Plus, despite their bold styling, I actually really love how they look. They’re my go-to shoe for rainy days about town. What I don’t love so much about them I would recommend choosing the more robust and durable looking Ridge Flex boots for rougher and more mountainous terrain where you are more likely to face abrasion of the boots, both uppers and soles. We’d certainly recommend trying these out before you buy (as with any boot), since although the Keen fit does suit a lot of people it won’t suit everyone – however, aside from this we have no reservations recommending the Ridge Flex as an excellent choice of hiking boot, whether hillwalking in the UK or trekking overseas. These boots are true to size, unlike the Keen Targhee shoes which come up big for their size. If you’re after the super spacious toe box usually associated with Keen footwear then you won’t get it with the Tempo Flex boots. They’re certainly not cramped or narrow, just not wide across the toe. What I love the most about the Keen Tempo Flex WP Hiking Boots Certain KEEN Utility work boots offer safety features, such as aluminum or steel toe options, and electrical hazard (EH) resistant outsoles. For instance, our popular women's Seattle 6-inch boots featurea waterproof leather upper, lightweight aluminum toe, and 90-degree heel. The Detroit XT boot offers a steel toe with a lower profile for lighter-duty days. The KEEN Comfort Difference

KEEN are never the narrowest of fits but that doesn’t really affect performance and if you have a wide foot you’ll love the shape of the boot. Y’know what these hiking boots need – to be more like an accordion”. Said no-one ever. But, as it happens, that is exactly what outdoors footwear requires. Oregon-based brand Keen claims to have “created the most efficient hiking boot on the market” by adding an accordion-style TPU insert at the forefoot. Like the ridged bellows of an accordion, which expand and contract with the player’s musical manoeuvres, this TPU insert flexes with a hiker’s every step. The result is supposedly twofold: more energy efficient walking and a more durable boot. The KEEN Tempo Flex boots are effortless to wear – they are lightweight and comfortable right form the start. The Tempo Flex WP is an easy boot to like. It offers a generous and comfortable fit. The Flex section does indeed make the footwear feel less stiff. I prefer a boot that easily flexes, so I usually choose one made from fabric rather than leather. Our popular Elena boots now comein a variety of colors and heights, from the new chelsea-style ankle boot, to a textile-accented classic boot. Go neutral with earth tones, or choose a pop of color to accent your look. Every Elena boot is weatherproof without being bulky—and they’re so comfortable we’ve started calling them our “sneaker boots.”When the foot is in motion the forefoot compresses, which when combined with overlaying materials typically used in conventional boot construction, creates flex points that not only consume energy, but also can lead to premature failure of boots in this area”, explains Selim Say, product line manager at Keen. “The addition of the accordion-like Keen Bellows Flex technology to this critical area enables hikers to move with less effort, leading to easier days on the trail and many more miles of comfortable performance during outdoor adventures.” For the likes of everyday hikers, like me, this sort of comparison would take some serious testing and analysing. So, we’ll just have to take Keen’s word for it! However, my first day hike in them was supremely enjoyable and I really did feel like I was wearing sneakers or trail running shoes and not heavy and cumbersome hiking boots. There were no surprises from the Ridge Flex during testing, with the fit and general feel of the boot being very familiar to us due to previous models that we’ve tested, such as the Targhee and Karraig. Although it’s a well-made boot that’ll stand up to rough trails and general abuse, the walking action is very easy due to the quite soft nature of the sole unit allied to the bellows flex feature. While we couldn’t put a precise number on the energy-saving properties of the bellows flex (let alone the 60% Keen claim) – we can confirm that the Ridge Flex feels light, comfortable and eminently capable of keeping your feet in good shape even after many hours of walking. Things we like about the boot include the well-padded ankle cuffs, which provide not just comfort but excellent support, especially when walking on uneven ground or going downhill. The midsole offers good cushioning, but not so much that you lose the feel of the terrain under foot.

If any of the above resonates with you and your hiking needs, then the Keen Tempo Flex Hiking Boots are the perfect sneaker hiking boots that offer much more than just a comfortable and stylish boot for all your walking needs.

KEEN Women’s Boots Materials

The best part about the KEEN.DRY membrane is that you won’t notice it until you need it. It’s so thin and breathable that you get the benefits of waterproofing without feeling like you’re wearing rubber rain boots or bulky snow boots. Secondly, this style of hiking boot is usually incredibly comfortable and lightweight. Excellent if you want to move fast on the trail but also a strong choice for those who may struggle with breaking in more traditional boots. What if a hiking boot could move with you? Like really move with you. We took our proven hybrid hiker-trainer platform and added our new KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology for a men's waterproof, lightweight hiker that flexes where you do. What if every step in your hikers could feel easier? That’s the magic of KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX, our latest hiking boot technology that reduces the energy each step takes with built-in flex that bends where boots wear most. So which KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX boot or sneaker is best for you? “Happy (and Dry) Feet”

Of course, waterproofing shouldn’t be reserved for the burliest trail boots. After all, city life can be just as demanding, especially in the winter. That’s why we have a selection of cozy, waterproof women’s boots in a variety of styles meant to elevate any outfit—even on the most dreary days. Their first outing was an 8-mile hike and they were a dream. I didn’t even wear them around the house before-hand. So if you’re after out-of-box comfort that actually does what it says on the box, then these are a winner. Grip When flex-tested against similar boots in the hiking category, the Ridge Flex with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX in the forefoot and heel required 60% less energy to bend, resulting in a more efficient stride that feels easier. Great for those who want to go farther. Available in men’s and women’s sizing as a waterproof hiking shoe or waterproof hiking boot. Tempo Flex Hiker Sneakers FIT & COMFORT: Breathable textile upper with TPU overlays offers all-day comfort ; The removable, PU insole and injected EVA midsole for provides excellent arch support and lightweight feel; Speed-lace system for a comfortable snug fit; Contoured fit follows the foot’s contours for a more secure fitI think these boots are better for general lower level walks, such as taking the dog out in local fields, walking on the beach, in woodlands and on country paths.