KEEN  NXIS EVO Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Men's

I was pleasantly surprised with this boot! I have never owned Keen hiking boots before, so it was an all around new experience to me. They are well built, light, and offer a lot of functionality. First let's start with all of the good stuff: -I took these out on a few casual hikes, and one with more challenging terrain and a day pack. They are definitely the lightest hiking boots I have worn, and that alone meant my legs felt pretty great after hiking. -These DO indeed feel like more of a sneaker or running shoe, and going over gravel, small roots, and on dirt, was a breeze. -I didn't have too many water crossings, but did intentionally go through some shallow water to see how the waterproofing held up. No leaks! Also no definitely no outer absorption due to the breathable mesh--a problem I have experienced on waterproof leather boots. - The tread offers good grip, and does not get mud or pebbles easily stuck in the lugs. - I did like the way the laces and stretch KonnectFit system felt when bending my ankle more on certain obstacles I have only two small concerns, one of which only time will answer. - There is something about these that just doesn't feel quite as stable underfoot and around the foot for larger rocks, big roots, etc. as other "heavier" boots I have owned. I don't know if it is due to the light weight, construction, or some other factor, but there were a couple of times where I felt there was TOO much feeling of the trail through to my foot. Never painful, my ankles didn't roll or anything like that, it was just noticeable. - Durability? With the outer material being mesh, and the elastic of the KonnectFit system, I do wonder how well these would do on rockier trails with jagged obstacles. They are fine after a few wears, so hope to see what several more hikes will do to them. Overall, a good boot for someone that wants to move quickly with a light feel, and tackle trails up to a solid moderate level!

I'm a longtime Keen wearer, and had no idea about this boot beforehand. I prefer faster lighter mid-height boots in all conditions and weather. Weight is 460 grams and 470 grams for a men's 10.5. Conditions ranged from frozen ruts and powdered sugar snow to late-day melt, mud and pavement. I'll cut to the chase: this pair of Keens is easily my least favorite hiking/trail boot or shoe in recent memory. Where do I start.... The laces regularly came undone no matter how tight or loose or pattern. Only double knots kept them together all hike. Coming from the likes of a Merrell Moab hiker which stays tied from beginning to end, these were a small pain to deal with. Maybe a shoelace lock would be an answer. The insole is too thick and squishy and makes the toebox restrictive even with thin Smartwools. I believe they made it thicker and spongier because the boot is very uncomfortable in the forefoot. Replaced with my usual Superfeet (black) it opened up the toebox tremendously and allowed a midweight Smartwool sock to help with the boot's discomfort. At least 25% of testing was with the Keen supplied insole, and I could not wait to rip them out. The "heel lock" seems gimmicky. It's high up in the Achille's, and has no bearing on locking in the heel. The yellow protrusion aka "heel lock" collects debris from the very shallow V-cut in the boot if you wear a shorter or jogger/tapered style pant; it's a funnel for everything to fall into the boot. And because of the aforementioned lace issue the top of the boot would lose its tight closure. Solution: double-knot the lace and always wear longer pants. Lateral support is minimal. Closer to a shoe than a mid height, and I wasn't doing a lot of steep off camber trails. What did I like about the boots? The melt, mud and collected snow never seeped in. I'm more of a mesh and merino type or a treated leather wearer, and temps were averaging freezing so I had no issues with hot feet, but I am sensitive to swelling with waterproof aka not very breathable products. Maybe the full boot version is the answer to my minor peeves. I found the mid to be a slow boot, if that makes sense. It's not springy, there's no perceived rebound and energetic spring with the lugs. My heart rate and perceived effort and fatigue level after training were always higher with this boot. It's not a fast trail hiker nor a very confidence inspiring all-day option, at least for me. If the full boot had deeper lugs it would not only help with traction but maybe add comfort and lateral support. I know this would take away any marketed or perceived "fast light hiker", but you can't be everything to everyone. Skip the mid, go for the full boot or shoe, throw in your favorite insole, and double knot. Or simply buy another waterproof boot if you really need waterproof footwear.