KEEN Men's NXIS Explore Mid Height Waterproof Fast Packing Hiking Boots Review
If you're looking to elevate your hiking experience, the KEEN Men's NXIS Explore Mid Height Waterproof Fast Packing Hiking Boots in Safari/Birch are designed for you. These versatile all-purpose hiking boots combine the comfort of a sneaker with the ruggedness needed for outdoor adventures.
The design allows for seamless transitions from trail to town, making them a stylish yet functional choice for any outdoor enthusiast. Crafted for durability and comfort, you can rely on the ultra-cushy cushioning system and robust all-terrain sole to maintain stability across various surfaces.
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Features
- Consciously Created: Made with leather sourced from LWG-certified tanneries and PFC-free water repellent materials.
- Waterproof & Material: Features the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry, along with premium durable nubuck leather.
- Traction & Support: Equipped with KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN non-marking rubber that grips muddy and rocky surfaces; includes 4mm multi-directional lugs for enhanced traction.
- Comfort & Fit: Padded tongue and collar enhance comfort; removable footbed adds cushioning, while speed lace webbing ensures a snug fit.
Pros
- Stylish design suitable for both trails and urban settings.
- Excellent waterproof capabilities for wet terrains.
- Superior traction with multi-directional lugs.
- Roomy original fit allowing toes to spread comfortably.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Higher price point compared to basic hiking boots.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN NXIS Explore | Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof | SALOMON X Ultra 3 Mid GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
| Traction | High | Very High | Very High |
| Cushioning | Good | Excellent | Good |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Men's NXIS Explore Mid Height Waterproof Fast Packing Hiking Boots impress with a thoughtful design aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. Starting with its construction, the boot combines a premium nubuck leather upper with breathable mesh lining, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and dry during extended hikes.
One of the standout features is the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane, which effectively shields your feet from wet conditions without sacrificing breathability. This means you'll stay dry even in unpredictable weather, making these boots ideal for varied climates.
When it comes to traction, the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides excellent grip on both muddy and rocky surfaces, thanks to the strategically placed 4mm lugs. The full-length stability shank and ergonomic toe notch offer added balance and support, perfect for challenging trails.
Comfort is also prioritized in this model, featuring a padded tongue and collar that reduce pressure points, alongside a removable footbed that provides additional cushioning. The speed lace webbing system allows for easy adjustments, ensuring a snug and personalized fit.
Overall, these boots are a commendable option whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out on your adventure journey. They seamlessly blend functionality with style, making them a worthy addition to your outdoor gear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Ample cushioning and supportive fit. |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | Sturdy materials designed for tough conditions. |
| Traction | 5/5 | Exceptional grip on varied terrain. |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Highly effective waterproof technology. |
| Style | 4/5 | Attractive design for outdoor and casual wear. |
User Reviews
This boot is very light and comfortable. Everything bis very well made.
Can’t believe how comfortable these boots are right out of the box. Walked 1/2 mile and they were broken in. My new favorite go to boot/shoe. Fit was dead on. Give them 6 stars if I could.
These shoes are terrific. My feet don’t hurt after wearing them all day and night. And they look good too.
These boot’s continue the Keen tradition of providing extremely comfortable and thoughtfully designed lightweight hiking boots. I could not ask for footwear better suited to light hiking and rough-country walking. Ankle and instep padding, as well as, water resistant leather are features that help keep my feet safe and warm. Bravo Keen!
Shoes have a nice wide toe box. They run a half size big. Warm but not winter insulated. Very light. Not good for standing on a shovel a lot but great if doing a lot of walking over gravel and hiking. Waterproof is great. Worked in wet grass and leaves 3 weeks all day no problems. Front toe being covered is great if on your knees the front toe won’t get damaged easily.
Very stylish and comfortable hiking boot.
Excellent. Typical Keen fit - plenty of room in the toe box - adequate arch support, minimal break in made them even more comfortable.Great, comfortable, casual 'around town' shoes.
I am disappointed because I really wanted to like this boot. It's definitely lightweight, seemingly good leather, and a pretty comfortable sole. Unfortunately, for me the tongue created a painful pressure point at the top corners where it tucks under the collar/upper. Because of the shape of the tongue and how it nests against the stiff upper it really dug into where my shin meets the ankle. It was especially painful when my ankle flexed upward while walking. I didn't seem to matter how tight or loose I laced them, the pain was consistent. It's possible that there was something wrong with the pair I received, but everything externally looked fine to me. I wore them a handful of times trying to "break it in" with no success. Fortunately I was able to return and get a refund with 30 days.