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KEEN Durand II Mid WP
Where to Buy
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Our Conclusion
Whether you are new to hiking or an experienced hiker, one thing will always remain the same and that is that you need a great pair of hiking boots to complete the hike.
I've purchased boots in previous years that haven't fit properly or haven't offered the technologies that enhanced my hike, purely because I didn't do my research. Well no more; nowadays I research boots non-stop to ensure that all the footwear I buy is spot on for me.
Let me talk to you briefly about KEEN. A relatively new brand to the hiking market, KEEN first graced the market in 2003 and has since become a major player in its field. Pioneering protective, environmentally friendly, quality footwear, this brand cares not only about its customers but about the world we venture into when we go hiking. They offer quality footwear, with style and variety at reasonable prices.
The KEEN Durand II Mid WP hiking boot is a good boot for adventures. Its features beg to be tested on tough terrain offering a waterproof, breathable membrane, a contoured heel lock, natural odor control, and a non-marking rubber outsole
While having some badass technologies and features, there have been a few cases of questions around the construction of the boot and its durability has come under fire.
I've purchased boots in previous years that haven't fit properly or haven't offered the technologies that enhanced my hike, purely because I didn't do my research. Well no more; nowadays I research boots non-stop to ensure that all the footwear I buy is spot on for me.
Let me talk to you briefly about KEEN. A relatively new brand to the hiking market, KEEN first graced the market in 2003 and has since become a major player in its field. Pioneering protective, environmentally friendly, quality footwear, this brand cares not only about its customers but about the world we venture into when we go hiking. They offer quality footwear, with style and variety at reasonable prices.
The KEEN Durand II Mid WP hiking boot is a good boot for adventures. Its features beg to be tested on tough terrain offering a waterproof, breathable membrane, a contoured heel lock, natural odor control, and a non-marking rubber outsole
While having some badass technologies and features, there have been a few cases of questions around the construction of the boot and its durability has come under fire.
Where to Buy
See Deal
Pros & Cons
Pros
Lightweight
Grippy outsole
KEEN.Dry waterproof membrane
Dual-density EVA footbeds
Contoured heel lock
Natural odor control
Cons
Questionable boot construction
Confining forefoot space
Key Features
Key Features
Technologies
Non-Marking Rubber Outsole
The outsole of your hiking boot is an important feature as it defines the whole boot. The KEEN Durand II has a dual-compound non-marking rubber outsole with 4mm multidirectional lugs for increased traction.
Blessed with a propriety feature, the KEEN.Protect, it help with protecting the toes against sharp objects and loose terrain. This is a great little bumper for the toes.
PU Midsole
The designers of the Durand II were sure to keep comfort at the forefront of their minds when they made these boots.
The direct-attach polyurethane midsole provides long-lasting comfort and resists constant compression, meaning you will continue to feel that comfort use after use.
Nubuck Leather Uppers
Nubuck leather is a great material for uppers on hiking boots. It's durable, soft, comfortable, and flexible, allowing your feet to move with ease but also being nice and strong against wear and tear.
Paired with the brand KEEN.Dry technology, it creates a waterproof barrier but also offering a decent amount of ventilation.
Lace-up Closure
The lace closure of the Durand II allows you to make this boot feel more like a personalized fit rather than your usual laces.
It also works well with the heel closure as it stops any slippage and is a quick system for that 'lace-up and go'.
Thermoplastic Urethane Stability Shank
This supportive structure between the insole and the outsole provides more support and stiffens the outsole for further stability.
The shank of this boot is made from thermoplastic urethane, a compound that is durable, tough, and lightweight - perfect for a hiking boot.
Contoured Heel Lock
Another benefit of the Durand II is the contoured heel lock made to fit your foot. This is particularly helpful for stability and security, allowing you the freedom to move but keeping your heel nicely in place rather than jumping around in your boot and later leading to blisters.
Design
The KEEN Durand II is a stylish and robust-looking boot. The nubuck leather uppers offer a soft finish to the boot construction, but leave you with the knowledge of how well leather wears and the longevity that it has.
The aesthetics of the Durand II is extremely appealing and the bonus of them being comfortable is another tick for these boots. The padded collar gives, yet again, more comfort and cushioning for the ankle, mixed with the featherweight feel is a recipe for wonderful hiking footwear.
The rubber outsole is nice and thick, offering a good amount of protection to the underneath of the foot and the sides as well.
This boot is an over ankle design, perfect for going up mountains where you will encounter loose terrain or jagged rocks. It offers more protection and stability.
It's robust, exactly what you need when setting out on a good hike.
Price
Let's not spend too long on this section, the Durand II is expensive, but it is a boot with many technologies that will enhance your performance and provide you with comfort and stability.
The different materials used in the design of the Durand II - leather, mesh lining, polyurethane - are specifically for hiking, enabling you to have the best experience possible and for enjoyment when wearing these boots.
Don't expect to buy a pair of quality hiking boots for a cheap price, you will find they aren't of great caliber.
Non-Marking Rubber Outsole
The outsole of your hiking boot is an important feature as it defines the whole boot. The KEEN Durand II has a dual-compound non-marking rubber outsole with 4mm multidirectional lugs for increased traction.
Blessed with a propriety feature, the KEEN.Protect, it help with protecting the toes against sharp objects and loose terrain. This is a great little bumper for the toes.
PU Midsole
The designers of the Durand II were sure to keep comfort at the forefront of their minds when they made these boots.
The direct-attach polyurethane midsole provides long-lasting comfort and resists constant compression, meaning you will continue to feel that comfort use after use.
Nubuck Leather Uppers
Nubuck leather is a great material for uppers on hiking boots. It's durable, soft, comfortable, and flexible, allowing your feet to move with ease but also being nice and strong against wear and tear.
Paired with the brand KEEN.Dry technology, it creates a waterproof barrier but also offering a decent amount of ventilation.
Lace-up Closure
The lace closure of the Durand II allows you to make this boot feel more like a personalized fit rather than your usual laces.
It also works well with the heel closure as it stops any slippage and is a quick system for that 'lace-up and go'.
Thermoplastic Urethane Stability Shank
This supportive structure between the insole and the outsole provides more support and stiffens the outsole for further stability.
The shank of this boot is made from thermoplastic urethane, a compound that is durable, tough, and lightweight - perfect for a hiking boot.
Contoured Heel Lock
Another benefit of the Durand II is the contoured heel lock made to fit your foot. This is particularly helpful for stability and security, allowing you the freedom to move but keeping your heel nicely in place rather than jumping around in your boot and later leading to blisters.
Design
The KEEN Durand II is a stylish and robust-looking boot. The nubuck leather uppers offer a soft finish to the boot construction, but leave you with the knowledge of how well leather wears and the longevity that it has.
The aesthetics of the Durand II is extremely appealing and the bonus of them being comfortable is another tick for these boots. The padded collar gives, yet again, more comfort and cushioning for the ankle, mixed with the featherweight feel is a recipe for wonderful hiking footwear.
The rubber outsole is nice and thick, offering a good amount of protection to the underneath of the foot and the sides as well.
This boot is an over ankle design, perfect for going up mountains where you will encounter loose terrain or jagged rocks. It offers more protection and stability.
It's robust, exactly what you need when setting out on a good hike.
Price
Let's not spend too long on this section, the Durand II is expensive, but it is a boot with many technologies that will enhance your performance and provide you with comfort and stability.
The different materials used in the design of the Durand II - leather, mesh lining, polyurethane - are specifically for hiking, enabling you to have the best experience possible and for enjoyment when wearing these boots.
Don't expect to buy a pair of quality hiking boots for a cheap price, you will find they aren't of great caliber.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Shoes
Merrell Zion Mid Waterproof - Designed on a trail-running platform but with all the perks of a hiking boot, the Merrell Zion is another great option. Features such as the M Select DRY impermeable membrane, compression-molded EVA midsole, and FlexPlate technology put these boots into a high-performance category hiking boot. Reasonably priced and a nice-looking boot, they are worth a look at.
Columbia Redmond III Waterproof Boot - Another lightweight contender to throw into the mix is the Redmond III. Packed with ample technologies such as the Omni-Tech Waterproof membrane, Techlite EVA midsole, Omni-Grip rubber outsole, and at a great price, these lovely hiking boots are another one to take a peek at.
Columbia Redmond III Waterproof Boot - Another lightweight contender to throw into the mix is the Redmond III. Packed with ample technologies such as the Omni-Tech Waterproof membrane, Techlite EVA midsole, Omni-Grip rubber outsole, and at a great price, these lovely hiking boots are another one to take a peek at.
Verdict
Here we are at the finish line and the question is are these boots worthy of a purchase, well in my opinion I would pick a pair up. Robust, cushioned, waterproof, and stylish, they tick the boxes for me.
The deep outsole with multidirectional lugs is a great selling point, as are the boots' overall aesthetics.
There have been questions around the boots' durable construction, however, given the materials used, they are normally extremely good and strong materials.
The deep outsole with multidirectional lugs is a great selling point, as are the boots' overall aesthetics.
There have been questions around the boots' durable construction, however, given the materials used, they are normally extremely good and strong materials.
Where to Buy
See Deal
Where to buy
Best offer on: Dec. 15. 2024
