Georgia Trail Riders Forum
MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: clark123456 on July 05, 2015, 09:22:20 PM
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I needed to retread my feet since my BassPro Red Head hiking boots are biting the dust after two years of use when wheeling.
I tried on all of the hiking boots in my general size range from Merrell, Vasque, Asolo, Keen, and Lowa at REI, Cabelas, and Abba Dabbas. The only ones that fit comfortably were the Keen (in multiple styles), so I grabbed a couple of styles to wear around the house to decide which to keep. I was wearing a sock liner and wool socks.
Are Keen worth keeping, or should I return them and continue my search? Cost is of no concern; I want comfort and durability/quality, in that order. The biggest issues I see is that Keen does not use GoreTex for waterproofing and they don't use Vibram for the soles; they have their own stuff for both. Any quality issues to be concerned about? For you skinny boys, imagine you were carrying a very heavy pack (hundred+ lbs) if you're going to get technical!
Typical Google search results ..they suck and they're awesome!
Seriously, thanks.
Clark
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I have a set of keen hiking boots and they are a little over a year old and so far so good.
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I bought a pair of Keen on the used rack at an REI sale. Weird I know. But they are very comfortable and I'm not in the skinny-guy category. I haven't had them long enough to comment on durability...
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I wouldn't buy a pair of non-waterproof boots for hiking. Otherwise comfort/fit is the main criterium. My last two pairs have been Timberland (bought at Bennie's).
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Are Keen worth keeping, or should I return them and continue my search? Cost is of no concern; I want comfort and durability/quality, in that order. The biggest issues I see is that Keen does not use GoreTex for waterproofing and they don't use Vibram for the soles; they have their own stuff for both. Any quality issues to be concerned about? For you skinny boys, imagine you were carrying a very heavy pack (hundred+ lbs) if you're going to get technical!
Typical Google search results ..they suck and they're awesome!
Seriously, thanks.
Clark
My Keen's have kept my feet dry in lots of rain and mud so I would say that their waterproofing is good, even though it may not be GoreTex.
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Are Keen worth keeping, or should I return them and continue my search? Cost is of no concern; I want comfort and durability/quality, in that order. The biggest issues I see is that Keen does not use GoreTex for waterproofing and they don't use Vibram for the soles; they have their own stuff for both. Any quality issues to be concerned about? For you skinny boys, imagine you were carrying a very heavy pack (hundred+ lbs) if you're going to get technical!
Typical Google search results ..they suck and they're awesome!
Seriously, thanks.
Clark
My Keen's have kept my feet dry in lots of rain and mud so I would say that their waterproofing is good, even though it may not be GoreTex.
Good to know. I have been wearing Timberlands for years as they fit my feet well and last (almost) forever. With that being said it's time for a new pair, thanks for the reminder.
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My research indicated that you should try on the boots for comfort as even different models from the same brand could foot very different.
Based on the feedback in this thread, I will likely keep one pair (the one from REI). REI has a one year warranty, so if they fail in the first year I'll get them replaced at REI. Based on the internet's live for Vibram, I hope I don't regret it...we'll find out soon.
I didn't try on Timberlands, but I wonder if I should have since they last forever. I may look at some Tims soon.
- Carl
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I wear a pair of low cut Keen's while wheeling. Had them for at least 4 years, no problems w them at all. They are not technically waterproof but they keep my feet dry unless I submerge them over the ankle.
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Jacqie wears a low top Keen hiking that has their version if waterproofing and shoes have held up very good. I have owned several pair if there casual shoes and they are very comfortable.
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Thanks for additional votes of confidence with keen. They got well right now, so I'm just going to keep them.
- Carl
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I have a pair of Keens that I would call summer hiking shoes that are definitely not waterproof. I have to say I F'n love them. I would wear them every day if I could. I don't really do much hiking but for wheeling and RZR'ing, and just casual walking around, or any kind of recreation, I wouldn't trade them for anything. This is the first pair I have owned and I will definitely buy another pair when these are toast. I already purchased a pair of their snow boots last winter and couldn't be happier with them either.
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This is the exact pair. I got them at REI but I don't think they carry them any more.
(http://assets.academy.com/mgen/24/10244524.jpg?is=500,500)
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I wore the Keens I got from REI around the basement when attempting to clean the basement last weekend. They are generally comfortable, but my right big-toe rubbed a little. I'll take them to Harlan, but I'm bringing my old boots, just in case.
- Torg
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I wore the Keens I got from REI around the basement when attempting to clean the basement last weekend. They are generally comfortable, but my right big-toe rubbed a little. I'll take them to Harlan, but I'm bringing my old boots, just in case.
- Torg
Pics of clean basement
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Pics of clean basement
Or it didn't happen :)
This! I chose my words carefully...
- Torg
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Pics of clean basement
Or it didn't happen :)
This! I chose my words carefully...
- Torg
Well played
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Update:
I've had the Keen's on a few trail rides and I love them. Comfortable, grippy, and well designed. They are staying in great condition, which wasn't the case with my Bass Pro Redhead's.
- Torg
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I gotta do something. I had my Docs on all weekend. They are definitely meant for pavement pounding, not hiking..
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Another vote for Keen. Mine have held up really well too and they are very comfortable.
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I gotta do something. I had my Docs on all weekend. They are definitely meant for pavement pounding, not hiking..
Danny, if you have skinny feet (not wide), look at Merrill. They were too tight for me, but Keen fit that bill.
REI had the best Keen warranty policy...just bring them back within one year if they fail.
- Torg
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I gotta do something. I had my Docs on all weekend. They are definitely meant for pavement pounding, not hiking..
Danny, if you have skinny feet (not wide), look at Merrill. They were too tight for me, but Keen fit that bill.
REI had the best Keen warranty policy...just bring them back within one year if they fail.
- Torg
What is 'skinny'? A,B,C,D,E?
I don't know those letters as a reference to shoes, but in general I'm a fan of DD as a size, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for A, B, C, and D in other measurement scenarios.
I think in women's shoes they call, what I call "skinny", narrow. I usually buy "wide" shoes at GHBass.
The bottom line is that one should try on the specific shoes/boots being acquired, before buying them. I know I couldn't comfortably wear Merrill, as they were too skinny/narrow. A trip to REI and Abbadabbas should allow you to try nearly every brand and multiple models.
- Torg
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Well, after nearly 4 years of wear, the Keen's are ready to be replaced; they are tearing at the seam where the uppers meet the lowers, right at the sides of the baby toe. I have been generally happy with them, but I was talking to Wes and he said his 10 year old Merrill's are just now needing to be replaced! I am sure my weight makes it harder on my boots, but Wes said his full, single piece leathers likely makes them last longer. So I am looking for full leather uppers.
While looking online I came across "Rocky" branded boots that are fairly expensive, especially for a brand I've never heard of. They sell them at Dick's, Amazon, and many others, so I'll go try them on soon, BUT:
Have any of you owned Rocky boots before? If so, would you buy them again? Is there anything special about them?
Here's one of their styles:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190603/8fcdb214cfaa45f6d3dc57b00a731d41.jpg)
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Give redwing boots a look while you are researching. I’ve got a pair I’ve worn almost every day for the last 2.5 years on concrete and I love them.
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Give redwing boots a look while you are researching. I’ve got a pair I’ve worn almost every day for the last 2.5 years on concrete and I love them.
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How many websites a day do you visit while wearing them?
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Give redwing boots a look while you are researching. I’ve got a pair I’ve worn almost every day for the last 2.5 years on concrete and I love them.
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How many websites a day do you visit while wearing them?
Why is a male nurse even in the conversation about work boots? Aren’t these what you wear on the floor?
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(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/58858241/oh-snap.jpg)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/GEUtXcm3PGeEo/giphy.gif)
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Great feedback...thanks, guys, and Pat.
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Great feedback...thanks, guys, and Pat.
Real talk - do you have any concern over the one piece leather boots being too hot?
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Give redwing boots a look while you are researching. I’ve got a pair I’ve worn almost every day for the last 2.5 years on concrete and I love them.
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How many websites a day do you visit while wearing them?
Why is a male nurse even in the conversation about work boots? Aren’t these what you wear on the floor?
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Close, but no laces. Loafers only
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Great feedback...thanks, guys, and Pat.
Real talk - do you have any concern over the one piece leather boots being too hot?
Yeah, I do. Shane mentioned that in an out of band communicating earlier today. I may just go try on everything, buy the one that's most comfortable, and replace it in a few years if needed. I won't but bass pro Redhead again, though...They really sucked.
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Well, after nearly 4 years of wear, the Keen's are ready to be replaced; they are tearing at the seam where the uppers meet the lowers, right at the sides of the baby toe. I have been generally happy with them, but I was talking to Wes and he said his 10 year old Merrill's are just now needing to be replaced! I am sure my weight makes it harder on my boots, but Wes said his full, single piece leathers likely makes them last longer. So I am looking for full leather uppers.
While looking online I came across "Rocky" branded boots that are fairly expensive, especially for a brand I've never heard of. They sell them at Dick's, Amazon, and many others, so I'll go try them on soon, BUT:
Have any of you owned Rocky boots before? If so, would you buy them again? Is there anything special about them?
Here's one of their styles:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190603/8fcdb214cfaa45f6d3dc57b00a731d41.jpg)
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
I don't have any Rocky boots but they are pretty popular around here with Police department, Sheriff's department and both the city and county public works department. They give their folks a voucher to go purchase boots and the majority of them end up with Rocky.
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While looking at the RedWing boots...a unique tightening system popped to me:
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http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/609-red-wing-shoes/609-red-wing-mens-6-inch-boot-brown (http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/609-red-wing-shoes/609-red-wing-mens-6-inch-boot-brown)
These are what i wear. They are the widest boot redwing offers so there is plenty of toe room.
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While looking at the RedWing boots...a unique tightening system popped to me: />
I have those on my cycle shoes. Not a big fan really. Just waiting for them to pop open and not be fixable without ordering parts.
When I bought my last pair of boots breathability yet water resistant was important to me.
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I wear Rocky boots every day. I wear the 10" Service boot for work. Not the most hiker friendly but very durable. I get about two years of service out of a pair before I have to replace. I can't speak for every rocky boot but the ones I wear are comfortable and very durable.
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While looking at the RedWing boots...a unique tightening system popped to me: />
I have the BOA system on my Korkers Wading boots. Super convenient and can take some real abuse. Given that they are under water 4-6 hours at a pop and are smashed into by river rocks.
My Keen boots are the Voyager for Summer and the Targhee III for Fall and Winter. With my flat wide feet the Keen's have a bigger toe box.
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While looking at the RedWing boots...a unique tightening system popped to me: />
I have the BOA system on my Korkers Wading boots. Super convenient and can take some real abuse. Given that they are under water 4-6 hours at a pop and are smashed into by river rocks.
My Keen boots are the Voyager for Summer and the Targhee III for Fall and Winter. With my flat wide feet the Keen's have a bigger toe box.
I love a roomy toe box
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
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4 pages of shoe talk?
& 4 years. Decent boots.
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
I believe the term for a male purse is a murse.
I prefer a good back pack or satchel. But often my Fishpond cooler/Lunch box fits the bill to carry extra meds and other small items. I hate having too much in my pockets. I’m sure most of you guys that have to tote laptops use your laptop bags to that end.
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
I believe the term for a male purse is a murse.
I prefer a good back pack or satchel. But often my Fishpond cooler/Lunch box fits the bill to carry extra meds and other small items. I hate having too much in my pockets. I’m sure most of you guys that have to tote laptops use your laptop bags to that end.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190604/6f864b67cf11ad778756bf79278bca70.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
I believe the term for a male purse is a murse.
I prefer a good back pack or satchel. But often my Fishpond cooler/Lunch box fits the bill to carry extra meds and other small items. I hate having too much in my pockets. I’m sure most of you guys that have to tote laptops use your laptop bags to that end.
I prefer Filson messenger bags and Vertx slings for daily. Truck bags are larger Vertx bags or Eberlestock. Hunting/Hiking bags are Eberlestock.
@jc79 is the style guru you didn't know we had in the group. Surprised he hasn't chimed in on boots.
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
I believe the term for a male purse is a murse.
I prefer a good back pack or satchel. But often my Fishpond cooler/Lunch box fits the bill to carry extra meds and other small items. I hate having too much in my pockets. I’m sure most of you guys that have to tote laptops use your laptop bags to that end.
I prefer Filson messenger bags and Vertx slings for daily. Truck bags are larger Vertx bags or Eberlestock. Hunting/Hiking bags are Eberlestock.
@jc79 is the style guru you didn't know we had in the group. Surprised he hasn't chimed in on boots.
x2 for Eberlestock. @jc79 does have the fancy hats n stuff, that maybe what he was waiting on
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4 pages of shoe talk, are purses next?
start it off if you're so inclined lol
I believe the term for a male purse is a murse.
I prefer a good back pack or satchel. But often my Fishpond cooler/Lunch box fits the bill to carry extra meds and other small items. I hate having too much in my pockets. I’m sure most of you guys that have to tote laptops use your laptop bags to that end.
I prefer Filson messenger bags and Vertx slings for daily. Truck bags are larger Vertx bags or Eberlestock. Hunting/Hiking bags are Eberlestock.
@jc79 is the style guru you didn't know we had in the group. Surprised he hasn't chimed in on boots.
x2 for Eberlestock. @jc79 does have the fancy hats n stuff, that maybe what he was waiting on
Don't get him started on hats, shoes, and luggage unless you want some real knowledge dropped.