Keeping Your Feet Comfortable in Rugged Conditions

Any backpacker knows keeping your feet dry and happy when the trail is wet, muddy, or snowy can be a challenge. Choosing the right pair of hiking boots is a critical decision, especially when the trail is in rough shape. KEEN reached out to send me the brand new KEEN NXIS boots to take them on the trail and get my first impressions and is the sponsor of this video. Lucky for me, a winter storm dropped six inches of snow and made the trail conditions sloppy and muddy, the perfect testing grounds for the new waterproof boots.
Looking for a new pair of hiking boots? Check out KEEN Footwear for more: bit.ly/3up4LY2
My go-to backpacking equipment:
Wiley X Sunglasses: bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Tent:
Backpack: bit.ly/36S38dm
Sleeping Mattress:
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3JTea1h
Satellite Communicator: bit.ly/3HvEqMQ
Cook pot: bit.ly/3tdCZ23
Headlamp: bit.ly/3sYXKOS
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/3JGoOYU
Down Puffy Jacket (warm!): bit.ly/32Jn5Sb
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight):
Hiking Boots: bit.ly/3eSMmvy
Hiking Socks: bit.ly/3qLVyaI
Water Filter:
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3t2SrxF
Camp Pillow: bit.ly/34n4749
Folding Knife: bit.ly/3sXQNNH
Trekking Poles: bit.ly/3Hzq4LB
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it's a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Made with the support of Ontario Creates: ontariocreates.ca/

[@patricktopper8770]

That "silly rock thing" is a terrific tool in selecting the correct size, if not model, of hiking footwear. My child thinks it's a boring toy but what it's best used for is simulating the downhill section of a hike. You can go with the old rule of thumb and buy a shoe/boot 1.5-2.0 sizes larger so that your toes are not jammed into front on the downhills. This is not a big deal if you day hike once in a while but hikers lose toenails due to poor shoe selection on longer trails. That silly rock thing helped me hone in on the right trail runners and that the size 1.5 larger than any casual shoe I've ever purchased was the right fit. I have all my toenails and am thankful REI gives up some precious floor space for this helpful tool. Use it. Your feet will thank you.

[@BackpackingTV]

Glad to hear you’ve had success with that thing!

[@Mike_Blanda]

I have had a chance to wear this exact pair in Snow/wet conditions a couple times and during falling snow conditions. I have been pleasantly happy but that heel lock I noticed rubbing more than I want. Not sure what to make of it for me. I definitely love this boot outside of dry and hot conditions. Thanks for the video Eric

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

Love Keene footwear. The fit and wide toe box is great especially if you wear Injinji liners plus Darn Toughs.

[@BackpackingTV]

good to hear about the liners!

[@heidih2887]

What was the drying time of those waterproof boots vs. similar type/style that isn't waterproof? I've heard that waterproof boots can take significantly longer to dry, especially if water over-tops the footwear and soaks inside? I've worn a taller pair of Goretex lined leather boots for many years and they remain excellent.. feet don't sweat etc., but have very limited experience with waterproof fabric boots, especially shorter (mid or low hiker) boots. Always good to learn stuff! :D

[@michaelpenney3775]

I'd leave me to know an all, to be honest I'd think it would be best none waterproof

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey Heidi! Since no water got in over the top, there was no drying time at all. The water beaded off and they stayed perfectly dry. But yes, you are right if water gets in over the top, waterproof boots can be quite slow to dry versus more breathable footwear options. If you anticipate deeper water, I recommend lighter options, more breathable options, or you have to take your boots off altogether and ford a stream or water obstacle barefoot to keep your boots dry.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

I have always used waterproof or water resistant boots. Several other KZbin Backpacker's have suggested breathable shoes because they dry faster. Indeed, I've had wet" waterproof boots" that have still been wet in the morning. It is no picnic putting on wet boots in the morning in Colorado and Wyoming.

[@tamaracheeseman183]

We'll be in Sedona Easter week, and plan on day hikes. Given the weather at that time of year. Do you recommend waterproof or breathable? I have both, having bought a pair of breathable Merrell trail runners recently.

[@jhippl]

I’ve started hiking distance is sandals with no socks to let my feat breathe.

[@BackpackingTV]

Oh yeah? And you don't have trouble with blisters or exposed toes? I love hiking in sandals but not long distances.

[@jhippl]

@@BackpackingTV none and it makes water crossings easier. I like the Keen Newport H2

[@fleadoggreen9062]

No way, the pebbles and small rocks constantly getting in there ,I need a sock n shoe

[@wasbeer77]

Living in New Zealand I really only wear membrane boots when it snows or when I am sure there's no river crossings. GTX or any other membrane footwear is a nightmare to dry once you get ingress of water and they become heavy with the water they keep in. Quick drying boots like jungle or desert boots have proven to be more useful here. Breathe better and keep your feet more airy. Take 'm off when wet in the evening, next morning they'll be pretty much dry again.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

So who makes these boots you have ? Thanks

[@wasbeer77]

@@fleadoggreen9062 There's the Lowa Desert Elite, or the Meindl jungle Masai, Meindl Desert Fox, or if you're after a real lightweight option, almost sneaker light, Danner Tachyon or Fullbore. Oh, and Salomon Forces jungle boots.

[@johnbravo2686]

Do you still recommend waterproof shoes if you're hiking in really muddy trail but in a hot and humid area?

[@higler.]

Nice to see Keen offering some synthetic/vegan boots

[@enestukenmez]

Hello there. What is the heel height of the shoe?

[@okthen22ok]

not to ''keen'' on having the branding on the shoe like keen does! looks stupid!