KEEN Men's Versacore Speed Breathable Vented Comfortable Hiking Shoes Review

I have been wearing Keen sandals and water shoes for about 10 years. I really like how durable they are in just about any environment. I walk and jog several miles of trails weekly and need a really durable shoe with a firm sole. With the pavement and off road trails, I wear out the best brands of tennis shoes in a few months. I was exited to try a pair of these hiking shoes.Some of the first things I noticed about these was concerning the looks, weight and sole. I wanted these more to be functional and not fashionable, but I would say these look just as nice as any of my other high end brand athletic shoes. They aren't flashy but that's more my style anyway. Compared to my other Keens, these feel nice and light. The sole is stiff, in the toe area, which is great for me. The cartilage, in my big toe joints, is almost gone. If I don't have a shoe with a nice firm sole, I can have a miserable time on the trails. These are just right and similar to the type of athletic shoes I typically purchase. If the outer sole, on these, is as durable as my other Keens, I will be wearing these for a long while. The upper materials are very light but still seem to be a decent quality. The padding, in the ankle area, is a little thinner than what is common in a lot of athletic shoes. I am not sure how I feel about that, but it hasn't cased any discomfort. The insoles are very easy to remove if you need to add a special insert.Trying these on feels comfortable right off the bat. These size is correct and fits like my other Keens. Absolutely doesn't feel as if I need any break in period. These were good t go right out of the box. The treads grip the trail really well in all conditions. I feel pretty stable and secure during an off road jog on a damp trail. The shoe strings are a nice thicker style that stay tied even if not double knotted. The strings don't slide easily in the holes. This is okay but takes a while to get the shoes adjusted to be comfortable. Even with the ease of removal of the inner sole, they do stay in place during physical activity. My only negative comment would be concerning the tongue. It is a little flimsy and can be annoying if you want to use the farthest holes.Overall. I am very please with the fit, comfort and quality of these hiking shoes. I haven't had them long, but they seem to be a comfortable pair of hiking shoes that should last me a good while. These shoes met my expectations.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)Elevate Your Footwear Experience with the Green Vented Sneakers from KEENThe Green Vented Sneakers from KEEN promise a fusion of performance, comfort, and protection for your feet. Here's a detailed review of the key features that make these sneakers stand out:VENTED PERFORMANCE MESH (★★★★★):Designed with performance in mind, the sneakers boast strategically placed vents in the mesh material. This thoughtful feature ensures optimal breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable even during extended wear or intense activities. The vented performance mesh sets these sneakers apart in terms of climate control.ORIGINAL FIT (★★★★☆):The KEEN Original Fit takes comfort to the next level by providing generous space for toes to spread out. This design element caters to a more natural and unrestricted feel, allowing for a comfortable fit that accommodates the foot's anatomy.ALL-TERRAIN TRACTION (★★★★★):The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole is a standout feature, offering elevated traction in diverse environments. Whether navigating muddy terrains or rocky surfaces, these sneakers provide reliable grip, enhancing stability and confidence with each step.REMOVABLE FOOTBED (★★★★☆):Prioritizing comfort, the sneakers feature a removable footbed that not only offers excellent arch support but also cradles the natural contours of the foot. This customizable aspect ensures that wearers can tailor the shoes to their unique comfort preferences.PROTECTION FEATURES (★★★★☆):The sneakers prioritize foot protection with a bruise plate designed to safeguard against uneven surfaces. Additionally, a high abrasion rubber toe guard enhances durability and shields against potential impacts, making these sneakers suitable for various outdoor activities.Conclusion:The Green Vented Sneakers from KEEN earn a commendable four-star rating for their outstanding features. With a focus on vented performance mesh for breathability, an original fit for toe comfort, all-terrain traction, a removable footbed, and protective elements, these sneakers cater to individuals seeking a versatile and reliable footwear option. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or someone looking for everyday comfort, these sneakers deliver a well-rounded experience that combines style, functionality, and foot-friendly design.

I normally wear a size 11 and that size fits me well. There’s a snug feeling from the arch support back to the heel and the KEEN wider front to give the toes a little extra room to stretch. Even though the toe area has that wider area, I can’t tell by looking at the shoes that it’s wider. Some off-brands that I’ve had in the past almost look like Bozo (clown) shoes, but not with these. The liner is removable and is on the thinner side, but I felt enough cushion between the liner and sole for a comfortable walk. The soles have a little softer rubber feel to them, normally used for trail running shoes, vice the harder rubber soles used for walking on cement.The heel support area is very stiff, which I like since I like my heel to stay in place. It keeps my heel locked in, so it doesn’t lift from the sole and the extra support is good for side-to-side action. The tab attached to the back of the shoe is also convenient to pull the shoe on. The shoelaces are rounder and are just the right size for tying, without having the loops going to the ground or even close to the ground.When I first put them on I could tell a difference right away, since they’re different from my other shoes. After a little while on the elliptical machine, they felt great, and also on the 3.5-mile walk afterward. I had good traction and I could feel a slight cool wind, but it was 29 degrees and I was wearing wool socks. Therefore, these shoes are not waterproof. They also gave me good traction walking on some snow going down/up an incline getting more firewood.