Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

KEEN: The Boots of Summer

By

Keen Boots
Image used with permission by copyright holder
From Bryce Canyon Vistas to the Catskills’ Devil’s Path, a good pair of boots is often all you’ll need for serious adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker who destroys footwear, or buying your first pair for a weekend adventure on the trail, quality boots are worth every penny you spend. That’s why we chose a pair of American built KEEN boots for our summer adventures this year.

Related: What To Wear: Hiking | 5 Shirts for Trail To Town

Recommended Videos

In a time when many companies are seeking outside manufacturers and overseas production, KEEN chose to build a new factory in Portland, Oregon. With more than twenty styles being produced there now, the factory also doubles as a learning and test center, allowing for rapid prototyping and excellent quality control. All of this means that every season your new KEENs will get refined even further as their designers relentlessly build better footwear. After a year in a pair of American Made boots, we’re definitely believers.

Related

Liberty Ridge ($200)

The Liberty Ridge is KEEN’s flagship boot for Fall 2015. Combining a solid leather upper with KEEN’s direct injection PU mid-sole delivers unparalleled comfort. A full length shank provides stability for heavy loads and uneven terrain. If you’re looking for a boot that is built for long haul backpacking, this is it.

UNEEK ($100)

We know what you’re thinking. You came here to look at serious boots, and this glorified water shoe doesn’t make the cut. You’d be surprised however, to find a serious sticky rubber sole on the bottom of the UNEEKs. We took a pair to with us for a two week trip to Thailand earlier this year, and found ourselves reaching for them for everything from long airport layovers to hauling camera gear across deserted beaches. The 8mm nylon cord provides excellent venting, and dries incredibly fast when wet. For wearing around camp or casual travel, you won’t find a more comfortable option.

Durand ($180)

The award winning Durand was our choice last fall for backpacking, canyoneering, horseback trekking, and everything in between. KEEN claimed that we could walk in these for a million steps without losing any comfort, and after nearly a year of beating on ours, we can say they were right. The PU mid-sole doesn’t compress over time like a traditional EVA foam, ensuring you have a responsive boot for years. The compound rubber of the Vibram sole is both sticky and durable – your legs will wear out long before this boot does.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Austin Parker
Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
Spot X is a 2-way satellite messenger with Bluetooth — It’s 15% off for Prime Big Deal Days
Spot X used in the snow Prime Big Deal Days discount

If you're venturing off the beaten path, exploring the great outdoors, and large state parks, or just doing some sightseeing, it's important to remain in touch with your family and friends. You wouldn't think so. You'd think it would be great to unplug, but you still want to be tethered to society in case something happens. Unfortunately, mobile cell phones and modern phones lose signal out in the wilderness. But with Prime Big Deal Days here, and lots of great discounts, you can save big on a two-way satellite communicator to make that happen. To clarify, you can stay in touch for emergencies with the Spot X a two-way satellite messenger with Bluetooth. Today, it's only $212 instead of $250, saving you $38 or 15% off.

 
Why you should shop this Spot X two-way satellite communicator deal

Read more
Winter, spring, summer, fall: here’s the best time to visit Yosemite
Visiting Yosemite is fun no matter the time of year. Here's how to make the most of your trip
A view between a valley in Yosemite national park during February

Yosemite National Park is a bucket list adventure for many nature lovers, and it's no surprise why. Year-round, Yosemite offers thrilling experiences, from daring hikes to stunning views. If you're thinking about planning a trip to Yosemite in the coming year, it can be a challenge to figure out what time you should go. Fortunately, we've compiled some of Yosemite's most thrilling experiences year-round, so you can make an informed decision.

No matter the year, there are a few things you should know. First, Yosemite National Park has an entry fee of $35 per vehicle, but it's valid for seven days. An annual pass is available for $70, but if you're looking to go national park hopping, consider purchasing the "America the Beautiful Parks Pass" for $80. Unlike many national parks, Yosemite is open for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Some activities may be closed during certain times of the year, but you can still enjoy exhibits, maps, and access to the wisdom of the National Park Service rangers at visitor's centers around the park.
Yosemite in the fall

Read more
Packing for the weather: The hiking gear you need for different climates
Don't let ice or desert conditions ruin your hike. Here's what to pack to stay safe and comfortable
Weather with sun and clouds

If you have a good pair of hiking boots and woolen socks, you’re ready to hike — mostly. You know how cold or hot it might get in your region, how much rain you might expect, and how hard the sun is going to beat down on you.

These considerations are even more important when hiking in other regions. The weather in Florida is hot and humid, while the weather in New Mexico will be hot, dry, and maybe colder at night. Taking to the trails in the Pacific Northwest means staying warm and dry in the temperate rainforest, while hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age trail means bundling up no matter what season you go.

Read more