How to Choose Hiking Boots
KEENÂ Ridge Flex Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's
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What if every step could be easier? Hike happier in the KEEN Ridge Flex Mid Waterproof men's hiking boots, designed with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology to reduce the energy each step takes.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Waterproof leather; performance mesh
- Waterproof leather and performance mesh uppers are backed with KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membranes to keep the elements out
- KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX in the uppers provides more bend and less wear
- PFC-free, durable water repellent (DWR) finish fends off moisture
- Speed-lace webbing system provides a comfortably snug fit
- Quick-dry linings support active use
- KEEN Comfort Heel Control offers a more secure fit and pads the Achilles; heel-capture system adds stability
- Stability shanks deliver lightweight support
- Compression-molded EVA midsoles provide cushioning; removable polyurethane insoles offer long-lasting comfort
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- High-abrasion rubber tips add durability and protection
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsoles deliver high-traction grip; nonmarking, 5 mm multidirectional lugs increase traction
Imported.
View the KEEN Ridge Flex Product LineView all KEEN Men's Day Hiking Boots| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane |
| Upper | Waterproof leather; performance mesh |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
| Support | Stability shank |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber |
| Weight (Pair) | Unavailable |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains leather from a tannery rated by the Leather Working Group (LWG) |
KEEN Footwear - Men's
| 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Very comfortable, but questionable durability
Pathfinder4 years ago
Received free productThe Keen Ridge Flex boots are like a Cadillac for your feet. They feature a wide toe box, supportive cushioning, and an innovative heel-lock strap, which allows the boot to feel roomy without feeling sloppy or loose. For me, these boots fit true-to-size and the sizing is consistent with other Keen boots that I have owned. I have worn these boots on a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from Class 4 rock scrambling to several multi-day backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon with a 50+ lbs pack. The traction, lateral support, and stability while scrambling over loose talus blocks with a heavy pack was impressive. The one downside is that they were quite slippery on wet rock after a heavy rain, although this seems to be the case with most soles. At first, I was a bit skeptical of the new 'Flex Zone' feature because I wasn't sure how it would feel or how well the rubber would last. After dozens of off-trail miles, I am pleased to say that the 'Flex Zone' feels amazing - no more pinching, binding, or rubbing from stiff leather uppers (or abrasive mesh) on the top of my feet. The Keen Dry waterproof membrane was fairly breathable and kept my feet dry while hiking in light rain and through damp grass. This seems to be a huge improvement over the Keen Dry waterproof membrane in the Keen Targhee EXP boots, which did not breathe at all - resulting in my feet feeling like they were stuck in a microwave oven. My feet did get wet during a heavy downpour, although I have experienced this with every 'waterproof' boot that I have owned. My only real complaint with this boot is that the out-sole started to peel off the mid-sole after only about 15 miles of hiking (see picture). I was able to use Shoe Goo to repair the sole, but now it is peeling off in a different spot, which is very annoying. Overall, I would highly recommend these boots for their comfort and functionality; however, I would caution potential buyers that the durability of the soles is questionable.
PathfinderReceived free product
AZ
28 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Perfect except for peeling sole
Jay P3 years ago
I really thought I had found the holy grail of hiking boot when I tried these on for the first time. They're so comfortable -- the flex zone is the real deal and I (miraculously) didn't get a single blister when I took them on a trip to the Teton Crest trail right out of the box! However, after only that one (admittedly strenuous) trip, the soles are already peeling off from the body of the shoe. I don't expect for a pair of boots at this price point to last a lifetime, but I do expect them to last at least a few seasons. It's a big disappointment since apparently I'm not the only one experiencing the issue -- I had hoped it was unique to my specific boots but apparently it's a design flaw. Would still recommend them but with caution that they aren't likely to last if you're doing anything other than easy, infrequent trips.
Jay P
Washington, DC
11 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Pathfinder
Received free product
Arizona
Very comfortable, but questionable durability
4 years ago
The Keen Ridge Flex boots are like a Cadillac for your feet. They feature a wide toe box, supportive cushioning, and an innovative heel-lock strap, which allows the boot to feel roomy without feeling sloppy or loose. For me, these boots fit true-to-size and the sizing is consistent with other Keen boots that I have owned. I have worn these boots on a variety of outdoor adventures ranging from Class 4 rock scrambling to several multi-day backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon with a 50+ lbs pack. The traction, lateral support, and stability while scrambling over loose talus blocks with a heavy pack was impressive. The one downside is that they were quite slippery on wet rock after a heavy rain, although this seems to be the case with most soles. At first, I was a bit skeptical of the new 'Flex Zone' feature because I wasn't sure how it would feel or how well the rubber would last. After dozens of off-trail miles, I am pleased to say that the 'Flex Zone' feels amazing - no more pinching, binding, or rubbing from stiff leather uppers (or abrasive mesh) on the top of my feet. The Keen Dry waterproof membrane was fairly breathable and kept my feet dry while hiking in light rain and through damp grass. This seems to be a huge improvement over the Keen Dry waterproof membrane in the Keen Targhee EXP boots, which did not breathe at all - resulting in my feet feeling like they were stuck in a microwave oven. My feet did get wet during a heavy downpour, although I have experienced this with every 'waterproof' boot that I have owned. My only real complaint with this boot is that the out-sole started to peel off the mid-sole after only about 15 miles of hiking (see picture). I was able to use Shoe Goo to repair the sole, but now it is peeling off in a different spot, which is very annoying. Overall, I would highly recommend these boots for their comfort and functionality; however, I would caution potential buyers that the durability of the soles is questionable.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Yes , I recommend this product
RVincit
First Real Hiking Boot
3 years ago
I've always been accustomed to trekking in trail sneakers. Still, I jumped over to a genuine hiking boot as my outdoor endeavors grew. Watched plenty of reviews but settled on this one, and I don't regret it. This pair of boots has served me well on the technical rock scrambles I've put them through and many miles of regular hiking. I am a slim 5'7 male with a narrow foot, and I enjoy the wide toe box I never knew I needed! If you are looking for arch support, you will not find it in these boots. The insole contains the text "Arch Support," which is artistically designed in an arch, but that's about as far as the support goes (quite laughable). If you require serious arch support, I recommend custom or store bought insoles (custom here). Always go a half size up to accommodate swelling of the feet and so your toes don't jam into the front when going down hill.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
Alex
Received free product
Farmington, CT
Rugged and Comfortable
4 years ago
My overall impression of these boots is that they are great. I've had them for two weeks now and I've taken them on multiple walks, a couple winter hikes and I wore them as my daily driver. I can't speak to long-term durability, but I get the impression that these will last. Fit: These boots fit true to size for me (Size 10.5 in Mens'). I was worried when I didn't order a size up, like I would for some boots, but those worries amounted to nothing. These fit great out of the box with a thin wool sock. There is mild-to moderate amount of arch in these, which fatigued my very flat feet a bit, but I got used to it in a week and I don't think this would bother most people. The laces don't really seem long enough for the shoe, tying the boots tight seems to introduce more pressure points than I would think normal for a boot, but if you keep them loose there are no issues, you just might run out of lace. Overall the boot hugs your foot snugly but comfortably with no chafing that I could feel. The boot also flexes comfortably and isn't too stiff out of the box. The "bellows flex" accordion style insert in the middle of the shoe seems to prevent that painful bend of material (common in some leather boots in my experience ) that can dig into your foot when you bend the boot by standing on the tips of your toes. Finish: In my opinion, the boot just looks nice, if a little unoriginal. The water proofing sheds water nicely and the stitching looks strong. Almost every seam that can fail is box stitched or double stitched. The boot is pretty light as well at 1 Lb 4.2 oz per shoe (on my scale) but doesn't feel like it is going to fall apart after a season. I don't know if this is real leather or something faux, but it feels real and it feels strong. The lugs in the sole are deep and I didn't notice any real wear in the soles over the last few weeks. Experiences: It's the winter now and I walked in these on roads, to ice and snow and water and loose gravel. These aren't winter boots, but they did a great job of keeping my feet warm, without being too hot. Water just slid right off these like nothing and the grip in the snow and gravel was fantastic. Real smooth surfaces like black ice were an issue, but anything you'd find in the season you're supposed to use these in (summer hikes) should be no issue. Final thoughts: I really like the boot, and while I can't speak to the long term quality, I am happy with what I am seeing and feeling and I really look forward to putting more miles in these. I think most people would be pretty happy with these boots.
Age:25–34
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Yes , I recommend this product
GoFullNomad
3rd Pair where the Flex Rips after 3 months
2 years ago
I love Keen boots and I wear them all over the world. I liked this boot because it had zero break-in time but I will be returning them AGAIN today. I have had this pair for 3 months and I have hiked between 7-8 miles every day. Some on easy trails and most recently to EBC. This pair like the previous two pairs have developed a tear in the flex ridge. I contacted Keen and they advised me to continue to return them but I think I will look for a different model this time.
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 8
No, I do not recommend this product
KWall
Atlanta
Not as durable as expected.
2 years ago
Started wearing boots 7 months ago. Rubber is coming detached from leather.
Age:45–54
Height:6'0"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
No, I do not recommend this product
mancinna
Received free product
Denver, CO
Comfortable and Durable for All Weather Conditions
4 years ago
These boots were comfortable and ready for the trails straight out of the box. The toe box is classic Keen style with plenty of room. I got these right before a winter storm in CO so my experience wearing them on a couple hikes in the mountains on snow packed trails. Plenty of room for winter hiking socks, kept my feet warm and dry. I especially like the new design with rubber, flexible material on key areas of the boot where there is much bending which seems to create more flexibility and less "breaking in" process for more traditional all leather boots. I also wore these boots to shovel snow and wear around town. I felt like they were comfortable to wear all day during work and kept my feet at a cool temperature. I look forward to wearing these boots for backpacking and hiking trips this summer!
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 8
Yes , I recommend this product
Ari A.
Most comfortable hiking boot I've owned
3 years ago
The wider toe box in the Keens always makes them more comfortable for me but Keen outdid itself with these boots. The new bellows in the center really help with flex when on the trail, and the additional padding and cushioning throughout make these some of the most comfortable hikers I've ever owned. The solid lacing system, great traction, and waterproof qualities are nice. Assuming I eventually wear these out as I do all of my hikers, this will be the first pair I look to buy again. :camera:: Me capturing video on the Torreya Challenge Trail in Florida's Torreya State Park. Hurricane Michael coming through in 2018 made it even more challenging.
Originally posted on KEEN
Saitama
Seattle, WA
Doesn’t last
3 years ago
I specifically got this for the ridge flex since that’s where most of my hiking shoes break after a few years. This one barely made it past 6 months before the Ridge Flex started ripping. I guess it was a gimmick.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
No, I do not recommend this product
Gavin
Comfy but not durable. Came apart after 70 miles.
2 years ago
The REI employee recommended these shoes to me. I have to say they looked a little flimsy to me at first and I was skeptical, rightfully so. I took them on three 8ish miles day hikes and I could not believe how light and comfortable they were. I then took them on a pretty intense 4 day 45-mile backpacking trip. By day 3 the rubber just below the laces started to come apart and they were no longer waterproof. I took them back to REI and got a full refund. If you are doing short day hikes I think they are fine but if you need something tough that will hold up over multiple backpacking trips I would not buy them.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11
No, I do not recommend this product
Kris
Boiling Springs, PA
Great boot, but one big problem
2 years ago
These boots feel amazing and I love hiking in them. However, the flex material above the toes started to crack (see attached image) about a year after I purchased them. I have not used them that much, maybe 100 miles of hiking and was expecting them to hold up a little better. Very disappointed.
Age:35–44
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
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