other pair. They seem to be holding up better. Out of the box comfy! The newport sandals are that I wear when I'm not wearing the Targees are great too. There are a few trail miles on them. I hope keen never goes out of bidness cause i'm a lifetime fan.
Used to love 'em. I have had 4 pairs, but unfortunately I am on my last, most likely. They have shrunk the toe box down to normal again. I thought I was going to be set for many years with these with their unique sizing...but no longer.
That being said, I have not had any issues with delamination over several pairs. It does seem that they could certainly use a better tread...the rubber is not terribly grippy...but that is minor (to me at least).
jbsbestfan
04-22-2011, 09:12
I love my Keen Newports and casual shoes but have been backpacking in Salomon Quest boots. Then I found a pair on Keen Oregon PCT's on sale somewhere and bought them just to try out. Super comfortable. They do not have enough miles on them to comment on durability, but I found that the chunky bottoms have caused me to lose balance in really rocky areas. Love Keen's, but my Salomon Quests are almost like an exension of my foot.....so I gotta stick with them.
Tenderheart
04-22-2011, 16:10
Well, I'll have to trust that Jester knows what he's talking about with the upgraded adhesive on Keen shoes. I begin this Sunday once again at Springer in my new Keen Siskiyous, the cheaper version with no waterproofing. I had hoped they would last 800-1000 miles or so. I guess we'll see.
litefoot
I love Keen shoes for my type of feet. I like them for hiking in some situations. I have used their sandals, and Voyageur and Truckee models(both low and mid cuts) on extended hikes.
I also had some more pronounced delamination issues, as Jester and Sasquatch described, though not lately, and spoke directly with Keen Reps about it! They also told me what Jester related. It was a green industry adhesive they were experimenting with. They went to a different adhesive and I have not had the delamanation issues, with the models I described, as I had in the past.
If you do happen to experience a little delamination where the rand and leather meet just use a toothpich or Q-tip and apply some Shoe Goo to re-adhere the rand. It solves the problem. BTW, Keen shoes are not the only shoe company that can/did have delamination issues of the rand or sole!
Since durability has been mentioned, those newer adhesive Keen models I mentioned are some of the longest lasting hiking shoes, both low and mid cuts, that I have owned, that are not true heavy wt leather boots. That's what I expected with those models when compared to a running shoe, for example.
I just keep hearing about durability and that the soles don't last very long, but they do seem comfy when I tried them on. I would't get the waterproof model.
I did a day trip on the AT by my house and i only wore the boots around my neighboorhood for a couple days before it and the soles totally came off without any warning. THen when i looked at my other boot the sole was starting to come up. I will never touch another pair. But they were comfortable ill give you that
I found the Keen shoes I tried on the other day stiff, tight and unyielding, even when I took the next size up. Much preferred the Salomon trail runners I tried. My $.02. ...
.......
Does anyone have experience with Keen boots on the AT? ....
The Keen Targhee II were my boot of choice on my 2009 thru hike. Started with them and never once got a blister wearing them. The only problem was, since it was an extremely wet year, I could only eek out an average of about 300-350 miles in them.
Switched to a pair of Vasque Velocity trail shoes in Massachusetts- they sucked out loud. DAMN VASQUE VELOCITY SHOES TO HELL!!!!
hikerboy57
04-26-2011, 12:50
Keens are the most comfortable boots I've worn yet, but every pair I've owned has the same sole separation problem. I took a 3 month old pair of Klamaths on a weeklong trip in the Mahoosucs last summer, and by the end of the trip, they had already begun to separate.
I meant to say Targhee not Truckee in my above post.
Aside from the delamination issue which to me has been adressed, explained and resolved or largely resolved, I would like to hear more on the specifics by those complaining about sole durabilty or overall durability with the Targhee II's. I just don't get that! thick leather uppers, double stitching, etc
Admittedly, I at first, about 3 yrs ago, had some minor issues with stitching unraveling, but maybe I'm hiking differently or Keen is using a different thread, construction methods, etc, I'm not sure, but no unraveling issues at all in my last 4 pair!
Not durable? compared to what? A heavier boot? IMO, certainly more durable than most lighter wt trailrunners! that some AT ers are fond of, which is what I would expect in a heavier wt hiking low cut shoe, compared to some other brands.
I hiked from Waterton/Glacier NPs south, over rocks, snow, in prolonged rain, etc on the CDT, almost always taking Ley's longer higher elevation bushwack routes, to Leadville CO on 1 pair of low cut Targhee II's. Washed them a few times, sprayed them with a shoe fungicide once(mostly the orthotics). Switched out the Sole orthotics once. Sent those Targhees home to hike another day, mow the grass, work in, whatever! Damage: soles were worn but still had traction lugs, inside heel cushion was worn,. but not gone!
BTW, when Keens first arrived on the scene I didn't like their clunky, cumbersome, heavier than I wanted design. BUT, they fit my type of feet(I really like their extra wide toe box), so I use them. Until I find something comprable with a lower wt I'll still keep using them for SOME hiking situations.
JaxHiker
04-27-2011, 10:07
The Targhee II is about the only shoe/boot I've found to fit comfortably. I've tried Merrel, Vasque, Columbia, Timberland, etc. I absolutely love my Targhee II boots. I picked up the low-cut version, though, and while they're good for daily wear I can't seem to wear them on the trail. I consistently get a blister on my left heal. I don't have the same issue with the full boot. Bums me out but I'll just stick to my old boots and keep the low-cuts for around town.