KEEN Women's Terradora 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

Product Information

The carefully considered shape works perfectly for demanding walkers, making the Banks GTX a joy in all situations. Keen's updated Terradora II Waterproof Boot is described as an "all around trekker," designed with comfort, performance, fit, and traction in mind. This mid-height hiker is just one option in Keen's women's Terradora line, which also includes a low hiker, an open toe sandal, and a toe post sandal. While the arch support was adequate and the padding kept my feet comfortable on this cushy trail, I'm not sure that would be good enough if you were doing a more demanding hike. However, I was pleased to realize that this pair of women's boots, in a size 12 (43 EU), is a great fit for my foot, and the fit for me is consistent with my other Keen men's size 43 EU footwear, if a bit more narrow. The walking platform is neutral and stable so feels very natural and the weight, at 1230g, isn’t bad at all considering the build quality and materials used.

The Terradora II has a stability shank designed to provide additional stability, and to help the boot maintain its stability and shape over time and wear. The shank in the Terradora is constructed of a lightweight nylon, adding minimal weight to the boot. The EVA foot bed is removable; it has a solid arch support. EVA is an abbreviation for ethylene vinyl acetate. This rubber-like plastic material is used due to its cushioning and weight absorbing properties, durability, and heat and cold resistance. The Terradora's low-density EVA midsole caters to a woman's foot. The footbed is also reported to have an anti-odor function, by being infused with probiotic technology, designed to naturally break down odor from sweat "without heavy metals or hazardous chemicals."

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If you don’t do the laces up too tight this high top is comfortable, as is the rest of the boot, much like a pair of well-worn daps but there isn’t a lot of stiffness to the Salado High, giving a lot of trail feel – good in some ways bad in others. This allows you to really feel the ground beneath you but also leads to sore feet over long countryside walks, this would of course be a different story over smooth sand dunes.

The boot's lacing system has allowed me to tweak and adjust the fit of the boot; by loosening the mid-foot laces, yet keeping the top half of laces snug, my heel remains snugly secured, and ankle support is provided, while I feel a reduction in pressure over the top of my left foot. This is important, since I have a tendency to develop pain on the top of that foot due to extensor tendonitis. The TX4 MID GTX stands out in a saturated market for many reasons, but possibly the most noticeable is that this rugged, deal with almost anything boot comes in at 970g a pair, which is very lightweight considering the level of support and durability they offer.

WOMEN'S BOOTS FROM KEEN

I knew the KEEN Terradora were going to be nice and flexible, thanks to my experience with their siblings, but I was surprised how much cushioning there is. Sandals can be very sold feeling after just a few minutes, and easily cause hot spots all across the soles of the feet, but I’m very happy to report that I have found these nice to walk on. I mean, after that eight miles in very hot weather, it must have topped 28 that afternoon, my feet were indeed pretty sore – these aren’t perfect, but they were as good as I would hope. The lacing system is taken from the Mythos climbing shoe, and, whilst offering easy adjustment, the boots are possibly best suited to those with narrower feet (in true alpine style). Having said that, if the fit is right for you, you'll find these walking boots comfortable straight out of the box. INTRODUCTION: Keen describes this boot, part of its updated Terradora line, as being designed specifically for a woman's biomechanics, while maintaining excellent support and comfort. I have not previously owned a pair of Terradoras before, so I cannot comment on the "updated" features of this model versus the prior version. I do know that Keen boots are very compatible with my feet; they have always been comfortable, perform well, and have lasted for many years of regular hiking in all conditions.

The last is excellent – slightly on the narrow side but it is easy to get a good fit over a variety of shapes and sizes thanks to decent lacing and a supple upper constructed of suede and breathable mesh fabric. This upper does not feature a rubber rand but the toe cap is stiff so protects your feet from stubbing as well as adding to the boot’s overall excellent durability.Providing an excellent balance between lightweight and sturdy, the Summit GTX are ‘country life’ orientated brand Ariat’s attempt to topple more established walking boot brands from their perches. Making something durable and lightweight is a bit of an artform. A good lightweight boot will use premium materials and quality workmanship to achieve this goal and that usually comes with an associated cost - don’t scrimp on your boots if you intend to use them regularly. The best part about the KEEN.DRY membrane is that you won’t notice it until you need it. It’s so thin and breathable that you get the benefits of waterproofing without feeling like you’re wearing rubber rain boots or bulky snow boots.