Keen

[razorsharptokill]

Bought a pair of Keen Ketchums. Tried them out today with about 40 lbs in my T1 for about 3.5 miles. Felt great! We'll see how they hold up this summer training for Colorado. They may replace my Asolos as my primary Elk boot.

 

[Tim M]

I tried a pair of Keen Oregon PCT's last year and have worn Keens for several years. They are comfortable, but the only problem I have with them is they wear out really quickly; on the order of the pct's were destroyed in just under 300 miles total and when I called to speak to Keen about them they told me that their boots were not designed to hold up while hauling heavy loads, I asked what a heavy load is and was told anything over 45 lbs.
The Ketchums I have are still going but have never been worn on the mountain.

 

[colonel00]

I have a pair of Keen Targhee II's that I like to wear a lot. I don't know if they would be that great with a lot of weight in a pack though. But, for day hiking and lightweight scouting or other activities they work well. It sounds silly but I love the large foot box and the fact that when they are unlaced, I can step right into them with no effort.

 

[razorsharptokill]

That was my concern also... longevity. Hard to find a balance of comfort and durability.

 

[jb79]

I have been wearing the ketchums for about a year now, bought them for early bow season here in Oregon. The worked really well and have held up relative well they are now full time work boots where I avg about 8 miles a day and have held up well for that also. My only compliant is they are heavy and when they get wet they seem to get water logged and heavier, never leaked just heavier. I am now on the search like many others for the perfect boot! Looking at salomon and lathrop and sons.

 

[ethan]

Hey Razorsharp, I bought a pair of the Targhee's and had the exact same thoughts as you. I mean I loved these boots, but after about 6 months they came apart. I do a lot of hiking but I also take care of my gear. They were dried out whenever they go wet, I treated them with snow seal several times, they just didn't last hardly any time. I was hoping mine were just a lemon and not the "norm" but I have talked to several other people that have had the same experience. But dang, they sure were comfortable!

 

[Thomas Hermann]

The Targhee's are one of the most comfortable boots I have worn, but like everyone they fell apart fast! I have Salomons now and really like them so far, but only have a few miles on them.

 

[chinagreen]

I too have the Keen Oregon pct's. Gone through 2 pairs in under 3 years. That is why I have been in the market for new hiking boots. I do have to say on Keen's behalf, they are always comfortable, and I have yet to get a blister. Just wish I could get better mileage out of 'em.

 

[Travis1984]

I will never own another pair for hiking.

I had a pair wear out within 60 miles, replaced them under warranty before my hunt. Got a different pair since they didn't stock the ones I had.

Waterproofing failed on first rainstorm.

Took me months and months to get them to give me a credit.

I think they were hoping I'd just give up.

 

[Kotaman]

I always assumed Keen's were "fashion" boots. This thread confirms my suspiscions...