KEEN Men's Nxis Evo Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Product Information

One feature I am particularly impressed by is the waterproofing. The membrane runs throughout the boot which means you can submerge your feet in water up to the heel line and stay 100% dry. I have only been wearing these boots for a couple of months so it is difficult to make a comment on durability – they do, however, look well-built and have a high-quality feel. Versatility The waterproof membrane certainly does its job. We particularly like that the tongue is gusseted from top to bottom and the membrane extends right throughout it meaning you can pretty much submerse these boots right up to the top of the ankle cuff before water starts seeping in. The styling is not particularly to my taste. The split toe design is a little bulky and looks a little strange being split across the big toe. I think this would look a lot better if it were one continuous toe protector. I’m also not a huge fan of the general colour design, with the grey soles contrasting with the red writing. With generous space for toes to spread out, the toe box also offers high levels of protection around and under the front of the foot. The split toe design is a bit of a curve-ball on the classic Keen bumper design. Cushioning

Looking at competitors, we’d be remiss not to include KEEN’s Targhee III WP Mid, which served as the inspiration for the NXIS EVO. However, it’s important to note that the two have very different intentions: While the NXIS EVO prioritizes weight above all else, the Targhee is a slightly lighter take on a traditional hiking boot. The leather upper and sturdy outsole aren’t particularly streamlined, but advantages include better stability over rough terrain, great long-term durability, and impressive all-around protection. The Targhee also boasts good out-of-the-box comfort thanks to its wide toe box (similar to the NXIS EVO) and softer materials underfoot. For just a few ounces more, we think most hikers will still prefer the Targhee. Features of the Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Boots Uppers Made from KEEN.DRY, the waterproof, breathable membrane lets vapour out without letting water in. The upper is PFC-free and seems to be durable, so far.

The golden rule is to buy what fits and a model that suits your main use. In terms of brands, at the more robust end of the spectrum, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Mammut, Lowa and Aku all build boots that will shame a tank, while at the lighter, summery end, Teva, Keen and Salomon bring considerable expertise to the table. FAQ What are the best hiking boot materials and technologies? KEEN boots are consistently high on quality, and the NXIS EVO is no exception. Despite their lightweight build, the boots feel relatively uncompromised: The front of the foot is protected by a burly toe cap that guards against direct hits, while the upper is made of tightly woven mesh that’s highly abrasion-resistant and protected by generous TPU overlays. All of the smaller components are equally well sorted, including high-quality laces and metal eyelets that are holding up well thus far. I’ll follow up here as I continue testing, but all signs are positive that they’ll have a long and healthy lifespan—which isn’t always the case with hiking boots this light. Eco Anti-Odour Technology - Helps to eliminate odour causing bacteria for a fresher smell and feel. The NXIS Evo boots have a speed-lace webbing system with top collar hooks for a comfortably snug fit. Toe box

The two key things to prioritise when hunting for the best hiking boot for you: findingthe right boot style for the activity and getting a really good fit for your individual foot shape. The fit will vary by brand and style of boot, with some coming up much narrower (or broader) in the midfoot than others. The Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Boots are best for 3 season trail walking and come in all sizes, for men and women. I am hugely impressed by these boots. I love their low weight, excellent grip, high levels of comfort and waterproofing. I also think that they are very reasonably priced, given their quality and comfort and especially being waterproof.The insole is particularly comfortable and seems to hug the sole of the foot, whilst also offering excellent underfoot comfort. The Keen NXIS is a fairly stiff shoe, with a solid outsole. The upper is also pretty stiff, too, with a robust and durable layered mesh, plus plenty of protection thanks to an oversized toe cap and a rand at the forefoot and the heel. The tread is sufficient for trails and paths but it has only 4mm lugs, so these shoes do not offer the best traction in mud or on steep and wet slopes. Do you remember that pair of shoes you had as a kid that made you feel like a superhero? Maybe that was just me, but I very definitely remember having a pair of high-topped trainers that made me feel like I could run at the speed of light. I’d pull them on, lace them up, and I was The Flash. Or Superman. Or, at the very least, Linford Christie. I’m 43 now, and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that ‘magic shoe’ phenomenon, but I was reminded of it when I first tried on the new NXIS EVO mid boots from KEEN. On test, we did discover some downsides, including minimal cushioning and a narrow fit, which won’t suit everyone (especially if you have wide feet or just prefer a roomy toe box). Also, the fabric uppers aren’t the warmest, and though the Gore-Tex lining provides a little insulation, you still need to guard against numb toes. On the flip side, breathability was quite good thanks to the NXIS EVO’s mesh-heavy upper. Temperatures in Patagonia were quite mild, hovering in the low 50s to 60s Fahrenheit, and the boots predictably kept my feet comfortable. It hasn’t been warm enough to truly test their limits yet, but I expect them to be plenty breathable for most shoulder-season and summertime hiking (although I’d still opt for a non-waterproof shoe in truly hot temps).