Last updated at 23/12/2025 22:53:15
originally posted on REI
I'm a longtime Keen wearer, and had no idea about this boot beforehand. I prefer faster lighter mid-height boots in all conditions and weather.Weight is 460 grams and 470 grams for a men's 10.5. Conditions ranged from frozen ruts and powdered sugar snow to late-day melt, mud and pavement. I'll cut to the chase: this pair of Keens is easily my least favorite hiking/trail boot or shoe in recent memory. Where do I start....The laces regularly came undone no matter how tight or loose or pattern. Only double knots kept them together all hike. Coming from the likes of a Merrell Moab hiker which stays tied from beginning to end, these were a small pain to deal with. Maybe a shoelace lock would be an answer.The insole is too thick and squishy and makes the toebox ... MoreI'm a longtime Keen wearer, and had no idea about this boot beforehand. I prefer faster lighter mid-height boots in all conditions and weather.Weight is 460 grams and 470 grams for a men's 10.5. Conditions ranged from frozen ruts and powdered sugar snow to late-day melt, mud and pavement. I'll cut to the chase: this pair of Keens is easily my least favorite hiking/trail boot or shoe in recent memory. Where do I start....The laces regularly came undone no matter how tight or loose or pattern. Only double knots kept them together all hike. Coming from the likes of a Merrell Moab hiker which stays tied from beginning to end, these were a small pain to deal with. Maybe a shoelace lock would be an answer.The insole is too thick and squishy and makes the toebox restrictive even with thin Smartwools. I believe they made it thicker and spongier because the boot is very uncomfortable in the forefoot. Replaced with my usual Superfeet (black) it opened up the toebox tremendously and allowed a midweight Smartwool sock to help with the boot's discomfort. At least 25% of testing was with the Keen supplied insole, and I could not wait to rip them out.The "heel lock" seems gimmicky. It's high up in the Achille's, and has no bearing on locking in the heel. The yellow protrusion aka "heel lock" collects debris from the very shallow V-cut in the boot if you wear a shorter or jogger/tapered style pant; it's a funnel for everything to fall into the boot. And because of the aforementioned lace issue the top of the boot would lose its tight closure. Solution: double-knot the lace and always wear longer pants.Lateral support is minimal. Closer to a shoe than a mid height, and I wasn't doing a lot of steep off camber trails.What did I like about the boots? The melt, mud and collected snow never seeped in. I'm more of a mesh and merino type or a treated leather wearer, and temps were averaging freezing so I had no issues with hot feet, but I am sensitive to swelling with waterproof aka not very breathable products.Maybe the full boot version is the answer to my minor peeves. I found the mid to be a slow boot, if that makes sense. It's not springy, there's no perceived rebound and energetic spring with the lugs. My heart rate and perceived effort and fatigue level after training were always higher with this boot. It's not a fast trail hiker nor a very confidence inspiring all-day option, at least for me. If the full boot had deeper lugs it would not only help with traction but maybe add comfort and lateral support. I know this would take away any marketed or perceived "fast light hiker", but you can't be everything to everyone. Skip the mid, go for the full boot or shoe, throw in your favorite insole, and double knot. Or simply buy another waterproof boot if you really need waterproof footwear.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
I typically wear trail shoes, so these are my first real pair of "boots". They are really lightweight and fit like sneakers as other reviews point out. There is a break in period for me, they aren't uncomfortable but a little stiff at first. This might be due to the mid height and heel lock feature, things I'm just not used to but I did appreciate while doing some light bouldering. The grip is great and makes me feel safe and confident while climbing. The fit is true to size for me, roomy toe box which I like, but with the heel lock creates a stable fit. They are breathable, no sweaty feet here. Can't speak on the waterproof ability yet.
originally posted on REI
Compared to other similar boots I've owned, these are a bit lighter -- which makes them less fatiguing on long days. The lacing system works well to keep my feet from slipping around inside the boots; there is a somewhat elaborate system designed to keep heels from slipping, but the heel retention is really no better than other boots I've worn. The construction quality seems very high, as I would expect from Keen. On the sides of the ankles, there are little pads that seem designed to protect ankles from things you might bang into on the trail -- tree roots, boulders, whatever...a nice touch!Two important notes:1) For me, the sizing is spot-on. I'm normally a US 11.5, and these boots (in that size) are a good fit. Fit through the heel and arch/mid-foot is ... MoreCompared to other similar boots I've owned, these are a bit lighter -- which makes them less fatiguing on long days. The lacing system works well to keep my feet from slipping around inside the boots; there is a somewhat elaborate system designed to keep heels from slipping, but the heel retention is really no better than other boots I've worn. The construction quality seems very high, as I would expect from Keen. On the sides of the ankles, there are little pads that seem designed to protect ankles from things you might bang into on the trail -- tree roots, boulders, whatever...a nice touch!Two important notes:1) For me, the sizing is spot-on. I'm normally a US 11.5, and these boots (in that size) are a good fit. Fit through the heel and arch/mid-foot is supportive, and the toe box is very roomy -- which should help prevent blisters.2) The waterproofing seems to work. As shown in the second photo, water just beads up, as on a well-waxed car. As an added bonus, the boots don't make my feet feel all clammy and hot, as is sometimes true of waterproof boots.Only time will tell on durability, but again, the boots seem very well-constructed. On the whole, these are now my favorite 'daily' boots for hiking and kicking around town in bad weather.
| Sole Material | Rubber |
| Shaft Height | Ankle |
| Outer Material | Synthetic |
| Inner Material | Synthetic |
I'm a longtime Keen wearer, and had no idea about this boot beforehand. I prefer faster lighter mid-height boots in all conditions and weather.Weight is 460 grams and 470 grams for a men's 10.5. Conditions ranged from frozen ruts and powdered sugar snow to late-day melt, mud and pavement. I'll cut to the chase: this pair of Keens is easily my least favorite hiking/trail boot or shoe in recent memory. Where do I start....The laces regularly came undone no matter how tight or loose or pattern. Only double knots kept them together all hike. Coming from the likes of a Merrell Moab hiker which stays tied from beginning to end, these were a small pain to deal with. Maybe a shoelace lock would be an answer.The insole is too thick and squishy and makes the toebox ... MoreI'm a longtime Keen wearer, and had no idea about this boot beforehand. I prefer faster lighter mid-height boots in all conditions and weather.Weight is 460 grams and 470 grams for a men's 10.5. Conditions ranged from frozen ruts and powdered sugar snow to late-day melt, mud and pavement. I'll cut to the chase: this pair of Keens is easily my least favorite hiking/trail boot or shoe in recent memory. Where do I start....The laces regularly came undone no matter how tight or loose or pattern. Only double knots kept them together all hike. Coming from the likes of a Merrell Moab hiker which stays tied from beginning to end, these were a small pain to deal with. Maybe a shoelace lock would be an answer.The insole is too thick and squishy and makes the toebox restrictive even with thin Smartwools. I believe they made it thicker and spongier because the boot is very uncomfortable in the forefoot. Replaced with my usual Superfeet (black) it opened up the toebox tremendously and allowed a midweight Smartwool sock to help with the boot's discomfort. At least 25% of testing was with the Keen supplied insole, and I could not wait to rip them out.The "heel lock" seems gimmicky. It's high up in the Achille's, and has no bearing on locking in the heel. The yellow protrusion aka "heel lock" collects debris from the very shallow V-cut in the boot if you wear a shorter or jogger/tapered style pant; it's a funnel for everything to fall into the boot. And because of the aforementioned lace issue the top of the boot would lose its tight closure. Solution: double-knot the lace and always wear longer pants.Lateral support is minimal. Closer to a shoe than a mid height, and I wasn't doing a lot of steep off camber trails.What did I like about the boots? The melt, mud and collected snow never seeped in. I'm more of a mesh and merino type or a treated leather wearer, and temps were averaging freezing so I had no issues with hot feet, but I am sensitive to swelling with waterproof aka not very breathable products.Maybe the full boot version is the answer to my minor peeves. I found the mid to be a slow boot, if that makes sense. It's not springy, there's no perceived rebound and energetic spring with the lugs. My heart rate and perceived effort and fatigue level after training were always higher with this boot. It's not a fast trail hiker nor a very confidence inspiring all-day option, at least for me. If the full boot had deeper lugs it would not only help with traction but maybe add comfort and lateral support. I know this would take away any marketed or perceived "fast light hiker", but you can't be everything to everyone. Skip the mid, go for the full boot or shoe, throw in your favorite insole, and double knot. Or simply buy another waterproof boot if you really need waterproof footwear.
I typically wear trail shoes, so these are my first real pair of "boots". They are really lightweight and fit like sneakers as other reviews point out. There is a break in period for me, they aren't uncomfortable but a little stiff at first. This might be due to the mid height and heel lock feature, things I'm just not used to but I did appreciate while doing some light bouldering. The grip is great and makes me feel safe and confident while climbing. The fit is true to size for me, roomy toe box which I like, but with the heel lock creates a stable fit. They are breathable, no sweaty feet here. Can't speak on the waterproof ability yet.
Compared to other similar boots I've owned, these are a bit lighter -- which makes them less fatiguing on long days. The lacing system works well to keep my feet from slipping around inside the boots; there is a somewhat elaborate system designed to keep heels from slipping, but the heel retention is really no better than other boots I've worn. The construction quality seems very high, as I would expect from Keen. On the sides of the ankles, there are little pads that seem designed to protect ankles from things you might bang into on the trail -- tree roots, boulders, whatever...a nice touch!Two important notes:1) For me, the sizing is spot-on. I'm normally a US 11.5, and these boots (in that size) are a good fit. Fit through the heel and arch/mid-foot is ... MoreCompared to other similar boots I've owned, these are a bit lighter -- which makes them less fatiguing on long days. The lacing system works well to keep my feet from slipping around inside the boots; there is a somewhat elaborate system designed to keep heels from slipping, but the heel retention is really no better than other boots I've worn. The construction quality seems very high, as I would expect from Keen. On the sides of the ankles, there are little pads that seem designed to protect ankles from things you might bang into on the trail -- tree roots, boulders, whatever...a nice touch!Two important notes:1) For me, the sizing is spot-on. I'm normally a US 11.5, and these boots (in that size) are a good fit. Fit through the heel and arch/mid-foot is supportive, and the toe box is very roomy -- which should help prevent blisters.2) The waterproofing seems to work. As shown in the second photo, water just beads up, as on a well-waxed car. As an added bonus, the boots don't make my feet feel all clammy and hot, as is sometimes true of waterproof boots.Only time will tell on durability, but again, the boots seem very well-constructed. On the whole, these are now my favorite 'daily' boots for hiking and kicking around town in bad weather.
I was pleasantly surprised with this boot! I have never owned Keen hiking boots before, so it was an all around new experience to me. They are well built, light, and offer a lot of functionality. First let's start with all of the good stuff:-I took these out on a few casual hikes, and one with more challenging terrain and a day pack. They are definitely the lightest hiking boots I have worn, and that alone meant my legs felt pretty great after hiking.-These DO indeed feel like more of a sneaker or running shoe, and going over gravel, small roots, and on dirt, was a breeze.-I didn't have too many water crossings, but did intentionally go through some shallow water to see how the waterproofing held up. No leaks! Also no definitely no outer absorption due to the ... MoreI was pleasantly surprised with this boot! I have never owned Keen hiking boots before, so it was an all around new experience to me. They are well built, light, and offer a lot of functionality. First let's start with all of the good stuff:-I took these out on a few casual hikes, and one with more challenging terrain and a day pack. They are definitely the lightest hiking boots I have worn, and that alone meant my legs felt pretty great after hiking.-These DO indeed feel like more of a sneaker or running shoe, and going over gravel, small roots, and on dirt, was a breeze.-I didn't have too many water crossings, but did intentionally go through some shallow water to see how the waterproofing held up. No leaks! Also no definitely no outer absorption due to the breathable mesh--a problem I have experienced on waterproof leather boots.- The tread offers good grip, and does not get mud or pebbles easily stuck in the lugs.- I did like the way the laces and stretch KonnectFit system felt when bending my ankle more on certain obstaclesI have only two small concerns, one of which only time will answer.- There is something about these that just doesn't feel quite as stable underfoot and around the foot for larger rocks, big roots, etc. as other "heavier" boots I have owned. I don't know if it is due to the light weight, construction, or some other factor, but there were a couple of times where I felt there was TOO much feeling of the trail through to my foot. Never painful, my ankles didn't roll or anything like that, it was just noticeable.- Durability? With the outer material being mesh, and the elastic of the KonnectFit system, I do wonder how well these would do on rockier trails with jagged obstacles. They are fine after a few wears, so hope to see what several more hikes will do to them.Overall, a good boot for someone that wants to move quickly with a light feel, and tackle trails up to a solid moderate level!
I've worn Keen hiking boots for years, but have been a little disappointed with the last few pairs I had because it seemed like the large lugs on the treads wore down or split off more quickly than they had in the past, so I was pretty happy to see the smaller lug pattern on these new NXIS EVOs. I can't attest yet to whether or not they will wear better, but I can attest to the comfort of these boots. The heel feels very secure and the ankle well supported, despite the slightly lower rise on the boot. These boots are very light and flexible, but they were also very warm on a recent 30-degree, snowy day hike. The only things I didn't like were the fact that it can be difficult to wedge your foot into the boot initially as the opening isn't very wide and the insole is ... MoreI've worn Keen hiking boots for years, but have been a little disappointed with the last few pairs I had because it seemed like the large lugs on the treads wore down or split off more quickly than they had in the past, so I was pretty happy to see the smaller lug pattern on these new NXIS EVOs. I can't attest yet to whether or not they will wear better, but I can attest to the comfort of these boots. The heel feels very secure and the ankle well supported, despite the slightly lower rise on the boot. These boots are very light and flexible, but they were also very warm on a recent 30-degree, snowy day hike. The only things I didn't like were the fact that it can be difficult to wedge your foot into the boot initially as the opening isn't very wide and the insole is hard to put back in again if you need to remove it for any reason, for example, if you sometimes need to hike with an orthotic. Otherwise, these boots are great for some fast hiking.
Over the past years I've become more uncomfortable with the narrowness of the toe-space in my now worn out Brasher and too heavy Meindl walking boots, and I've done most of my local forest walking in Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes. Unfortunately these would entail wet feet on walks in rain or off track on wet ground and I've been searching for lightweight waterproof boots to cope with rain or wet terrain hikes. Unable to find any stockist for Keen NXIS Evo boots within a day-trip's distance, I decided to order on the basis of glowing reviews.I wore them around the house few hours on a couple of days and was almost satisfied that they were OK - good toe width, just the right length, a bit loose over the mid-foot. I was waiting to try them out on a rainy day, ... MoreOver the past years I've become more uncomfortable with the narrowness of the toe-space in my now worn out Brasher and too heavy Meindl walking boots, and I've done most of my local forest walking in Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes. Unfortunately these would entail wet feet on walks in rain or off track on wet ground and I've been searching for lightweight waterproof boots to cope with rain or wet terrain hikes. Unable to find any stockist for Keen NXIS Evo boots within a day-trip's distance, I decided to order on the basis of glowing reviews.I wore them around the house few hours on a couple of days and was almost satisfied that they were OK - good toe width, just the right length, a bit loose over the mid-foot. I was waiting to try them out on a rainy day, but after unlikely dry weather persisted aI decided to give them a proper walk. Trying a few miles through hilly forest terrain was disappointing. The top left rim of the left boot digs into my leg - the rim presses much harder than the padding - causing soreness and bruising. The rest of that boot is a reasonable fit, except that it is a little loose over the mid-foot - I might try to solve that by finding a much thicker sock or wearing two pairs. However the same issue of looseness around the mid-foot also occurs with the right boot, but that boot has a far worse fit issue. The flex of the right boot feels OK when walking on the level, but becomes painful with the extra flex that occurs on any uphill gradient. The material above the ball of the foot cuts down into the tendon to my big toe - it seems to drag down across the toe-flex in one sharp fold. The looseness of the mid-foot might be tackled with an extra sock, but I think that would make the toe-flex issue worse.I've tested these boots for just 6 miles, but not had opportunity to test their water resistance.
I previously bought a pair of Keen work boots and decided to try a hiking boot this time. First 1 hr moderate hike and no break in required. Boot is comfortable and does not squeeze my toes. I found the laces to loosen up quickly so had to double tie. Also the softer soles transfer pressure from rocks more than I was expecting. The sole material is a little softer and lighter than my previous pair of Lowas. Overall fees like a combination of a more sturdy boot upper and comfort of a sneaker lower which is what I was looking for. I look forward to testing this on a tough 5 mile summit soon.
This is a fantastic hiking shoe and looks good too.I have a high arch foot and typically need to size up a half size and use orthotics in the shoes. These KEEN hiking boots also required my orthotics. However, my regular shoe size fit perfect once I placed the 1/2 length orthotic under the provided insole. I also had success removing the insole completely and using my full length orthotic.KEEN Men's Mid Waterproof hiking boots are comfortable right out of the box and no break in period is needed. I did not experience hot spots or blisters. I really appreciated the roomy toe box and the "heel lock" worked great on both steep inclines and declines. Even though this is a mid top, I found the ankle support/protection to be similar to my high top hiking shoes. The ... MoreThis is a fantastic hiking shoe and looks good too.I have a high arch foot and typically need to size up a half size and use orthotics in the shoes. These KEEN hiking boots also required my orthotics. However, my regular shoe size fit perfect once I placed the 1/2 length orthotic under the provided insole. I also had success removing the insole completely and using my full length orthotic.KEEN Men's Mid Waterproof hiking boots are comfortable right out of the box and no break in period is needed. I did not experience hot spots or blisters. I really appreciated the roomy toe box and the "heel lock" worked great on both steep inclines and declines. Even though this is a mid top, I found the ankle support/protection to be similar to my high top hiking shoes. The Lacing System stays put and I had no need to re tie the laces (see photo).The out soul is rugged and similar to others hiking shoes with both pros and the one con of being slippery on wet algae covered rocks. I did a creek crossing and purposefully dunked my foot into water deep enough to cover the toe box and up to the ankle portion of the shoe. My feet stayed dry and after returning to dry land the remaining water beaded up (see photo).Usually I remove my hiking shoes as soon as I get back to the car. However, I still had these on at the grocery store an hour later.I highly recommend these KEEN Men's NXIS EVO Mid Waterproof hiking boots.
Used this in the muddy trails of Georgia and Alabama during winter 2022/2023 as well as on a trip to the Colorado Rockies for a week in January of 2023. They were great at keeping my feet dry from the elements, and they were rather stylish. I had a few compliments on these Keens from friends. Because they are waterproof, spraying the mud off the bottom was not an issue (Georgia mud is thick and sticky). I was pleasantly surprised that they also felt warm (with appropriate socks) while I was urban walking around snowy/icy Breckenridge, CO. I felt secure walking on treated sidewalks that had a few inches of ice and packed snow on them. The laces held up well, and never got undone with a simple bow knot. My one complaint is the yellow heel keeper which I believe is ... MoreUsed this in the muddy trails of Georgia and Alabama during winter 2022/2023 as well as on a trip to the Colorado Rockies for a week in January of 2023. They were great at keeping my feet dry from the elements, and they were rather stylish. I had a few compliments on these Keens from friends. Because they are waterproof, spraying the mud off the bottom was not an issue (Georgia mud is thick and sticky). I was pleasantly surprised that they also felt warm (with appropriate socks) while I was urban walking around snowy/icy Breckenridge, CO. I felt secure walking on treated sidewalks that had a few inches of ice and packed snow on them. The laces held up well, and never got undone with a simple bow knot. My one complaint is the yellow heel keeper which I believe is designed to keep your heel from rising too high while you're hiking -- my issue was that this yellow friction point made it annoyingly difficult to get my heel into the shoe at times; to compensate for it, I had to undo the laces more than I usually do with other shoes/boots. Although, I would recommend this for the outdoors and hiking, I would not recommend it for a travel shoe. I wore these traveling from Georgia to Colorado by plane since I did not have room to pack these larger shoes into my suitcase...traveling in them was far less comfortable than in my runners sneakers (which was packed in my suitcase). Once I sat down for the three-hour flight, I regretted the Keens, but I had no choice. Otherwise, these are definitely a keeper.
HONEST REVIEW: I switched to Keen after years of failing footwear from Salomon and their quality is pure garbage these days. Always would get 3+ years from a Salomon boot but now, less than 6 months and they simply say they are sorry and offer 25% off...No thanks.I switched to the Keen NXIS Waterproof Boot and will say it is an incredible boot that took the abuse of weeks of hiking in the Southwest from Monument Valley to summiting Wheeler Peak in NM at just over 13,000 feet. I put roughly 30 miles in one week while in these boots.I will add that my pair of boots are not waterproof as others have stated. I was merely walking through lightly melted snow and my feet were wet within minutes. Fortunately I wear merino wool socks otherwise not sure if the wet feet ... MoreHONEST REVIEW: I switched to Keen after years of failing footwear from Salomon and their quality is pure garbage these days. Always would get 3+ years from a Salomon boot but now, less than 6 months and they simply say they are sorry and offer 25% off...No thanks.I switched to the Keen NXIS Waterproof Boot and will say it is an incredible boot that took the abuse of weeks of hiking in the Southwest from Monument Valley to summiting Wheeler Peak in NM at just over 13,000 feet. I put roughly 30 miles in one week while in these boots.I will add that my pair of boots are not waterproof as others have stated. I was merely walking through lightly melted snow and my feet were wet within minutes. Fortunately I wear merino wool socks otherwise not sure if the wet feet would have been able to complete the hike especially hiking above the tree line on Wheeler Peak with the low temps and high winds.I will 100% buy again but not sure about using in the snow or any damp environment to be honest. Not sure if I got a lemon boot and with the Vet discount I received, I am still content with this boot and will buy again. I do not plan on filing a warranty as these boots are still good to wear just not waterproof as advertised.I always wear a size 12.5 in men's from Nike to Salomon but with these, I am an 11.5. I recommend going to a local store and trying on a pair like I did to find that prefect fit.
| Sole Material | Rubber |
| Shaft Height | Ankle |
| Outer Material | Synthetic |
| Inner Material | Synthetic |
Versatile and adaptable to your surroundings, the Nxis Evo Mid WP boots from Keen feature mesh textile and synthetic upper with a textile-lined footbed. Meet the lightweight and quick version of our popular hiker. Comfort and toe protection for your feet, now with a running shoe sensation in waterproof, engineered weave. Durable mesh and TPU synthetic upper for breathability. Breathable textile lining for comfort and added support. Removable, textile-lined insole for added comfort and support. Traditional lacing system for a flexible fit. Durable rubber sole with lugs for grip and traction.
Versatile and adaptable to your surroundings, the Nxis Evo Mid WP boots from Keen feature mesh textile and synthetic upper with a textile-lined footbed. Meet the lightweight and quick version of our popular hiker. Comfort and toe protection for your feet, now with a running shoe sensation in waterproof, engineered weave. Durable mesh and TPU synthetic upper for breathability. Breathable textile lining for comfort and added support. Removable, textile-lined insole for added comfort and support. Traditional lacing system for a flexible fit. Durable rubber sole with lugs for grip and traction.
in 1 offers
last seen 23 Dec 2025
The lowest price we last saw for Keen Nxis Evo Mid WP Men's Boot US 13 Triple Black was $189.62 (last seen 23 Dec 2025). Prices may have changed since.
The all-time low we recorded was $180.03 on 1 Sept 2024.
Prices last updated 23 Dec 2025.
Keen Nxis Evo Mid WP Men's Boot US 13 Triple Black
Versatile and adaptable to your surroundings, the Nxis Evo Mid WP boots from Keen feature mesh textile and synthetic upper with a textile-lined footbed. Meet the lightweight and quick version of our popular hiker. Comfort and toe protection for your feet, now with a running shoe sensation in waterproof, engineered weave. Durable mesh and TPU synthetic upper for breathability. Breathable textile lining for comfort and added support. Removable, textile-lined insole for added comfort and support. Traditional lacing system for a flexible fit. Durable rubber sole with lugs for grip and traction.
Versatile and adaptable to your surroundings, the Nxis Evo Mid WP boots from Keen feature mesh textile and synthetic upper with a textile-lined footbed. Meet the lightweight and quick version of our popular hiker. Comfort and toe protection for your feet, now with a running shoe sensation in waterproof, engineered weave. Durable mesh and TPU synthetic upper for breathability. Breathable textile lining for comfort and added support. Removable, textile-lined insole for added comfort and support. Traditional lacing system for a flexible fit. Durable rubber sole with lugs for grip and traction.
