How to Choose Hiking Boots

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When you're out for a quick day hike or training for an upcoming backpacking trip, the KEEN Gypsum II Low WP hiking shoes offer the ideal combination of lightweight support and traction.
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View all KEEN Men's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | Nubuck leather/mesh |
Lining | Mesh |
Midsole | Dual-density compression-molded EVA |
Support | ESS shank |
Outsole | Runner |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 6.2 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains leather from a tannery rated by the Leather Working Group (LWG) |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
EU | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 48.5 | 49 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.5 | 10.6 | 10.7 | 11 | 11.1 | 11.25 | 11.6 | 11.9 | 12.2 | 12.5 | 12.8 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I don't normally write review, and I am new to Keen shoes, but these are comfortable, seemingly very sturdy (they are used heavily 2 weeks so far), and surprisingly breathable and cool for waterproof shoes. Good width overall (I'm guessing just a little bit wider than normal D width), with plenty of space in toe box. Sturdy, stiff sole for light / light-medium terrain. Great for casual walking, though as they are waterproof, likely to be too hot/uncomfortable for very warm conditions (still, surprisingly cool / breathable for waterproof shoes). I think they are fantastic, and will be buying Keen again.
Wore these shoes to appt with orthopedic doctor. He really liked that the sole was stiff and bent precisely where it should at the toes. He prescribed custom orthotics and said to get them made to fit inside these shoes. I bought a 2nd pair so I can alternate when doing multi-day hiking on trails through irregular terrain.
I couldn't even tell you how many pairs of these I have purchased. I wear these for work: 2-3 miles of walking hard floors on a slow day, 10+ miles on a busy day. At 45, I have plantar fasciitis (I use inserts as opposed to the originals) plus growing wear and tear on joints from a lot of years of athletics. I am a sweater too so, between pounding my feet, I also need breathability, and these are Keen's best compromise between support and ventilation, to me. I get about 2-3 months of life per pair before the support breaks down too much for me. I've used the more supportive, and the more vented, models from Keen. These are the best for me. Being waterproof is another necessity for me since I also work outside, in all conditions.
I sized out at 12.5 thanks to the great staff at Vernon hills, Il store (bravo to Sarah in Shoe Department). She recommended I go to a 13. I did and is seemed to fit well. As I wear it throughout a day I get more rubbing on the outside of my feet at front (left more than right). I have the same Keen Gypsum boot in a mid also size 13 and don’t experience the rubbing. Show and boot weight is great. I was out snow blowing in my driveway this morning (northern Illinois) and outside got wet but inside were dry and even warm with light wool boot socks. I use the Gypsum Lows as commuter boots and plan to use the Mids for hiking in the Shawnee National Forest river to river trail this spring
Keen shoes are some of my favorite everyday shoes. I have had some problems with the soles on other models peeling off but this new design is great and comfortable from day one.
Tried them on in the store and they felt snug and solid-good for hiking but after wearing them a few times I decided they felt very uncomfortable. They are too tight around the ankles and are very solid and inflexible. Not what I expect from a low profile lightweight hiking boot
These were the perfect purchase for my hiking up Mt. Washington. Getting the correct size was of paramount importance, for previous shoes were either not wide enough or were just a bit to small. Having about an inch in the toe box (with the help of a knowledgeable REI worker). made the purchase for this 76 year old hiker the right buy. No blisters and no black toenails!
Just got these the other day. my 3rd pair of low Keens; 4th pair overall. This is a perfect size 9 fit for me. Incredibly comfortable - like already broken in. Love them!
Third pair of hiking shoes, first Keen pair and they feel awesome!! Waterproof so great to wear in Chicago winters for street walking!!
Well we all know that Keen has a big toe box which is really nice until you start going downhill. Unfortunately Keen shoes will not tighten to prevent this. What I do like about Keens is the footbed I can stand in them all day long and my feet won't be sore at the end of the day. It's unfortunate that you have to pay $150 for a pair of shoes that don't meet expectations. Did they change the last I've always worn an 11.5 and I bought a 12 and they seem short.