SURPRISED by my experience with waterproof shoes

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Six Month review of Keen Ridgeflex Bellow Flex shoes. What hiking shoes are best. What boots are good for backpacking.

[rjhikes]

Having been born in New England, waterproof works pretty well for snow. It can work ok for hiking but waterproof doesn’t just not let water in. It will also do a great job of not letting water out. If you walk all day in hot weather or cross a river you will squish when you walk even if you take them off to pour the water out. Maybe some people like squishing but it’s not for me and can lead to things like trench foot.

Most winter hikers that I know of use a normal trail runner and waterproof socks/booties as needed. This lets you swap as conditions change.

[TWENNY]

Doesn't matter how waterproof ya shoes They all have a big hole in the top 😂

[tylersingleton]

I'm a small farmer and splashing myself with the hose is a daily occurrence. I'm coming from Nike Monarchs, and the Keen mid boots are driving me crazy on the weight. Mabey these will work well.

[dakotaashley]

Love that you cut it open for no reason lmao. Laughed so hard. Liked and subbed just for that. Love your energy and content man. Keep posting

[zBMatt]

Get breathable shoes like MOAB ventilators and waterproof socks. I’m telling you, you will be very happy you chose this combination.

[EakinsOutdoorAdventuresEOA]

We love our waterproof socks, Especially in snow

[MikeJones-eoqz]

I have some Keen Targhee waterproof boots that work well, but I only use them during cold weather outings because my feet sweat pretty quickly in them. I have some low-top waterproof Salomons that I use the rest of the year that have great traction in most all situations. They are a little hotter than regular trail runners, but I really appreciate them during the morning dew and after it's been raining, for keeping my feet dry. I don't have to walk around all day with soggy socks. I just take them off when I stop for lunch and let everything air out and I'm good to go again. Nothing has good traction on wet, moss-covered boulders, as I discovered a couple of months ago when I fell down a bluff and had my fall stopped by a dead tree, thankfully. I broke nothing but my phone, so that was a win, sort of.

[captdoug]

I don't really feel like you answered the question that the title was asking, Are waterproof shoes a gimmick? The answer of course is no. The shoe itself is waterproof up to a point. Up until the point where you step in water deeper than your ankle. Then your shoe is full of water that can't get out. This was more of a review of those shoes than it was any kind of informational video on waterproof boots or shoes. Keen makes awesome sandals but I'm going to stick with my trail runners. Keep safe happy hiking.

Edit: he changed the title without a comment.

[snowcrash]

I love Keens, they are one of the few shoes that fit my weird feet, I have a very wide forefoot and a pretty normal mid and heel, Keens fit very well. They seem to last quite a lot longer than a mesh trail runner, my only complaint is they have some quality control issues, I would say 90 percent of the time they are perfect, but every once in a while I will get a pair where the glue just didnt bond right and the sole comes apart rapidly, luckily they are good about replacing them and getting you a new pair.

[danielkutcher]

Gore-tex makes my feet sweat in even moderately warm weather, which always gives me blisters. Stiff soles contribute to heel rub and more blisters. I have been wearing Altra Lone Peak shoes with OTC orthotics for the past 3 years and 500+ miles of hiking. They aren't waterproof, are very well ventilated, and fit my foot shape and volume perfectly. They also dry very quickly. Unfortunately, they are not the most durable, but that's low on my list of priorities, even though I often do long-ish hikes (100-300 miles).

[planner]

I don’t care for water proof shoes except in the winter time. My feet just get to darn hot in them. By the end of the day the inside is pretty wet even if I haven’t walked thru water.
Today shoes out I find stuffing newspaper inside them works great…. But I don’t carry newspapers on hikes….i do when car camping though.

[eldiablo]

Ive never seen a muck style boot reviewed. They make them lightweight and will get you through quite literally anything. And also if you live in heavy tick country, the ticks have a way harder time hooking onto the smooth rubber surface than they do on any sort of mesh or lace. They are 100% bulletproof. Ive had pairs that have lasted 10 years plus with heavy use

[wabisaaby]

I can only attest to Keen being great. I have the NXIS Evo low and the Targhee III boots, both waterproof. They work great for fall/winter.
I will have to get me the non waterproof Targhee and NXIS for summertime. I have wide feet, and Keen is the only brand that just always fits me perfectly, as if they were made specifically for me, in a size 10.

[jungggledave]

Looks like the waterproof membrane is stitched into the sole, rather than a complete bootie surrounding the foot. The problem with this approach is that, over time, the stitching stretches a little and water gets in between the sole and the upper making the membrane useless. So many boots have this problem. Altra Lone Peak 4 - I'm looking at you. Oboz boots also have this problem. Then of course, once wet inside, the boots take forever to dry.

[richdorsett]

When i woke up today, i said to myself, "Gee, wonder what Keen shoes look like on the inside?". You have answered my question!, I can sleep now...another informative video, thanks Dan. FYI...i love keens...its all i wear out there.

[kappy]

Unfortunately Keens are notorious for their soles separating now. It's the #1 complaint in their reviews. Used to love Keens. My last 2 failed way too early. They just aren't what they used to be .

[AronOutdoors]

Keen is may fav outdoor shoe. Fits me great.

[TheCorrupterX]

While I do like trail running shoes, they just do not seem to last as long as a good pair of boots. I do not want to need to replace my shoes/boots every year or two. I also frequently hike where it is cold, rainy, and or snowy, so being waterproof is a must for me, unless you like cold wet feet.

[walterkeane]

Whistles. Dan please give guidance on outdoor whistles. Much love and joy.

[romanandfizah]

Super creative content guys. So blessed to watched and great effort .