KEEN Men's NXIS Speed Mid Height Vented Hiking Boot Review
When venturing outdoors, it’s essential to have the right hiking boots that not only provide comfort but also adapt to a variety of terrains. The KEEN Men's NXIS Speed Mid Height Vented Hiking Boot is designed precisely for such adventures. This boot seamlessly transitions from asphalt to rugged trails, ensuring that your hiking experience is both comfortable and secure.
Constructed with KEEN's traditional wider footwear form, these boots offer ample room for your toes to spread out, which is crucial when navigating uneven surfaces. Made from PFC-free water-repellent materials and leather sourced from LWG-certified tanneries, you can trust that the NXIS Speed hiking boots are crafted with sustainability in mind.
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Features
- TRACTION: The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and rocky surfaces.
- BREATHABILITY: Performance mesh upper with overlays and breathable textile lining ensures lightweight durability while keeping your feet cool.
- FIT & DESIGN: Speed-lace webbing system with top collar hooks offers a comfortably snug fit.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Removable PU insole and compression-molded EVA midsole ensure long-lasting cushioning.
- CARE TIPS: Gently brush with a soft, damp sponge to clean; treat stains immediately for best results.
Pros
- Excellent traction on various terrains thanks to the multi-directional lugs.
- Breathable fabric helps maintain foot temperature in warm conditions.
- Generous toe space allows for natural foot movement.
- Durable construction using eco-friendly materials.
- Comfort-focused design with removable insoles and cushioned midsoles.
Cons
- Higher initial investment compared to some entry-level hiking boots.
- May require a break-in period for some users.
- The style may not appeal to everyone due to its unique design.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN NXIS Speed | Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator | Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traction | High-traction rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs | Vibram outsole with great grip | Contagrip outsole for superior traction |
| Breathability | Performance mesh upper | Mesh and leather upper | Waterproof GORE-TEX lining |
| Cushioning | Compression-molded EVA midsole | Air cushions and EVA midsole | EnergyCell midsole for shock absorption |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Men's NXIS Speed Mid Height Vented Hiking Boot excels in several critical areas that make it stand out among hiking footwear. Let’s delve deeper into its performance aspects:
Traction: One of the most notable features of these boots is their high-traction rubber outsole. The cleverly designed 4mm multi-directional lugs give you confidence while trekking over rocky or muddy terrains. Whether you are crossing streams or navigating steep inclines, you can count on this boot to provide stable footing.
Comfort: Comfort is paramount during long hikes, and the NXIS Speed boots deliver. The removable PU insole supports your feet, and the compression-molded EVA midsole offers cushioning that adapts to different surfaces. Furthermore, the original KEEN fit with generous forefoot space ensures that your toes won’t feel cramped even after hours of wear.
Breathability: Hiking often involves varied weather conditions, and these boots are engineered to manage warmth effectively. The performance mesh upper contributes to breathability, which is vital for keeping your feet dry and cool in warm conditions.
Fit and Design: The speed-lace webbing system ensures that once you lace them up, they stay snug without causing discomfort. A design feature worth mentioning is the ergonomic toe notch that adds dexterity for better balance, enhancing your overall stability on rugged paths.
In conclusion, the KEEN Men’s NXIS Speed Mid Height Vented Hiking Boot is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who seek a balance between comfort and functionality. They are particularly suitable for those who enjoy speed hiking and require a versatile boot that performs well across diverse landscapes.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Traction | 9/10 | Exceptional grip on various terrains with reliable multi-directional lugs. |
| Comfort | 8/10 | Great cushioning with removable insoles, though some may need a break-in period. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Effective moisture management, ideal for warm weather hikes. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Robust construction using sustainable materials promotes longevity. |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | A bit pricey but justified by comfort and performance. |
User Reviews
These really are more running shoe than boot. I bought them thinking that they may be boot like but it says it in the title of the product.With that being said, I’ve been wearing these on a deployment for a while now, they are incredibly comfortable and breathable for the extreme heat that I’m often spending prolonged periods of time in. They don’t provide a ton of support in the footbed, but Not to the point it’s a problem. The downside for these is that they will not do a great job of protecting your feet from dust/sand. They don’t advertise that they would and one shouldn’t expect it based on the design, I’m just saying it to provide context to any military folks considering these for wear. Great for hot weather but you will likely see some moon dust or sand enter your shoe and cause problems. Nothing that can’t be dumped out occasionally but it’s not the same protection from the elements that a full leather exterior would give.I love these boots still, and can say with some pretty high confidence that they’re durable and I can assure you they’re comfortable as hell.A side note: keens seem to have a pretty wide shoe, which I really liked. I found Salomon’s (the initial boot I bought to deploy in) to be too narrow and decided to try these. I am now a keen fanboy for life, they’re built to an actual human foot in my opinion.
These are the best boots I ever had. Tried almost every major boot brand there is, i didn’t want to take these off once I put them on, perfect natural foot shaped wide boot. Extremely comfortable and well built! I have not tested their durability, I’ll be using these for work and will soon find out, but I immediately knew after trying these on that these are superior boots. I’ll never buy another brand again as long as they continue to make shoes in this natural foot shape similar to the Altra hiking shoe fit.I order a 13 wide in ever shoe brand, sometimes the wide isn’t wide enough… these keen hiking boots in reg size 13 fit instantly amazing! I’m really impressed
First hike in these was 7.3 miles and my feet loved these
Very flexible and roomy summer time hiker. Typical keen roomy toe box, grippy softer tread out souls. Lots of padding around the ankle, nice hiking boot.
Nice and lightweight, very comfortable for being on your feet all day.
These are mislabeled these are men's boots not women's. They are under the men's section in the keen store here on Amazon. They fit true to size for men's 11.5. Extremely comfortable
I hike with my dog every morning, usually in the woods. I have a few pair of hiking boots but really needed on that wasn't waterproof. Waterproof is good when yo need it but on me they get really warm, too warm. These new Keens solve that problem and have to added bonus of being very light. They are also very comfortable.
The description says women’s but I definitely got the men’s version. I wear them every day at work and they are comfortable and durable.