Males’s KEEN Hightrail Waterproof Mountain climbing Boot Evaluation

Backside Line

The KEEN Hightrail Mid Waterproof feels extra like a comfortable sneaker than a clunky boot. You’ll be able to virtually hike them straight out of the field with zero break-in complications. Because of the boot’s mesh-forward higher, our testers felt completely dialed in after about 15 miles on-trail. 

The actual star right here is the high-rebound foam: it soaks up path chatter and comes you ahead on climbs. Should you crave that plush, pillowy experience, the Hightrail delivers. Should you’re after a barefoot-style, ground-feel expertise, you’ll wish to look elsewhere. Regardless of being waterproof, the boot nonetheless breathes surprisingly effectively, preserving your ft dry with out roasting them. Should you’re after a water-proof boot that hikes like your favourite sneakers, the Hightrail’s a strong decide. For extra of our top-performing males’s mountain climbing boots, take a look at our information to one of the best males’s mountain climbing boots.

How We Examined

Over a number of months, our staff logged greater than 200 miles within the Hightrail Mid Waterproof throughout two distinct areas: the rocky, root-strewn trails of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and the dusty, free slopes of the Colorado foothills outdoors Golden. We evaluated break-in, consolation, traction, help, and waterproofing in each moist and dry situations.

Consolation

If it’s out-of-the-box consolation you’re after, the KEEN Hightrail delivers. The largely mesh uppers don’t require a lot of a break-in interval. We additionally discovered the waterproof membrane breathable, so our ft stayed dry with out turning into little saunas. Underfoot, the thick foam midsole swallows up pointy rocks and even provides a little bit of spring to your step. That’s nice information if you happen to’ve acquired knee or lower-back points and want further cushion.

That mentioned, the match will be finicky. Our analysts in measurement 13 wides discovered the Hightrail’s slim forefoot and toe field cramped their ft, each in width and size. The beneficiant heel-to-toe drop felt a bit clumsy on flat floor and after we descended free, gravelly slopes. Throughout a multi-day trek by way of the soggy spring Appalachian Mountains, the Hightrail offered strong help below a 30 lb pack. 

Should you crave an ultra-cushy experience, these boots ship. However if you happen to favor a extra pure, ground-hugging really feel, they could really feel too plush.

Ankle Assist

We loaded a 30 lb pack and tackled a notoriously rocky, root-choked stretch of the Appalachian Path in mid-spring’s lingering mud. Even with the Hightrail’s lighter, mesh-reinforced collar, we discovered spectacular lateral stability—no slipping or wobbling when side-hilling or edging alongside moist roots. The boot’s tall, padded cuff wraps snugly across the ankle with out feeling overly inflexible, providing a reassuring mix of lockdown and freedom of motion.

Its sturdy lacing system locks the heel into the molded cup, stopping elevate or slippage below load. 

It doesn’t really feel as rock-solid as a full-leather boot, however the Hightrail strikes a wise compromise. KEEN gave it sufficient stiffness to beat back twists and rolls and sufficient give to maintain your gait pure on uneven floor. For hikers carrying average to heavy packs by way of rooty, rocky terrain, this boot delivers confidence with out sacrificing maneuverability.

Weight

The Hightrail Mid does job balancing sturdiness and lightness, tipping the scales at simply 1 lb 13 ozper pair. It’s the lightest mannequin in our lineup. On rocky Appalachian ridge walks and the free, dusty slopes close to Golden, Colorado, this weight felt extra like a cushioned path runner than a typical mid-height boot. We coated over 100 miles and didn’t discover the additional fatigue that heavier boots typically carry, even below a loaded pack.

That mentioned, shaving ounces doesn’t come with out compromise. The Hightrail’s light-weight construct boosts agility on uneven floor, but it surely lacks the burly really feel of full-grain leather-based choices whenever you lean into steep ascents or scramble over boulders. Should you’re prioritizing nimble footwork and minimal weight achieve, the Hightrail’s mild weight is a transparent benefit – whether or not you’re transferring quick on day hikes or chaining collectively multi-day legs.

Traction

The KEEN Hightrail Mid delivered sure-footed grip all through our testing. Its multi-directional lug sample did an okay job on moist roots and rocks and excelled on the free, dry terrain we encountered in Colorado. Throughout our part hike on the Appalachian Path, the outsoles channeled mud and particles effectively, giving us confidence when stepping over slick stones and buried roots. On the dusty inclines outdoors Golden, Colorado, the lugs bit in firmly, stopping slips even on aggressive strains.

That mentioned, the lugs don’t dig in fairly in addition to boots with deeper, extra aggressive lugs.

Climate Resistance

The Hightrail Mid affords average waterproofing due to Eager’s proprietary membrane, but it surely isn’t as impenetrable as third-party liners like GORE-TEX. In spring testing, the boot stored our ft dry throughout brief water crossings, aided by the leather-based mudshield and thick midsole that lifts the mesh higher away from shallow water. Nonetheless, extended publicity revealed its limits: mesh sidewalls started to seep throughout longer stream fords, and our socks felt soggy after slogging by way of tall, moist grass.

Whereas the membrane held up below intermittent splashes, it struggled when the mesh was continuously saturated. Our ft didn’t overheat throughout lengthy days on the path, however water acquired by way of over time, underscoring that this isn’t the boot for prolonged trout-stream wading or slogging by way of knee-high slush. In case your hikes embody occasional creek crossings or rain-soaked trails, the Hightrail will often maintain you comfy. For actually relentless moist situations or deep snow, nevertheless, a boot with a extra strong waterproof liner could also be a more sensible choice.

Sturdiness

In our expertise, boots constructed completely from full-grain leather-based are inclined to outlast these made largely of artificial mesh. It’s a common rule, although not with out exceptions. The Hightrail blends each supplies, putting leather-based overlays in high-abrasion zones—across the toe cap, heel counter, and lace eyelets—to defend towards scuffs and lengthen lifespan. The remaining mesh panels scale back weight however will be extra susceptible to sharp edges. 

Regardless of this potential trade-off, we encountered no snags, seam failures, or quality-control points throughout testing. The Hightrail confirmed no indicators of untimely put on.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Hightrail mountain climbing boot?

Should you’re after a boot that blends sneaker-like consolation with help, the Hightrail Mid is a strong contender. Its comfortable, high-rebound foam midsole and mesh-backed higher ship an out-of-the-box match ultimate for day hikers and multi-day backpackers who worth consolation. The bolstered leather-based overlays add sturdiness the place it counts, making it a dependable selection for mixed-terrain treks—from muddy Appalachian paths to dusty foothill jaunts.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re chasing a ground-hugging really feel, the Hightrail could really feel too cumbersome or plush. The waterproof membrane performs effectively in brief splashes however isn’t suited to prolonged water crossings or knee-high snow.

General, the Hightrail Mid represents robust worth for hikers who want a flexible, comfy boot that handles diverse situations with out fixed soreness or break-in woes. If stability, cushioning, and average climate safety prime your precedence checklist, this boot is value a glance.

What Different mountain climbing boots Ought to You Take into account?

For extra top-performing males’s mountain climbing boots, head again to our information to one of the best males’s mountain climbing boots.

Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Evaluation: Should you just like the Hightrail’s mix of cushioning and waterproofing however need a barely firmer experience, the X Extremely 4 Mid GTX delivers. Its stiffer midsole and supportive chassis excel on technical terrain, but it nonetheless feels nimble underfoot.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Evaluation: For individuals who prioritize long-term sturdiness and strong ankle help, the Renegade EVO GTX is a standout. It’s a powerful selection if you happen to carry heavier hundreds or sort out tough, off-trail routes.

KEEN Targhee IV Evaluation: For a traditional KEEN mountain climbing boot, attempt the Targhee IV – a sturdier leather-based mountain climbing boot for day hikers.