KEEN Men's Explore Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review

I was looking for a good shoe that has a combination of requirements...specifically: light weight, water proof, grippy and comfortable on long hikes with a weighted backpack. I am a fan of Keen hiking shoes from previous experience, but this is the first time I wore the Explorer.Think of this shoe as a hybrid between a trail runner and trail hiker.So far, this shoe has more than met my requirements. I've hiked over 20-miles (after a short break-in period) in differing conditions and find these shoes to be light weight and very comfortable...especially when carrying a 40lb backpack. They are water resistant from the morning dew and light stream crossings yet breathable. These shoes don't feel like a high platform...you can feel the ground for a controlled stride but the rock plate protects you from sharp objects.The lower cut allows freedom of movement in the ankle (if you have weak ankles, this may not be the shoe for you). I will be putting about 100-miles on these in June, so if things change, I'll update my review. I normally wear a 10.5 running shoe. These 10.5 shoes allow me to wear a compression sock with a wool hiking ankle sock over it comfortably.So far, the durability is good with no crinkling or breaking at the webbing pivot points.

I bought these for working around my yard and barn to keep my feet dry while walking on wet grass. They do a great job keeping my feet clean and dry, and are comfortable. As an extra added bonus, the toe is sturdy enough for me to kick the thick rubber Jolly-Ball for my dogs over and over without hurting my toes at all!The only thing I’d change is to make them a tad bit wider. They are kind of narrow. I would order wide width next time if available.

I ordered (and kept) these Keens, but they are not my favorite from the brand. They are a little heavy (which may be expected for waterproof), so not entirely what I was looking for to help with walks around Scotland. However, when I walk the pups in the morning after heavy rain or some snow, these serve a great purpose. The seam at the top of the shoe where the laces end have the propensity to rub my foot if I wear too thin a sock or if I were to wear them for several hours. I have to make sure the tongue is situated just right when I put them on. They are nice & wide for not being a wide shoe, so a comfortable fit if you get the right size. I normally wear a 7.5 and that is what I ordered.

Part 1-(red ones size 6I owned a pair of these previously that I had purchased from the Walking Store (they went missing) that I loved. In hopes pf replacing them, I found these online amd ordered the same color/size. Sadly, the quality was not the same. They were stiff, to small, hurt my feet and gave me a blister just from trying them on…. I am so bummed. The color was also duller than my previous pair. I had to return them. Very disappointing. The lady in the Walking store told me that when I purchase a shoe on Amazon, the manufacturer may be different- thus affecting the quality and fit if the shoe.Had ordered blue pair too - they fit better than the red ones which is weird but they are very stiff. I decided to keep them and hoping they will get more comfortable with wear. The soles are very firm and the bottoms of my feet hurt after wearing them to work a half day. I like the color but so far they are not my favorite shoes.

This shoe fits well except for the fact that the stitching on the tongue rubs uncomfortably on my instep. It scratches and is somewhat painful while walking. I would have returned these for that reason had I not first worn them after the return window closed. The foot bed is extremely comfortable and the shoe is otherwise great, but the pain/discomfort caused by the poorly placed stitching on the tongue makes negates the shoe's positive qualities.I had thought these were more like a trail runner/sneaker at the time I ordered them, but they're heavier than that, more so an actual hiking shoe. As far as hiking shoes go, I MUCH prefer the slightly heavier/heavy-duty, but far more comfortable, KEEN Terradora 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe, which I also own.

I have not worn them much because the are very stiff and cause some leg discomfort. Probably just my crazy feet. Good quality and workmenship.

My daughter kept asking me to walk with her after dinner, and my feet were killing me because I didn’t have a proper pair of walking/hiking shoes. I made the plunge and decided on these, and am so happy. They cover my heel, fit like a glove, and don’t squish my toes.I wear a 5 1/2 in women’s shoes but my feet are wider. They do not make this size in wide in any brand, so I always order a half-size up or order kid’s shoes because they typically have more toe room.I’m just excited that these cover my ankle so that I won’t get rub marks if I walk too long. Being waterproof is an added bonus!

At first they seemed a little snug, but fit very well. The material is bit stiff which makes for a secure fit but since I have a bruise on the top of my left foot going 3 miles was a bit much to start out. Right now they are great for shorter distances for me and definitely keep the water out! Great shoes!