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Keen Ridge Flex Waterproof Hiking Boots review | Trek and

Whether you’re planning the trip of a lifetime to Norway’s Loføten Islands or just hoping to get the whole family out into nature this weekend, our Targhee boot collection gives you the support, durability, and comfortable fit you’ll need.

Specifications

There was some initial discomfort in the instep area when the laces were tightened. Slight loosening helped and eventually this discomfort disappeared.

Keen Ridge Flex boots | LFTO - live for the outdoors First look: Keen Ridge Flex boots | LFTO - live for the outdoors

The leather in the boots is from a Leather Working Group ethical source, and the durable water repellent treatment is PFC free. The Keen Ridge Flex also have a natural eco odour-control treatment. The replacement pair have lasted just under 6 months before water ingress started to occur again. This time apparently through splits in the treads on the sole. Its innovative and unique (as far as I know) feature is the Keen Bellows Flex section at the base of the laced part of the boot, which is a rubberised area linking the forefoot with the ankle section of the boot, at the point where it flexes during walking. There’s also a narrow bellows strip at the base of the ankle cuff. Maybe I have a pair that has a defective peice of FLEX rubber in them..?. You do mention in your review that it is worringly thin, and that also crossed my mind when they arrived.. This comfortable boot is a great choice for hikers who desire an easy to use boot with no breaking in period, or for those who have wider feet and desire a wider fit. The innovative Keen.Bellows Flex makes it easier to flex this boot, making them something to consider for longer trail-based adventures. What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

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The Bellows.Flex technology that features on the Ridge Flex and its sibling, the Tempo Flex, came as a result of Keen’s desire to make a boot that enables the user to use less energy when walking. Keen figured that quite a lot of energy is used when your heel lifts and the front of the boot flexes, and that over a period of a few hours this energy adds up considerably. Making the boot flex more easily at the forefoot would save a lot of this energy, but how to do it? Although the panels are obvious from the outside, there’s no sensation of anything being different on the inside. There are no hard spots or unusual materials to feel uncomfortable on the foot; they feel like any pair of boots. That is, until you start to walk in them. Because you’re not fighting against the boot’s material each step feels smoother. KEEN claims that the Ridge Flex boots with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX require 60% less energy to bend than similar boots. This is a difficult thing to quantify, but they certainly feel much easier to walk in than other brand-new-out-of-the-box boots. Keen says the boots have ‘million flex goodness’, which I calculate equates to about 1,500km or 932 miles, which will get you from John O’Groats to Land’s End, with a bit to spare. Fresh fact: Worried that those warm temps could result in stinky feet? Don’t sweat it! Targhee Vent boots are made with a breathable mesh lining and infused with pesticide-free Eco Anti-Odor that uses probiotic technology to naturally control odor. This heavy but nimble boot comes with a recommendation from Peter Macfarlane in his winter 2022/3 tests. Find out why.

KEEN-parison: Which Targhee Hiking Boot? - KEEN Footwear KEEN-parison: Which Targhee Hiking Boot? - KEEN Footwear

Fit tip: If you’re looking for a more traditional fit, you may prefer the Targhee II. Compared to the Targhee III, it has a slightly elevated heel more like a classic hiker.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. Our men’s and women’s Targhee III boots have all the trail-hugging traction and KEEN.DRY waterproof goodness of our Targhee II boot, but with a slightly sleeker outsole and a more casual fit. What does that mean for your feet? It means it fits more like a sneaker, with a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole that lets you feel the trail. No need to drive to the trailhead in different shoes, you’ll be able to feel the pedals no problem! There was certainly no digging in of the flex point to the foot, which has been a problem with some boots in the past. I had some experience with Keen boots in the past and knew of the quality of their other waterproof boots. In particular the Anchorage pattern and the non waterproof Targhee series. Knowing that the soles held up well and if anything, they tended to make the feet almost too warm for office or stationary work. This wasn’t going to be an issue with me knowing the new boots intended use and field conditions. Since I knew a fair amount about the brand it made part of the selection process easier. Peter Macfarlane recommends this winter boot after rigorous testing - but he has one single bugbear.

Keen Ridge Flex WP Women - idealo Keen Ridge Flex WP Women - idealo

We even took the time to watch and document the lacing and tying support system of the Keen Ridge Flex. I am happy to report that none of the eyelets, hooks, straps or stitching have frayed or failed. Each time I lace these up for a hike or a day on my feet, I have complete confidence that my foot will stay securely where I intend it to be. Underfoot cushioning is good too, thanks to both a moulded EVA midsole and an insole with a generous helping of foam, particularly at the heel.

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Some might say the ideal hiking boot is one you don’t think about. Just a piece of gear. A tool used to reach an overlook or summit. Here at KEEN, we think that boots are more than that. A hiking boot is your connection to the outdoors. A means of getting out there, savoring the trail, enjoying this big beautiful ball we call planet Earth. In terms of niggles, the only issue we’ve had so far was some slight fiddliness when lacing the boots up, as the top two pairs of eyelets are located very closely together. We suspect that the eyelets have been positioned as they are to allow a really secure fit of the boot’s ankle cuffs around the ankles, so despite it taking a second or two longer to tie the laces that we’d have liked (so impatient to get out on the trail as we are!), it’s definitely worth it for the extra secure fit you get as a result.