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
I'm sorry to hear that Hans! I've used mine a LOT (hiking and backpacking mostly, but some scrambling too) and they're still in great shape – no tears or anything coming apart. I wonder if the men's ones aren't made the same?? But that would be weird. hope they replaced them for you!
I've been really happy with my Durands and they're still in great shape after over 2 years of frequent hiking and backpacking.
I brought a pair Durand Mid WP for walking the dog so worn daily, the first pair were really comfortable straight out the box but the right boot started leaking through the material on the top and to the rear of the toe, I submitted a claim and was asked to do a leak test and video it which I did and I received a full refund….. great customer service.
I really liked the Durand Mid WP comfort that I used my refund to buy another pair hoping lightning won't strike twice…. well the 2nd pair has lasted just over 10months and now the stiching on the sides and to the rear of the toe cap on both boots has failed/split and the right boot again leaks …… waiting for a reply from customer services for another claim.
Just a note, I noticed that the Durand Mid WP has dropped from around £130 down to £77…… are Keen having a lot of failures with the Durand Mid WP and getting rid?
I would pick the KEEN MEN'S DURAND LOW WP
I want them. I have a wider foot as well.
i'd get the women's winthrop II wp
I would order the KEEN WOMEN'S HOODOO III MID BOOT in Cascade Brown/Sangria becasue I'm in desperate need of new winter boots
I would get the KEEN Women's Oakridge Polar Waterproof Boot
I would pick the women's morrison mid.
billiondollarprincesss at hotmail dot com
If I won I'd choose the KEEN WOMEN'S WINTHROP II WP
Liberty Ridge or Durand Polar WP. My old hiking boots are almost needing to be retired and I dont have winter boots so stuck between the two
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