When you hike in the mountains, high quality waterproof hiking boots are essential. You cannot afford to get wet, cold feet when it drops below zero at night (typical in the Canadian Rockies in summer)! My preference is for textile and leather boots that are lightweight, comfortable, and don’t require breaking in or TLC.
Of the several hiking boots I’ve tried, the KEEN Durands really shine. After 14 months of hikes, scrambles and backpacking trips, my Durands are still comfortable and waterproof! Read on to see what I love about them!
Disclosure: KEEN Canada generously provided me with these boots and sponsored the giveaway, but all words and opinions are my own.
What I Like
The Durand Mid WP Hiking Boots are comfortable, waterproof, low maintenance, and can be worn right out of the box (no break in period). These are the main advantages of mesh and leather boots. While this type of boot isn’t as durable as all leather, in my opinion, the advantages make up for the shorter lifespan. Hiking is so much more fun when you have comfortable, breathable, waterproof footwear that doesn’t give you blisters!
KEEN’s proprietary waterproof breathable membrane (KEEN.Dry), works extremely well to let feet breathe while keeping water out. My feet have stayed dry on creek crossings, in slush and snow, as well as in thunderstorms on multi-day trips. This means feet stay dry and you don’t get blisters. They have performed as well as my boots with Gore-tex booties! Further, the waterproofing has lasted longer than a year despite me not taking good care of my boots (ideally you should clean mud/dirt off the uppers but with kids, I’ve gotten lazy)! KEEN actually guarantees the waterproofing for two years!
My KEEN Durands in the snow at Mount Yamnuska |
The mid rise (slightly above the ankle) is perfect for hiking and short backpacking trips. Being a little taller means the boots provide ankle support and better protection from scree and pine needles, though I usually wear gaiters if I know there will be a lot of mud or scree.
The outsole made of dual compound rubber and KEEN PU “resists breakdown and compression, while preserving its shock-absorbing qualities no matter how many miles you put on them.” After the all the miles I’ve put on mine, the soles haven’t worn away at all! The flexibility of the soles is perfect for day hiking and short backpacking trips.
KEEN Durands at Lake Agnes |
Best of all, when I wear these boots, my feet don’t hurt. I have a bunch of issues with my feet (developing bunions, plantar fasciitis) and pronate, so I need to choose footwear that provides support and ample cushioning. The contoured heel lock and metatomical footbed help keep my feet in place to avoid hot spots and blisters, though the width of the toebox means I have to be diligent in lacing them up tight; more on that below. These boots were true to size for me (my feet are slightly wider than average), but according to the KEEN website, many people had to order a half size bigger.
Quality construction means the boots are very durable. Despite heavy use, the uppers and soles are still like new (if you look past the facade of dirt). The waterproof-breathable mesh layer is well protected by all the leather on the uppers. I foresee a few more years of adventuring in these boots!
KEEN Durands at Grassi Lakes |
What I’d Like to See
I’d love to see the KEEN Durand Mid WP Boots offered in different widths, as the toe box is a bit wide for me. I was able to avoid blisters by doing the laces up tight (except for that one backpacking trip where we did 2 passes in one day and I forgot to tighten them on the descents), but feel clumsy downclimbing in them. A narrower toe box would make for better footholds when scrambling.
Features/Specifications
For a complete list of features and specs, visit KEEN Canada.
Final Verdict
The KEEN Durand Mid WP Hiking Boots are great for dayhikes and short backpacking trips in moderate terrain (for folks with average to wider feet). The rugged design and dependable waterproofing of the KEEN Durands means you will be ready for anything on your adventures!
KEEN Durands at Floe Lake Campground |
Where to Buy
KEEN Durand Mid WP Hiking Boots Available on Amazon (affiliate link) |
Giveaway
Good luck!
37 comments
Would love to win just based on your review alone..I've never had an actual pair of hiking boots and I need to get out and explore my province of Nova Scotia! ❤️
Nice! Anyone tried these on? Are they the typical wide Keen fit?
I love Keens and for the past number of years always wore my Presidios for work. If I won I would choose the Liberty Ridge as I am in need of a new pair of hiking boots. My keen hikers are definitely on their last legs after many miles have been put on them!
I like the 59 chukka boot
Probably the durands!
I would love these boots http://m.keenfootwear.com/en-ca/product/shoes/women/bern-baby-wide-calf
I'd love another pair of Elsa boots
Looking for a new pair of day hiking boots so these would be perfect!
I'd love to add a pair of the new Terradora's to my Keen wardrobe 🙂
these sound great! i have a weird shaped foot, but i'd love to try the new Terradora.
I would have thought I'd replace my old Targhees, which I just had to throw out as the fell apart properly on the weekend. But now I really want some Terradoras!
I'd love a pair of Keen Durand Mid WP great shoes for hiking with the pup in that dreary rainy slushy weather we get in Vancouver 3/4'a of three year ?
Great review! We love keens in this house!
Great review! I'm super interested in hearing about the Terradora's … Will they hold up to scree? 😉
My kids love Keens. It would be awesome to try some. Love this blog!
Those Uneek sandals look very interesting – I think I'd choose those
Great review. I'm even in the market for a new pair of hiking boots, so this contest couldn't have come at a better time! Fingers crossed!
The Durands are my favourite boots, they're super comfy and rugged. My only complaint is that I can't wear them to the office ��
I've got a paor of hiking shoes, but would love to win something like the women's revel III boot!
*pair
Waterproof AND built for wider feet? Features like those are a perfect match for me ��
My husband and I plan on going to Thousand Islands National Park this summer(our Parks Canada passes came in the mail the other day ☺) to do some hiking. A pair of hiking boots would be awesome.
I could definitely use a pair of waterproof mid height hiking boots and – living in Oakridge – I think I'd try out the KEEN WOMEN'S OAKRIDGE WATERPROOF BOOT!
If we won it would be a toss up: Little Kids Jasper shoe OR Seacamp sandals for the summer
yea for having a wider toe box. 🙂 I had to get rid of my last pair of hikers – family was strongly complaining of the smell – so to win a new pair would be fantastic.
Great review. I really do need to try Keens. Would love to win a pair 🙂
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