The NXIS Evo boots have a speed-lace webbing system with top collar hooks for a comfortably snug fit. Toe box The two key things to prioritise when hunting for the best hiking boot for you: findingthe right boot style for the activity and getting a really good fit for your individual foot shape. The fit will vary by brand and style of boot, with some coming up much narrower (or broader) in the midfoot than others.

The boots’ first outing was a cold February day out on Dartmoor. I was able to wear the boots straight out of the box with no rubbing or hot spots on my feet. The boots proved extremely comfortable – you can really feel the cushioning in the sole – and they genuinely feel light and flexible enough to run in. Despite the room for my toes (likely too much space if you have narrow feet) my heel was held comfortably and there was no heel rubbing on steep ascents. Performance Unfortunately our testing period for NXIS EVO has been right throughout winter, so we can’t comment too much on the breathability. We certainly haven’t had any issues on that front though and, given the amount of mesh across the upper, we’d be very surprised if clamminess was an issue with these.

Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Boots: The stats

Do you remember that pair of shoes you had as a kid that made you feel like a superhero? Maybe that was just me, but I very definitely remember having a pair of high-topped trainers that made me feel like I could run at the speed of light. I’d pull them on, lace them up, and I was The Flash. Or Superman. Or, at the very least, Linford Christie. I’m 43 now, and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that ‘magic shoe’ phenomenon, but I was reminded of it when I first tried on the new NXIS EVO mid boots from KEEN. There’s no mistaking this for anything other than a KEEN boot; the DNA is obvious. But aside from the spaced toe box, the attention to design detail and (sorry, I’m going to have to use that phrase again) the straight-outta-the-box slipper-like comfort, there’s plenty about the NXIS EVO that’s unlike any other KEEN shoe I’ve worn. It doesn’t quite make me feel like The Flash, or Superman, or Linford Christie, but it does offer a spring to my step that makes me feel that the miles will just breeze under my soles. Five things you need to know about the Keen NXIS EVO Mid WP lightweight hiking boot Unrivalled comfort

Looking at competitors, we’d be remiss not to include KEEN’s Targhee III WP Mid, which served as the inspiration for the NXIS EVO. However, it’s important to note that the two have very different intentions: While the NXIS EVO prioritizes weight above all else, the Targhee is a slightly lighter take on a traditional hiking boot. The leather upper and sturdy outsole aren’t particularly streamlined, but advantages include better stability over rough terrain, great long-term durability, and impressive all-around protection. The Targhee also boasts good out-of-the-box comfort thanks to its wide toe box (similar to the NXIS EVO) and softer materials underfoot. For just a few ounces more, we think most hikers will still prefer the Targhee. The first and perhaps most obvious thing to say is that they are ridiculously comfortable. I don’t think I’ve written a review of KEEN footwear without using the phrase ’slipper-like comfort’ to describe how unusually un- hiking-boot-like their shoes feel on your feet. So it was reassuring, if not surprising, to discover that the NXIS EVOs continue that heritage. It’s not always easy to balance this level of comfort with the kind of protection you need from a versatile hiking boot, and while KEEN have certainly managed to do just that hugely successfully in the past, this new boot takes it to a new level. KEEN boots are consistently high on quality, and the NXIS EVO is no exception. Despite their lightweight build, the boots feel relatively uncompromised: The front of the foot is protected by a burly toe cap that guards against direct hits, while the upper is made of tightly woven mesh that’s highly abrasion-resistant and protected by generous TPU overlays. All of the smaller components are equally well sorted, including high-quality laces and metal eyelets that are holding up well thus far. I’ll follow up here as I continue testing, but all signs are positive that they’ll have a long and healthy lifespan—which isn’t always the case with hiking boots this light. I thought I’d ease myself into this test, opting for a pretty gentle dog walk at first. Nothing too heavy, just a stride around the local woods on reasonably flat ground in the Plain of Vic, Catalunya. The insole is particularly comfortable and seems to hug the sole of the foot, whilst also offering excellent underfoot comfort. The Keen NXIS is a fairly stiff shoe, with a solid outsole. The upper is also pretty stiff, too, with a robust and durable layered mesh, plus plenty of protection thanks to an oversized toe cap and a rand at the forefoot and the heel. The tread is sufficient for trails and paths but it has only 4mm lugs, so these shoes do not offer the best traction in mud or on steep and wet slopes.On test, we did discover some downsides, including minimal cushioning and a narrow fit, which won’t suit everyone (especially if you have wide feet or just prefer a roomy toe box). Also, the fabric uppers aren’t the warmest, and though the Gore-Tex lining provides a little insulation, you still need to guard against numb toes. No terrain is the same (NXIS). Meet the light and fast version of Keen's bestselling hiker. The Nxis Evo has the same room-for-your-toes comfort, protection, and stability of Keen's iconic hiker with a running shoe feel including a waterproof, engineered knit upper and all-terrain tread. They are lightweight, nimble, 100% waterproof and a super comfy cushioned sole. What I don’t love so much about the Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Boots Features of the Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Boots Uppers Made from KEEN.DRY, the waterproof, breathable membrane lets vapour out without letting water in. The upper is PFC-free and seems to be durable, so far. Despite being inspired by a traditional leather boot, the NXIS EVO has a very sleek and modern design.