Keen Men's Ridge Flex Waterproof Hiking Boot

Product Information

The Bellows.Flex technology that features on the Ridge Flex and its sibling, the Tempo Flex, came as a result of Keen’s desire to make a boot that enables the user to use less energy when walking. Keen figured that quite a lot of energy is used when your heel lifts and the front of the boot flexes, and that over a period of a few hours this energy adds up considerably. Making the boot flex more easily at the forefoot would save a lot of this energy, but how to do it? The membrane, combined with the leather in the uppers made the Ridge Flex Mid WPs feel quite warm, which was welcome on cool and cold days but less so on longer days when the temperature rose.

Keen Ridge Flex boots | LFTO - live for the outdoors First look: Keen Ridge Flex boots | LFTO - live for the outdoors

The brand says this arrangement cuts the amount of energy needed to bend the foot here by 60 per cent, enabling an easier feeling walk. The effort used in flexing a boot while walking is not something I would normally have considered, but having put a few miles in while wearing the Keen footwear, it does actually feel less effort, though that could just be a case of autosuggestion, of course. The forefoot is wide and felt quite roomy. Volume is average. This suited my feet, but they may be less suitable if you have a narrow forefoot. As with all footwear, it’s best to try for fit before you buy. Its innovative and unique (as far as I know) feature is the Keen Bellows Flex section at the base of the laced part of the boot, which is a rubberised area linking the forefoot with the ankle section of the boot, at the point where it flexes during walking. There’s also a narrow bellows strip at the base of the ankle cuff.

I had some experience with Keen boots in the past and knew of the quality of their other waterproof boots. In particular the Anchorage pattern and the non waterproof Targhee series. Knowing that the soles held up well and if anything, they tended to make the feet almost too warm for office or stationary work. This wasn’t going to be an issue with me knowing the new boots intended use and field conditions. Since I knew a fair amount about the brand it made part of the selection process easier. This comfortable boot is a great choice for hikers who desire an easy to use boot with no breaking in period, or for those who have wider feet and desire a wider fit. The innovative Keen.Bellows Flex makes it easier to flex this boot, making them something to consider for longer trail-based adventures. What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider? Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL There was some initial discomfort in the instep area when the laces were tightened. Slight loosening helped and eventually this discomfort disappeared. The Ridge Flex is a lightweight walking boot that uses a combination of leather and synthetic mesh in its uppers.

Keen Ridge Flex Boots: Full review - TGO Magazine

We even took the time to watch and document the lacing and tying support system of the Keen Ridge Flex. I am happy to report that none of the eyelets, hooks, straps or stitching have frayed or failed. Each time I lace these up for a hike or a day on my feet, I have complete confidence that my foot will stay securely where I intend it to be.After rigorous testing over winter 2022 and 2023, Peter Macfarlane recommends the unique approach of Keen. Find out why. Keen says the boots have ‘million flex goodness’, which I calculate equates to about 1,500km or 932 miles, which will get you from John O’Groats to Land’s End, with a bit to spare. The boots really do flex very easily with virtually no resistance. I’ve worn trail shoes that are stiffer. I find them easy to walk in and certainly more comparable in comfort to a flexible trail shoe than to most boots. I guess they do save some energy, like all flexible lightweight footwear, though how much I can’t say. Underfoot cushioning is good too, thanks to both a moulded EVA midsole and an insole with a generous helping of foam, particularly at the heel.